Laura Derman is a licensed clinical social worker and public health practitioner with more than 30 years of experience specializing in women's issues, addiction, HIV, and the range of other public health concerns primarily impacting disenfranchised populations. She has been a senior level manager, supervisor, mentor, program developer, educator, volunteer manager, and clinician.

At Victory Programs Inc. Laura had oversight of multiple programs, primarily those that provided a continuum of residential services. In her years at the AIDS Action Committee, she developed and managed services for people with HIV and their support systems and was responsible for a large volunteer corps. She was a founding member of the Women's Alcoholism Program of CASPAR. As the assistant director she helped launch two women's residential treatment programs, served as an educator on women's issues, and facilitated groups for women. Throughout her career Laura has dedicated herself to supervising and mentoring staff and graduate social work interns. She is currently a faculty advisor for the Boston University School of Social Work and an independent consultant.

Laura is committed to working skillfully and effectively with staff and program participants from diverse cultures. Her work is informed by a strengths-based perspective that utilizes stages of change theory, motivational interviewing techniques, and a harm reduction framework. Throughout her professional career, Laura has been a peace and justice advocate.