# Laura J. Cortez

> Laura J. Cortez is the Austin-based founder and CEO of Cortez Consulting. A former higher education scholar-practitioner with degrees from Drake University, St. Edward’s University and the University of Texas at Austin, she led public engagement for the Colony Park Sustainable Community Initiative before founding her firm in 2015. Her work connects residents with public planning processes; the firm now also offers executive advisory services.

- **Role:** CEO and Founder at Cortez Consulting
- **Organizations:** Cortez Consulting, The University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward’s University, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas State University, National Hispanic Institute, Leadership Austin, Austin Parks Foundation
- **Education:** B.S., Environmental Science, Drake University, MBA, St. Edward’s University, Ph.D., Higher Education Administration, The University of Texas at Austin
- **Known for:** Founded a Latina-owned public engagement firm in Austin., Led public engagement for the Colony Park Sustainable Community Initiative., Directed St. John redevelopment engagement that informed family-friendly unit design and residential connections to the park.

## Career timeline

- **1999** — Moved to Austin as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer; served with the National Hispanic Institute.
- **2012** — Served as a UT Austin postdoctoral fellow and led engagement for the Colony Park Sustainable Community Initiative.
- **2015** — Founded Cortez Consulting.
- **2018** — Completed Leadership Austin Essential program.
- **2019** — Delivered a Texas State University keynote on building community at Hispanic-serving institutions.
- **2020-2023** — Served on the Leadership Austin board.
- **2021-2023** — Led community engagement for the St. John redevelopment project.

## Achievements

- Founded a Latina-owned public engagement firm in Austin.
- Led public engagement for the Colony Park Sustainable Community Initiative.
- Directed St. John redevelopment engagement that informed family-friendly unit design and residential connections to the park.
- Selected for the inaugural Business Leader Lab cohort.
- Finalist for Austin Woman’s Women to Watch recognition.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Appeared on The Way to College Podcast to discuss her education, career changes and entrepreneurship.
- **2026-09** — Joined Kenneth D. Thompson Sr. for a conversation at The Helper Bees about grandparents and intergenerational purpose.

## Links

- Website: https://www.cortezconsulting.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurajcortezphd

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/laura-j-cortez
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23