Laura Lockner
Laura Lockner (She/Her) is a passionate leader, Emmy Award-winning producer, and recognized innovator in both nonprofit and commercial production. Honored as part of the Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40 and Women Who Mean Business (2024), Laura brings a unique blend of creative vision, operational expertise, and strategic leadership to every project she undertakes. With a BFA in Theatre and extensive experience in production and stage management, she has spent her career orchestrating complex events that leave lasting impact on audiences and communities alike.
For over a decade, Laura dedicated her talents to pediatric cancer philanthropy in Central Florida, producing large-scale charity galas and immersive events that combined storytelling with purpose. In 2025, she won an Emmy for a video she produced, an achievement that inspired her to expand her work beyond the nonprofit sector. Embracing a new chapter, she transitioned from the nonprofit world (“.org”) to the commercial arena (“.com”), and now produces VIP experiences for the Sphere in Las Vegas. While the shift may seem dramatic, it is deeply connected to her production and stage management roots, reflecting the same principles of precision, timing, and human connection that guided her earlier work.
Laura’s career is grounded in gratitude, humility, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences. Even while spending more time in Las Vegas, she maintains strong ties to Central Florida and continues to draw inspiration from the communities she has served. Across nonprofit and commercial projects, Laura excels at building teams, designing systems, and delivering unforgettable experiences, always guided by a backstage-to-boardroom perspective that underscores the unseen preparation, trust, and dedication required to make extraordinary moments possible.
• Empowering Good Badge
• Certificate in Leadership Practice
• University of Central Florida - BFA
• Emmy Award (2025) for video production
• Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40
• Women Who Mean Business
• Cannonball Kids Cancer
• Pediatric Cancer Advocacy
What do you attribute your success to?
I feel like I have always been very driven, very Type A. I sort of attribute my drive to being a Virgo - I think it's just inherent. I have really high expectations for myself and those around me, and that has always been true. It's sort of like, if you want someone less, then go find less, but I'm not her. I don't think I realized until the last maybe five years how important my environment is for my regulation. I've always been the girl that no one worries about, which I think comes from being so driven and having such high expectations.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
When I think about what I would say to my younger self, the first thing that comes to mind is: your voice matters. People do care what you have to say. Stay curious and ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions. I can't tell you how many times I've had a man look at me and say, 'are you taking notes?' But your voice matters, and it's important to remember that.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Gratitude is something that's very grounding for me. I sort of wake up and I'm like, oh my gosh, this is my life now, and I find myself feeling very grateful. I also think about the difference between purposeful leadership and proximity leadership. So many people care about their proximity to other people, to power, to authority, and don't really understand the purpose of leading a team or leading themselves. That's something I'm actually writing a book about called 'Lock In Purpose.' I don't think I realized until the last maybe five years how important my environment is for my regulation.