Laura Downey Hill

With a wealth of leadership experience, author Laura Downey Hill is recipient of numerous business and philanthropic awards in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She served for 14 years in local elected office, including serving as the first female mayor of Southlake, Texas. Laura is an accomplished businesswoman working for 14 years in the hospitality industry and 25 years in her family business.

Laura's passion for mentoring youth motivated her to become the founder and co-founder of several youth-focused organizations. S.P.A.R.K., Students and Parents Against Risks to Kids, S.A.S.O., Scholars and Athletes Serving Others and S.K.I.L., Southlake Kids Interested in Leadership. All of these vibrant organizations have the same goal of empowering our young people to take a seat at the table and be part of meaningful change.

As a leadership speaker and writer Laura shares the importance of women as colleagues, mentors and true friends. We as women must not pull the ladder up when we reach the top, we must look for ways to bring other women along with us.

Laura is married and has three grown children. With a philanthropic heart she founded Art for Education through her family business which has donated over $1.5 million dollars to rural schools. She has served on national and regional boards for over three decades. She currently serves as a mentor for The University of Texas at Austin, LBJ Campaign School.