Laura Yepez

Laura Yepez is a first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. Her parents immigrated to the United States as teenagers; met at a church event and later married in 1967 at St. Mark Catholic Church, located just outside the 1st Ward.

 

Raised alongside her two brothers and older sister, Laura grew up in a Union household. Her father was an IBEW electrical worker for a local telephone company. This helped elevate their family into the middle class and installed a strong work ethic.

 

Throughout her education, Laura attended public schools until she was admitted to a prestigious Ivy League school, Brown University. During her sophomore year, she served as a minority peer counselor, offering support to students of color. She took a year off from her studies to intern in Washington, DC, with the Higher Achievement Program (HAP), where they assisted students from underprivileged backgrounds with tutoring, test preparation, essay writing, and organizing educational field trips.

 

After Laura graduated from Brown University with a degree in Urban Studies, she served as a legislative aide for the Illinois House of Representatives and led media initiatives for House Democrats.

 

In 1998, Laura made a career shift into the advertising industry, focusing on local outdoor advertising. During her tenure at Starcom, Laura also co-owned two small businesses in the 1st Ward. In 2002, Laura acquired the Alliance Bakery, which she owned and operated until 2007. In 2004 she also purchased the Wicker Park Inn, which Laura continues to own and manage today.

 

When the pandemic struck in 2020, and so much uncertainty during that time, Laura took on a role with a start-up adtech company, Screenverse. As the first employee, she wore many different hats. Today, Laura serves as the Vice President of People Operations, where she leads efforts in talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, and human resources. She takes immense pride in the global company she has helped to build in a fully remote work environment.

 

In addition to having a career and running a successful small businesses, Laura is also a proud mom. She has a blended family of four teenagers. Her oldest son currently studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her step daughter is graduating from Lane Tech and the two youngest sons are attending Lincoln Park High School and Jones College Prep.

 

Laura is also active in many local organizations including the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce (membership committee), West Town Chamber of Commerce, Logan Square Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Bed & Breakfast Association (President), Wicker Park Committee (programming manager), and a Parent Rep at Lincoln Park High School LSC (budget committee).  In 2023, Laura was one of 12 women selected to participate in the Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership Training Academy, an organization that empowers women to pursue elected positions in Illinois to advance Democratic ideals.  

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In April 2024, Laura was elected as the 1st Ward Democratic Committeewoman.  She is honored to serve the 1st Ward and engage the local community in the political process. She formed the 1st Ward Democrats that encourages resident participation in identifying and promoting Democratic candidates that align with 1st Ward values with a focus on fiscal responsibility, public education and public safety. 

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Laura is a passionate advocate for small businesses and a devoted community leader, fostering growth and prosperity in her community.  Laura strongly believes that small businesses are the backbone of building a strong community.  Through her leadership, she promotes collaboration, partnership, and embraces innovative thinking and community engagement.