Laurie DeJong '87 is the founder of The Paper Fig Foundation whose mission is to use fashion and fine arts to support sustainable community development projects both locally and in developing nations in Africa. They currently have programs in Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria. She joins us to talk about the importance of giving back, how art can change lives, and the impact of COVID-19.

Laurie is also the CEO of LDJ productions and a regular speaker on women’s empowerment, mentorship and the economic impact of fashion on global economies with specific emphasis on developing nations. She recently spoke at the World Economic Forum Africa. Laurie is a Trustee of Marist College, a guest writer for Entrepreneur Magazine and a member of both the Women's Presidents' Educational Organization and the National Association of Professional Women.