20 Under 40 | Laura Pederzani

Written and compiled by LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by JOHN BURN

Executive Director | Arcare, Inc.

Laura oversees Kansas’ largest organizational representative payee service and advocates for individuals with disabilities across five states. She provides testimony at both state and federal levels, ensuring the voices of Kansans directly impacted by laws and policies are heard.

Laura helped secure more than $50,000 in grant funding to revitalize McKinley Park and has served on the Topeka City Council Redistricting Committee. She also mentors young women through her leadership in Alpha Phi and the Topeka Alumnae Panhellenic Council. Known for her commitment to the community, Laura encourages youth to become the next generation of leaders.

What was your first job?
I was a bagger at a local grocery store. What I remember most was the customers. I loved helping people load their groceries because I saw the relief on the faces of a busy mom or an elderly man when I offered to help. It was amazing to see the difference a small task made in someone’s day. One day the tornado sirens started blowing. Everyone in the store went to the designated shelter area but there were a few kids who seemed scared. I passed out animal crackers and chatted with them to try to keep them calm. It was always the people I remembered most!

What’s your guilty-pleasure TV show?
“Ted Lasso,” hands down. It’s beautifully written, scripted and portrayed. The life lessons and character arcs were phenomenal. I cannot wait for the new season!

What role does failure play in your journey toward success?
Benjamin Franklin said, “I did not fail the test. I simply found 100 ways to do it wrong.” I think that learning what doesn’t work is often as important as learning what does! As a leader, it’s also imperative for us to be able to say “I was wrong” or “That didn’t work.” When we admit when things aren’t going well, it helps build trust.

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