San Ramon Valley

Laura Bratt sees leadership as an opportunity to lift others up, empowering folks to raise their voices by creating a safe space for authentic expression and by using her voice to amplify theirs. She strives to bring empathy and non-judgment into every situation she steps into and hopes that her impact lives in the love others find within themselves. 

A self-professed lifelong learner and team player, Laura thrives on digging into research and absorbing other’s perspectives. With a love for brainstorming, idea generation, and problem solving, a proven ability to lead effective collaboration, and a desire to move the needle and get things done, Laura leverages thoughtful strategy to ensure that concerns are discussed, questions are heard and answered, and everyone walks away feeling united rather than divided.

Growing up in a multiracial family, Laura has seen first hand the impact racism and implicit bias has had on those she loves. She learned early that speaking up and out for the marginalized could impact an individual’s understanding of themselves and those around them. As a wise friend once said, “When you know better, you do better.” Laura strives to help herself and others “do better” by building the tools needed to “know better” so everyone can discover the joy in celebrating diversity, the gift of respectful inclusion, the power in authentic belonging, and the value of supportive equity. 

Laura’s career in marketing, communications, and graphic design began while working in her parent’s print shop. After getting her Bachelor's Degree in Art from the University of Wisconsin in Madison (Go Badgers!), she worked in a design studio in Chicago. Later moving to California, Laura started her own business, DesignAura, where her clients have included performing arts organizations, non-profits, health and wellness, and education institutions. She taught at San Francisco’s Academy of Art and currently works at UC Berkeley’s Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life in marketing and communications.

A Trustee for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Laura has been volunteering and serving leadership roles in public schools for the last 15 years including multiple elementary and middle school site councils, on SRVUSD’s LCAP Stakeholder Committee, as a Mandarin immersion elementary program Foundation President in Capistrano USD, on preschool and elementary PTA Boards, and as a classroom volunteer. Laura currently serves on the TRAFFIX Board and as a San Ramon City Council/SRVUSD Liaison. She is a Board liaison for SRVUSD’s Culture and Climate, Special Education Community Advisory, Technology, and Equity Steering Committees.

Laura and her husband, Shawn, are raising four insightful, independent-minded teenagers in the Dougherty Valley after moving them from Martinez, to Grenoble, France, to Delaware, to SoCal and back to the Bay Area, grateful to have put down roots in the San Ramon Valley, near family and friends, and within SRVUSD.