I’m not your stereotypical creative.

I’m organized and reliable, and while I’m also very creative, I have a methodical approach to developing ideas. In short, you can count on me to get the job done.

I’ve got credentials.

I am accredited in public relations (APR), an internationally recognized professional designation that fewer than two percent of PR professionals possess. It takes hard work to earn and you must continue professional development to retain it.

Top-notch quality without top-tier pricing.

I am a solopreneur which means I don’t have the overhead costs that larger firms do. This also means that my clients work strictly with me and receive focused attention. 

Odenwald Strategies, LLC provides public relations consulting to produce direction, order, and results with lasting impact for nonprofits and small businesses in Southwest Michigan. As owner, I place an emphasis on excellence, efficiency, and value, working with clients one-on-one to provide customized and focused solutions.

Serving on local nonprofit boards made me recognize the tremendous training gap many organizations have in promoting their mission and programs. This is not only an issue for nonprofits, but for small businesses as well. I started Odenwald Strategies to fill that gap for the organizations and businesses that need it most.

Prior to starting my business, I built a public relations resume working in four major industry sectors: healthcare, higher education, nonprofits, and government and political campaigns. Most recently, I led the digital marketing and branding efforts for LSU’s College of Engineering, the largest academic college in the state.

I earned a B.A. in Mass Communication from LSU in 2010, a Certificate of Web Design from LSU Continuing Education in 2016, and my Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2018, an internationally recognized professional designation that fewer than two percent of PR professionals possess. I continue professional development through various organizations, including the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the American Marketing Association (AMA).

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and being active in the community. I’m a member of various local groups, such as the City of Dowagiac Economic Development & Opportunity Board, the League of Women Voters for Berrien and Cass Counties, and Cass County Michigan 100+ Women Who Care. My hobbies include dancing, photography, and reading. Last but not least, I’m a Southern city girl enjoying life in Southwest Michigan with my husband and our son. 

"Laura is very intelligent and conceptual, but she also has a sense of what is pragmatically important in a business, which is essential in developing a plan that will be implementable and effective in the real world. She is flexible and adaptable and a pleasure to work with."

- Jack Gannon, Board President, The Beckwith Theatre Company

"Laura is responsible for putting together a professional and cohesive plan for my write-in campaign for City Clerk. I owe my win in large part to her strategic planning and her very adept communication skills."

- Patty Patano, City Clerk, City of Dowagiac

"Laura was amazing to work with. She kept the project on track and on time and produced a quality product. Everything she said she was going to do was delivered as proposed and on the schedule promised. I highly recommend her."

- Jeff O'Hara , Author of "Have Fun, Fight Back, and Keep the Party Going"