Her Story
About Laurel
Laurel Longenecker serves as a leader in nonprofit ecological restoration in Lititz, Pennsylvania. With 15 years in the environmental field and five years specifically with her current nonprofit, she focuses on watershed assessments, stream wetland and floodplain restoration, invasive species management, watershed studies, and Indigenous engagement work throughout Pennsylvania. She earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Marshall University in 2012 and a master's of science in sustainable community development in 2017. Longenecker attributes her success to taking advantage of opportunities that come her way and values integrity, being hardworking, compassionate, and aesthetic in both her professional and personal life. She advises young women entering the field to advocate for themselves and not be afraid to speak their mind, while noting that challenges such as policy and funding availability and shifting public opinion present opportunities for meaningful impact through effective resource use.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Laurel
01What do you attribute your success to?
Taking advantage of opportunities that come my way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Swallow your own pride. That was good advice.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
They need to advocate for themselves. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges are policy and funding that's available, and also changing public opinion of our relationship with the environment. Opportunities: there's plenty of work that needs to be done. There's endless opportunity to make a difference. I think we have the tools necessary to make meaningful impact. It's just a matter of using resources effectively.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, hardworking, compassionate, aesthetic.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.