Speakers, Presenters & Moderators

LAURA FERGUSON MIMMS,

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dD Executive Director, Tennessee Higher Education Initiative

Committed to finding and remaining focused on her “True North” Dr. Laura Ferguson Mimms has consistently led organizations that align with her personal mission and philosophy patterned after one of her “sheroes” Harriet Tubman, when you become free, you have an obligation to free others. As a first-generation college graduate, Laura understands the transformative and liberative power education holds, not only for the individual who embarks upon the knowledge journey but also for all people attached to that individual. In sum, the effect of educational attainment is exponentially positive for generations to come…this is the work Laura lives in and lives for.

Laura currently serves as executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI), a Tennessee-based non-profit committed to disrupting systems of harm, creating opportunities for autonomy through education, and advocating with and for justice-impacted individuals. THEI coordinates associat’s and bachelor’s degree programs in Tennessee prisons, provides pre- and post-release re-entry support, and actively advocates with and for justice-involved individuals on the local, state, and national levels.

Prior to joining THEI, Laura led Strategy & Impact at The Family Center, focused on breaking cycles of multi-generation abuse and trauma, and served in leadership roles at The University of Texas at Austin, The National Center on Time and Learning, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and charter school organizations.

Laura is a proud HBCU graduate, having completed her B.A. in English and African American Literature from Fisk University. She completed an American Montessori Society certification and M.S. in Education coursework, M.A. in English, and Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Baylor University & AIU. Additionally, this Nashville native is actively engaged in her community serving in the Parthenon (TN) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

She is peacock proud to be the wife of Bernard Henry Mimms, mother of Brent, Alexander, and Katherine, and bonus mom to Ashley and Brittany.