Laura Saavedra Forero

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT LAURA SAAVEDRA FORERO

Laura Saavedra Forero is a disabled, queer, Latinx community organizer and activist.Following a soccer injury and surgical complications, Saavedra Forero was forced to find a new passion. Her relentlessness, empathy, and deep care for her community made activism a suitable fit. She quickly got involved with environmental justice efforts and immigrant mutual aid in Charlotte, NC. At the age of 16, Saavedra Forero co-founded By Immigrant Hands, a small business whose mission is to empower immigrants while giving back to the community through their sales. 10% of all sales are donated to various organizations who support the immigrant community.As she met more individuals and listened to more stories through her business, she realized the interconnectedness of oppressive systems and began to support other movements. She is currently involved with reproductive justice, disability rights, abolition, and mutual aid. Since arriving in Chapel Hill, she has been an active organizer on campus. During her first year, she was elected co-president of the Campus Y, UNC Chapel Hill’s social justice hub housing over 25 committees. She is experienced in using different practices to push for change, and always collaborates with fellow organizers. Due to her personal medical journey, involvement in reproductive healthcare, and passion for health equity, she wants to become a physician. Saavedra Forero aspires to become a doctor who focuses on providing community-centered care, and hopes to bridge some of the health access gaps as a Spanish-speaking doctor. Saavedra Forero is a firm believer in social medicine and the importance of building empathy in physicians. She had her own autobiographical piece featured in the Health Humanities Journal.