Being awarded Lockton’s Community Impact Award was more than just a career milestone for Laura Oropeza. “Winning this award is a huge moment in my career, but I can say with confidence that it is a proud moment in my life too,” she reflects. “It is a rewarding feeling to be able to provide for others and contribute to something that has a bigger purpose.”

The Community Impact Award, funded by the Lockton family, honors Associates who have gone above and beyond to make their community a better place through volunteering and philanthropy. Laura was awarded a $25,000 donation to a charity of her choice on behalf of the Lockton family. She chose Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities as her recipient.

Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities is a nonprofit that provides education, training, rehabilitation, therapy, and support services to individuals with disabilities. For Laura, one of the most powerful aspects of this work has been witnessing the students defy social expectations and stigma. “Driving development has always been one of my passions and seeing the students of Al Noor fully embody their personal growth despite so many challenges is incredibly powerful.”

Equally meaningful for Laura has been the engagement of her Lockton colleagues. “It fills me with pride and gratitude to see so many Associates asking to help and be involved. It is wholesome to know our culture transposes levels beyond the office and within our community.”

For Laura, this commitment to community is tied directly to her personal background. “I feel that my heritage and family have contributed to who I am and what values I stand for in everything that I do,” she explains. “The efforts and sacrifices that my family made to secure a dignified and comfortable future for the next generations didn’t go unnoticed. Giving back is a way of expressing my gratitude and acknowledging my privilege with the hope to inspire and empower others to do the same.”

Laura’s belief in the importance of connection and shared humanity drives her work. “At the end of the day, we’re far more than just our nationality and language, we are connected in many more ways than we think,” she says.

Through it all, Laura credits Lockton’s unique culture for empowering her to make a difference. “Lockton’s caring culture is truly special,” she says. “It’s not every day that you find a company that ‘walks the talk.’ Lockton encourages you to be the best version of yourself. Our culture is about seeing the bigger picture, and this approach enables anyone to think exponentially. When giving back, individuals can create a significant impact through everyday actions. It’s a valuable approach at work but also in life.”

For Laura Oropeza, the Community Impact Award is not just a recognition of her efforts, but a reflection of the values she lives by every day. Through her work with Al Noor and her leadership at Lockton, she continues to make a lasting impact on her community.