Laura Elena Segura, Executive Director of Monarch Services, passed away on June 9th after a heroic battle with cancer.
Laura was born in La Angostura, Michoacán, Mexico, and as a child moved to Watsonville with her parents and 5 siblings. She attended Cabrillo College and then graduated from San José State as a first-generation student. She later attended Harvard’s Executive Education program. During her career, she has worked for local government and the non-profit sector and has served on numerous boards and commissions. Over the last 15 years, Laura dedicated her career to Monarch Services, a local nonprofit whose mission is: Lives free from violence and abuse. She was a two-time Fellow with the Women’s Policy Institute and helped pass legislation to protect survivors of violence.
Laura was an amazing leader, mentor, and friend to many. She opened doors to other Latinas to show them the way and encourage their professional growth while linking them to other leaders of color. She was a fierce chingona in all she did and never backed down from what was right for our community.
Our hearts and prayers are with her daughters, family, Monarch Services & the Watsonville community. Laura leaves a legacy of being a Social Justice Warrior, Chicana Leader, Advocate, Community Hero, and Athlete y La Mera Mera Chingona. May we uplift Laura’s memory and legacy as we remember life is precious and can be cut short too early.
To donate to the Laura Segura Scholarship Fund to support local justice-involved young people, learn more here.
For more information about Monarch Services, visit their website.
To hear about Laura’s work, in her own words, please listen to her podcast recording with HealthCare UnTold.
0 Comments