Laura Palacios

As a Senior Director of Indy Summer Learning Labs, Laura Palacios oversees the vision setting, strategic planning, and execution for the future of Indy Summer Learning Labs, a five-week high-quality summer academic and enrichment program for Marion County 1st through 9th graders. Her responsibilities include cultivating and managing relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, working collaboratively with out-of-school time providers, and reinforcing high-quality practices. She will also lead the hiring and leadership efforts, recruiting over 100 effective teachers and staff for the initiative’s launch and continued programming.

Laura brings over five years of dedicated experience in education-related work, positioning her as a seasoned leader ready to drive transformative change. With a proven track record of 3+ years in project management and leadership within the education, nonprofit, and social entrepreneur sectors, she is committed to The Mind Trust’s mission of ensuring every student in Indianapolis has access to a high-quality education.

In her previous roles, she consistently delivered outstanding results as an individual contributor and a leader, showcasing her ability to navigate dynamic environments with a strong sense of personal ownership, urgency, and accuracy. Her collaborative approach has allowed her to build strong relationships with diverse partners, from district leaders to parents and community organizations.

Laura earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Houston.