Laura Menendez
Laura Menendez is the Director of Strategic Accounts and Partnerships at a concierge behavioral health and aging care firm, where she has served for five years, including a year collaborating with a colleague at a physician and psychiatrist training institute. In her role, she oversees marketing and business development teams, developing high-level strategies and partnerships to serve high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients navigating mental health and aging care challenges. Laura travels extensively across the United States, visiting treatment and wellness programs, and curates a comprehensive directory of external resources to ensure families receive personalized, concierge-level support.
Laura began her professional journey in the beauty industry, but personal experiences with mental health and observing family members navigate care inspired her transition into behavioral health. She initially worked in client-facing and admissions roles at eating disorder treatment centers in Boston before moving into marketing and business development. Over time, she designed programs to help clients and families navigate complex care systems with empathy, sensitivity, and effectiveness. Her work bridges the gap between clinical expertise and family advocacy, ensuring care decisions are thoughtful, collaborative, and well-informed.
Known for her authentic leadership style, Laura emphasizes empathy, mentorship, and relationship-building in her work. She collaborates closely with clinicians, physicians, psychiatrists, wealth advisors, and attorneys to deliver holistic solutions tailored to individual client needs. Passionate about mental health accessibility, women’s health, and overall wellness, she also volunteers at an animal shelter in Massachusetts. Laura’s professional philosophy centers on showing up authentically, fostering collaboration, and creatively addressing the gaps in traditional care systems, ensuring families feel supported and empowered at every stage.
• Massachusetts Bay Community College – Business
• Influential Women 2026
• Women's Leadership Council at McLean Hospital
• Worthy Circles
• Forum 500
• Provider liaison association board in Boston
• Influential Women Network
• Volunteers at a situate animal shelter in Massachusetts
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to showing up authentically and building genuine relationships. I had one mentor in particular who really taught me how to show up authentically and show up as yourself, and that will do its job, and I take that with me all the time. I think a lot of times, especially when you're in more of relationship-driven professions, you're sometimes trying to understand the dynamics and all the things, but whenever you're making decisions coming from a place of authenticity, it's always going to feel right in the gut and always going to be the best decision that you can make. I also believe in being able to lean on mentors and peers, being able to ask for help when it's needed and not feeling like you have to take on the world by yourself. Personally, I'm a daughter of teenage parents who were 19 when they had me, and I mean, just absolute rock stars of humans. Just seeing what they were able to do and accomplish at such a young age has been incredibly inspiring. Both my parents were exceptional role models, and it's incredible to see what they were able to do and accomplish.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was to show up authentically and show up as yourself. I had one mentor in particular who really taught me how to do this, and she showed me that when you show up as yourself, that will do its job. I think a lot of times, especially when you're in more of relationship-driven professions, you're sometimes trying to understand the dynamics and all the things, but this advice has stuck with me. I take that with me all the time, and I've learned that whenever you're making decisions coming from a place of authenticity, it's always going to feel right in the gut and always going to be the best decision that you can make.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise showing up authentically—it will always serve its purpose, and decisions made from authenticity will feel right and be the best you can make. I also encourage leaning on mentors and peers, asking for help when needed, and understanding that you don’t have to navigate challenges alone.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There are clear gaps in traditional medical and behavioral health systems, especially around accessibility and family navigation. This creates opportunities for concierge, consultative, and personalized care models. I also see growth potential in integrating women’s health and body–brain research into behavioral health practice.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is one of my most important values. I believe in showing up authentically in everything I do, and I've learned that whenever you're making decisions coming from a place of authenticity, it's always going to feel right in the gut. Empathy and connection are also central to my work, especially in behavioral health where I get to work with families and individuals going through sensitive and delicate issues. I really enjoy being able to work alongside families and speak to folks, which fuels my soul. I also value being able to challenge myself day to day and think creatively and out of the box. Personally, I'm passionate about animal care and wellness. I'm a lover of all animals and I volunteer at an animal shelter here in Massachusetts, spending time with dogs that are in need of a home and in need of some love. I also have a particular interest in women's health and how much that can impact our brain, our body, and our executive functioning.