Laura Kohli

Job Title

Communications Leader – Vancouver Community.

Department/Location

Communications & Public Affairs

How long have you worked at VCH?

It’ll be four weeks on Friday!

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:

I advise on and deliver communications support for Vancouver’s community of care, in addition to sharing communications responsibilities for projects that, increasingly, span the traditional boundaries of acute and community care.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?

So far, the people I work with in both Communications and Community. They are so good at what they do and also so dedicated and passionate about the work!

How does your work contribute to the VCH True North goals?

I think the work that I do helps contribute and support all the goals under the overall “People First” strategy. Communications is vital in creating awareness and sharing information about all the great programs, services and teams Vancouver Community provides to their many diverse clients.

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:

In another life, I lived in Japan for three years where I taught English after university. While there, I had the opportunity to climb Mt. Fuji and view the sunrise from the peak. That’s one item crossed off my bucket list!

Who is somebody that you consider a major role model in your life?

I have a friend who’s a two-time cancer survivor. She’s now in remission but even through the worst of those battles, she was still the first to offer a smile or word of encouragement to others going through their own difficult time. She has remained so positive and life-affirming even in the midst of her own fight for life that I can’t help but see her as a role model of how to be when something in life hits you hard, but you get back up again and carry on.

Who or what inspires you?

My daughter constantly inspires me. She was diagnosed with a mood disorder when she was eight, in addition to having ADHD and some learning challenges she has had to overcome in her 12 years. However, she is smart as a whip and the most amazing, artistic person I know with a talent for art, singing and acting. She is also a beautiful, caring soul who, coming out of her own experiences, always strives to be inclusive of and care for people who are viewed by society as different. She inspires me to be a little more kind, caring and understanding in daily life and reminds me that we all have challenges to overcome, but also strengths and gifts to contribute.

Most healthy habit:

I try to have fruit with every meal (try being the operative word).

What is your favourite vacation spot?

Anywhere with sun, sand, surf and those little umbrella drinks…