Laura Boogaert '83

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I never imagined how diverse my work life would become. Organizational management, employee and volunteer on-boarding & development, community outreach, fundraising, events, fitness, public speaking and dog training. Yes, I have worn many hats in my professional life, and I'm grateful for each experience and the skills acquired along the way. The philosophy I consistently adhere to is one that encompasses a purposeful intent based on those experiences. I’m happy to offer guidance or suggestions if you are thinking about opening your own business, working in the nonprofit sector, embarking on a career change, drastic or not-so, or even re-entering the workplace after years away. Maybe you did not pursue or complete your college education; don’t let that affect your confidence or determination. My first piece of advice is whatever your interest, seek out people doing it now and doing it well. Specifically, this Westover connect site is a great place to start. It is an invaluable resource, and I'm honored to be listed among these incredibly accomplished women!

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After Westover I attended Pine Manor College. When my first year ended, I determined a women’s college after an all-girls high school was not for me. I had an urgency to go my own path. My love of athletics was really nurtured at Westover, specifically field hockey and lacrosse (thanks to Westover’s one and only Anneke Rothman), and that led to my aspirations to work in the fitness field. With absolutely no experience, I interviewed and was offered the amazing chance to work as assistant to the manager of a large chain health club. The manager said what I lacked in experience I had double in attitude. That was an eye-opening experience for me and, immediately, the foundation of my work philosophy was born. By 22, I was the operations manager of two health club locations. At 25, I left to start my own personal training business and, three years later, I opened my own full service fitness center.
After over two decades in the fitness industry, I decided to follow another of my passions: dog rescue and training. I turned these hobbies into a career by accepting a position with Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, a nonprofit organization that places German shepherd guide dogs with individuals who are blind or otherwise visually impaired. The adjustment to nonprofit work was challenging and, while my ample experience with organizational management and training helped immensely, it was my (almost) always positive attitude, my strong work ethic, and a true dedication to cultivating relationships that ultimately made me successful, and turned this position into my life's work.
I have spent the majority of the last 14 years with the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. I began at Fidelco as the assistant director of the Volunteer Puppy Raiser Program. At any given time, I managed an average of 100 volunteers (individuals and families) raising Fidelco's German shepherd puppies from 8 weeks to approximately 24 months of age including teaching weekly puppy classes. Turned out teaching puppy classes and teaching fitness were similar; it’s all about educating and empowering people.

After several years, I accepted a position on the senior management team; Director of Canine Services. I was responsible for overseeing the volunteer puppy raiser and breeding departments along with the kennel, and I created and implemented the career change and pet placements program. As Director of Canine Services, I coordinated orientations, outreach programs, conducted presentations (on and off site) and facility tours. I was also heavily involved in weekly fundraising and marketing strategy sessions and projects, Applying for profit management practices I create a manual of business protocols for the three departments under my purview, created and implemented the SOPs, and defined and implemented staff and volunteer training. All this led to my gaining a solid overall knowledge not only of the various services Fidelco provides but also just how truly life-changing their guide dogs could be---and just how crucial volunteers are to that process.

That appreciation of volunteers is what led me to, since mid-2015, manage Fidelco’s volunteer and community engagement efforts. In this role, I recruit, interview, evaluate, and secure volunteers for both Fidelco's Bloomfield and Wilton locations. I happily oversee 300+ volunteers on every level and in each department throughout the organization. I engage companies within the community via in-service days and company giving programs. Further, I research, write, and update policies and procedures for all volunteer activities and maintain Fidelco's volunteer RE database. In a dual role, as a member of our Development team, I continually work to incorporate new and innovative strategies for volunteer and donor outreach and retention as well as come up with fun and engaging fundraising- and marketing-oriented events along with ideas for potential partnerships (corporate, foundation, and individual), sponsorships, and media coverage.

I also walk the talk and volunteer my own time.
I serve on the Board at Friends of Heublien Tower, a CT non-profit preservation society, managing and promoting the public use the state-owned Heublein Tower landmark located in Talcott Mountain State park in Simsbury, CT.
I served as Vice President on the Connecticut Board in 2015-2016 and currently serve on the advisory board for Achilles International, an organization with the mission of enabling people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream running events in order to promote personal achievement. I also volunteer as a guide.
I volunteer weekly as a news reader at CRIS Radio, the Connecticut Radio Information System is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) radio-reading service that has been serving people who are blind or print-challenged for more than three decades.
My volunteer activities include serving on the Board of Governors at Westover, as well. A group I am blessed and thrilled to be a part of!