Female Faces of Philanthropy: Laurie Wetterschneider

I learned very early in my life from my parents that it was important to always help those less fortunate. I began volunteering with various charities when I started college at 16 years of age (the University of Arizona), and have continued that part of my life right up to today. As my resume demonstrates, I not only join charitable organizations, but I bring my sales, marketing and strategic planning skills to those nonprofits. I always like to move into leadership positions as I know that I am able to help others learn the skills necessary to become good board members.

I chose to become a Board Member and now an Advisory Council Member of the Women's Foundation of Southern Arizona because women I respected asked me to. They shared the mission with me, and I too want to see girls and women have all the opportunities possible afforded to them.

In 2003, my sister (Lisa Peterson) and I started a jewelry design and manufacturing business together, Laurie and Lisa Designs (www.LaurieandLisaDesigns.com). We pride ourselves on donating many pieces of our jewelry to charitable causes in our communities for silent and live auction gifts.