Emerging Philanthropist Spotlight: Laura Toporowski
Published on January 22, 2020 in Philanthropic Groups
What was your first job?
My first real job was for National Fuel Gas Company in Buffalo, New York. It was an amazing opportunity to get hands-on engineering and project management experience in the rapidly changing natural gas world. National Fuel also exposed me to two incredible managers who have shaped the way I look at work to this day. Their passion for serving people while empowering their employees created the ideal environment for every employee to learn and contribute.
What was your most memorable volunteering experience?
Some of my most memorable volunteering experiences have been building homes for Habitat for Humanity. My grandparents are passionate about this organization, which allowed my cousins and me to help with minor projects at a young age. You find a real joy knowing that the work you are doing will one day provide a deserving family with a home. Plus, I would have never learned how to roof a home without volunteering here.
What is your favorite pastime/hobby?
My favorite pastime is going for a run. When the weather is nice, you cannot beat getting outside and hitting the pavement for a few miles.
What is your favorite quote or mantra you live by?
Passed down to me from my husband and his father is Zig Zigler’s quote: “You can get everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” While the original context of this was sales, imagine a world where we put other’s needs above our own.