Voices of Influence: Laura Vinsant

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career—and how did you learn it?

The most important leadership lesson I’ve learned is that there’s always a third way. Creating meaningful change requires us to move beyond either/or thinking. Through my work at Teach For America and in Teach For All’s global systems change fellowship, I’ve learned from changemakers who consistently believe in the potential of all students and seek new paths forward in uncertain times.

When faced with tough decisions, I’ve learned to pause and look for solutions that honor multiple needs. It’s with those imaginative approaches that meaningful impact comes to life.

How do you stay focused and motivated when things get difficult?

In times of challenge, I ground myself in the brilliance of my former students and the students throughout Louisiana who are not yet receiving the education they deserve. I think about the power of education to transform lives and entire communities. My work with Teach For America Greater Baton Rouge constantly reminds me of the urgent need to improve educational outcomes—and that clarity fuels me to push through any roadblocks. Knowing what’s at stake keeps me focused and motivated.

What’s your personal definition of success—and has it changed over time?

To me, success means continuously working to improve the world around you—whether in big or small ways. None of us can change the world alone, but by locking arms with others, we can make meaningful strides that contribute to a greater good.

What’s a piece of advice you once received that you always come back to?

That grounding in hope—while staying clear-eyed about challenges—will always win the day. And ultimately, that we all want to see children thrive, even if we hold different beliefs about how to get there.This advice reminds me to stay focused on the students we serve, to seek common ground, and to stay curious about others’ perspectives. It’s a powerful compass in moments of complexity or disagreement.

What’s your go-to way to recharge after a long week?

Volunteering with Junior League or Leadership Baton Rouge, spending time with friends at one of our many wonderful festivals in Baton Rouge, cooking with my husband, and enjoying a good game of backyard fetch with our dogs, Barney and Leo.

If you could have dinner with any woman living or from history, who would it be and what would you ask her?

There are many incredible women whose stories that I would love to learn from. Above all, I would choose to spend dinner with my paternal grandmother, Pat Vinsant. She passed five years ago and every day I have more questions I’d like to ask her and a growing list of items for us to discuss. I can imagine us sitting down at her kitchen table and laughing for hours over her pork chops and spaghetti (my favorite comfort dish of hers).

What song instantly puts you in a good mood or makes you feel powerful?

Singing and dancing to “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers calms me and refocuses me when needed. Hearing “Eye of the Tiger” on full blast sets me up to take on any challenge.