Presentation Recap: 

Laura Winkel is the CEO of Libraries for Kids International, a Lowcountry-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing children’s literacy and fostering community engagement around the world. The organization’s mission centers on providing educational resources to rural schools in Africa—many of which operate without formal libraries or even basic school supplies.

Originally from southern New Jersey, Laura attended a private Christian school and later earned her bachelor’s degree in Leadership Development and Public Communications from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her entrepreneurial spirit emerged early—at just ten years old, she began working in her uncle’s orchid business. From there, she gained hands-on experience in sales and embroidery with a local company while also serving as a nanny for the owners’ children.

In 2008, Laura shifted gears into public service, attending the police academy and launching a distinguished 12-year law enforcement career in New Jersey. She served in both uniformed patrol and undercover operations, contributing to investigations at the local, state, and federal levels, including collaborative work with the FBI. Her career was defined by dedication, courage, and resilience—until a motor vehicle accident in 2018 ended her time in law enforcement.

After recovering, Laura relocated to Bluffton, South Carolina, in 2020, where she worked in the financial sector before transitioning into online business development and coaching. She later moved to Beaufort in 2021 and began volunteering with Libraries for Kids International, ultimately becoming its CEO in August 2024.

Founded by Coach Roy Austin in 2018, the organization began by shipping books from the Savannah Ports to communities across Africa. Many of the schools they serve lack basic educational infrastructure—students often share a single textbook, and some families can only afford to send one child to school, who then teaches their siblings at home. Despite these challenges, the organization has seen encouraging signs of progress, including rising test scores among students served.

Libraries for Kids is privately funded and supported through Rotary grants and direct donations. They also partner with AARP to distribute books to the communities they serve. The organization has already established over 10,000 new libraries in 2025, with 100% of donor dollars going directly to programming. Their next major fundraiser, Dreams Under the Serengeti, will be held on April 25, 2026, and they are currently seeking to expand their board of directors.

Under Laura’s leadership, Libraries for Kids continues to grow its reach and impact—bringing literacy, hope, and opportunity to millions of children worldwide. Beyond her nonprofit work, Laura manages her own business ventures and enjoys life with her dogs, as well as hobbies like travel, cooking, reading, and volunteering.

With expertise in leadership development, nonprofit management, and community outreach, Laura lives by the philosophy:

“Effort with sincerity—because the life we live is the legacy we leave.”

She carries her faith into every aspect of her work and strives to inspire others to live intentionally, serve generously, and create lasting, positive change.

Volunteer opportunities are endless—learn more at libraries4kids.org.