Growing up, Laura Tate witnessed firsthand how lack and scarcity could ravage both families and communities. Yet, alongside the hardship, she saw an unshakable resilience—an unwavering determination to make the best of limited resources. It was that resilience that ignited Laura’s desire to serve. From an early age, she felt called to stand alongside disenfranchised and resource-deprived communities, not just as an advocate, but as a student—learning, growing, and partnering to build social capital and support holistic wellness. Laura’s journey of service began in healthcare, where she worked as a sales representative for diabetes and metastatic cancer medications. In that role, she connected doctors and patients with life-saving treatments. But over time, Laura recognized a deeper longing: to help people before they became patients. She became increasingly passionate about the root causes of poor health—particularly how a lack of basic needs can deeply impact physical, mental, emotional, and even financial wellbeing. This realization led her to pursue formal education in public health, not only to expand her knowledge, but to become better equipped to serve in meaningful, transformative ways. Guided by the belief that “when everyone is taking care of others, everyone is taken care of,” Laura draws inspiration from Philippians 2:4: “[to not look] to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” It’s this spirit of mutual care and selfless service that Laura recognized from her very first day volunteering at Grace Klein. She felt at home among a community that embodied the kind of servant-hearted leadership she aspired to. Now, Laura is beyond thrilled to officially join the Grace Klein team and serve the Greater Birmingham area. With her background in healthcare, her studies in public health, and her heart for community-driven impact, she is eager to love, support, and grow with the city and its people. For Laura, this work is more than a job—it is a calling, and she is grateful to share in it.
