Laurie A. Watkins, Founder & President of Sunshine L.A.W. Consulting, a full-strength organization with equal strengths in policy and politics, in advocacy and access, and connections and communications. Laurie is also an accomplished speaker, best-selling author of the award-winning books; Go from Stressed to Strong: Health & Fitness Advice from High Achievers, and The Musical Imprint, and a human rights champion, and women’s rights advocate.

For two decades, Laurie has developed strategies to bring people together around common causes. Laurie is a veteran of several presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial campaigns, is an active partner of the Truman National Security Project, CARE Chef’s Table, and mentor and coach to the Brooke Owens Fellows. She is a social impact leader and recognized expert in public policy, national security, foreign affairs, and expanding education and opportunities for young women and girls.

Laurie is a past guest lecturer at the United States Military Academy at West Point, holds a BS from Florida State University, and an MPA from Florida Atlantic University. She has also earned executive certificates from Georgetown University in Government Digital Transformation and from the University of San Francisco in Public Leadership and Legislative Strategy. Laurie is a political and foreign affairs contributor on MSNBC, Sky News Arabia, Alhurra TV, AlGhadTV, Asharq TV, and FOX News. Laurie currently thrives in Washington, DC with her rescue dog Whiskey Bravo.