Armed with a Masters in Aerospace Engineering and an MBA, Laura Iyer has bridged technological innovation and community her whole life. Working as a jet engine design engineer at GE Aircraft Engines gave her a strong process foundation and a think out of the box mentality which has stayed with her throughout her career and seeps into all she does. In 2007, Laura and her husband established a thriving business in Athens, marking significant growth in operations and revenue throughout the years.
However, her roots lie deeply in environmental advocacy. For 20 years, from founding the “Green Sanctuary” in her Milwaukee faith community, serving on Houston’s Recycling Board, to becoming a Master Naturalist in St. Petersburg, Florida, she has been a staunch environmental advocate.
In Athens, she actively engaged with the Upper Oconee Water Network (UOWN), promoting water conservation and health. She continues to work with the Boy Scouts as a Sustainability Merit Badge Counselor teaching workshops and mentoring scouts as they explore environmental stewardship.
With the “Citizens Climate Education/Lobby” (CCE/CCL), she saw the need for policy advocacy. Co-leading Athens’ CCE/CCL Chapter, she is at the forefront of climate education and championing sustainable policies. She also became certified as an En-ROADS Climate Ambassador hosting workshops utilizing the Climate Interactive, MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative Global Climate simulator which explores solutions to reduce climate pollution.
Drawing from this journey, seizing the fertile times to make a difference towards a cleaner future, and a desire to work in the community where she works, lives and loves, Laura founded the Southern Sustainability Institute. Let’s envision a greener future together.
