Meet our Fellows: Laura Burns

Laura recently graduated from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver with a Master’s degree in International Development and an emphasis in environmental, sustainable development in Latin America. Prior to joining Grameen Foundation, Laura worked with smallholder farmers in Ecuador and Belize. In Ecuador, she joined a fair trade organic tea company working with indigenous populations to develop sustainable agriculture and help them sell their culturally important drink. In Belize, Laura worked with indigenous farmers to help develop a women’s cooperative and enterprise. She is looking forward to joining Grameen Foundation’s Latin American team in Colombia and to be swapping Colorado’s mountainous peaks for the mountains ringing Medellín.

Laura will be working on Latin America’s Community Knowledge Worker initiative, a program that provides agricultural extension services using mobile technology. Laura is excited to develop and package materials for a franchise model and for third party implementation.