With over 15 years of experience managing large grant portfolios, Lara has a proven track record of securing funding for critical programs.

She previously led the AmeriCorps grant program for the Confluence Environmental Center (2011-18) raising over $2M in federal funds and local match. She then led the grant program for the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership (2018-19) securing $3M in education and technical funding. Lara served as Interim Chapter Director for both the Oregon Sierra Club (2019-20) and Ecology in the Classroom and Outdoors (2022-23), filling leadership gaps and developing strategic plans during executive transition. To date, Lara has raised over $15M in grant funding for nearly a dozen clients.

Lara's love of nature and commitment to youth and community empowerment led her to launch Grants PDX. She leverages her expertise to uplift oppressed groups and disrupt the status quo through strategic grant writing. Lara graduated from Wheelock College with a B.S. in Human Development and has earned certifications from various social justice and professional organizations.

Originally from Boston, Lara now calls Portland, Oregon home. When not writing grants and consulting clients, she enjoys cooking, music, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and spending time with friends and her beloved Australian Shepherd, Daisy Mae. With undeniable passion for social justice, Lara is dedicated to advancing equity through her work.