Blog
Celebrating Laura Gordon: A Finalist for the 2024 Heroines of Washington Awards
Sep 18, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Laura Gordon, Director of Operations & Finance, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Heroines of Washington Awards, hosted by the March of Dimes. This esteemed event, one of the most celebrated in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, recognizes women for their extraordinary dedication to volunteerism and community service.
Laura’s recognition as a finalist is a testament to her 24 years of tireless work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). In addition to her critical role within our organization, Laura has devoted over two decades to leading fundraising efforts and supporting individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis. Her commitment goes far beyond her professional responsibilities and has made a profound impact on countless lives.
A Lifelong Dedication to Cystic Fibrosis Advocacy
Laura's journey with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation began in 2000, when her son, Austin, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after his birth. Faced with the reality of her son’s diagnosis, Laura made a promise that would shape the next two decades of her life: she vowed to fight alongside Austin and do everything possible to improve the lives of people living with this life-threatening disease.
Her passion for the cause led Laura to chair the Annapolis Great Strides Walk, becoming a top-5 national Great Strides event for CFF, bringing together almost a thousand walkers each year. For 23 years, Laura has been at the helm of this walk, which has raised over $7 million to fund critical research, advocacy work and care centers. Her personal fundraising team, Team Feets, has been a driving force behind this success, raising over $1.3 million.
Leadership on a National Stage
Beyond her local involvement, Laura plays an instrumental role in advancing the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's national efforts. She currently serves on the Maryland Chapter’s Executive Committee and has been a Board Member for more than 15 years. Her leadership extends to the national stage, where she helped develop the Foundation’s five-year strategic plan, has been a member of the National Leadership Council for the past decade and was a past co-chair of the annual National Volunteer Leadership Conference, an event attended by over 800 participants from across the country.
Laura’s advocacy work is equally noteworthy. As a regular participant in the Foundation’s annual March on the Hill, Laura meets with members of Congress and their staff, to champion legislative action on behalf of the cystic fibrosis community.
One of the contributions Laura is most proud of is her continued role as a Mission Moment speaker for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Through her heartfelt speeches, both at local and national events, Laura has inspired countless others to join the fight for a cure and increase the bottom line of fundraising events. In the past four years alone, the Foundation has been able to fund over $1 billion in research and development — a milestone to which Laura is proud to have contributed.
But her impact goes beyond dollars raised. Laura is a consistent voice at events where her speeches aim to unite the cystic fibrosis community and strengthen the bonds that bring people together around a shared dream of finding a cure in the near future. Just recently, another CF mom, who attended the 2019 National Volunteer Leadership Conference, relayed that Laura’s passionate Mission Moment speech from that Conference changed her life by giving her the strength to share her story and remind her that she is part of a strong and committed community that is focused on a cure for all people with cystic fibrosis.
A Commitment to Making a Difference
Laura’s dedication to serving extends beyond her volunteer work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She also serves as a sponsor to U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen, “adopting” and offering them mentorship, guidance and a home away from home during their time at the Academy. For Laura, this is a deeply personal commitment — she attended the Naval Academy herself and understands firsthand the importance of having a local support system while navigating academic, physical and emotional challenges of life at the academy.
Honoring Laura’s Impact
Laura’s recognition as a finalist for the 2024 Heroines of Washington Awards is a fitting tribute to her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Since 2001, the March of Dimes has honored 168 “heroines” and raised over $4.9 million to support its mission of fighting for the health of all moms and babies. Laura now joins the ranks of these inspiring women, whose volunteer efforts have left a lasting legacy on their communities.
The Heroines of Washington Awards will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner, Va. Laura will be honored alongside other exceptional women from the D.C. Metro region in categories such as Healthcare, Professional Services, Public Sector, Technology and more.
We are incredibly proud of Laura’s achievements both within our organization and in her volunteer work. Her leadership, compassion and dedication have not only advanced the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation but have also made a lasting impact on all who know her.
A Personal Milsetone
We invite you to join us in celebrating Laura’s recognition as a finalist for the Heroines of Washington Awards. Her tireless advocacy and commitment to creating a better future for those with cystic fibrosis are an inspiration to us all.
To learn more about this year’s event and to see the full list of 2024 finalists, visit marchofdimes.org.
Congratulations, Laura — we are so proud of you!
