Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) is excited to welcome Laura Hofer to our Board of Directors! A longtime CAA volunteer and dedicated vegan, Laura brings a thoughtful blend of community-building experience, clear communication, and strategic thinking. From helping plan Twin Cities Veg Fest and the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge to supporting the World Day for Farmed Animals Vigil, she’s been a steady presence in CAA’s work — and she’s ready to help guide what comes next.
“I’m deeply committed to promoting a vegan lifestyle and advocating for animals, and I believe CAA plays a uniquely effective role in advancing both,” Laura shared. “I’m eager to contribute my energy and experience to help strengthen and expand that work.”
Advocacy Journey
For the past five years, Laura has volunteered with CAA in a range of roles, especially on event-planning committees for Twin Cities Veg Fest, the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge, and the World Day for Farmed Animals Vigil. She’s supported day-of operations across numerous events, building a deep understanding of CAA’s programs, culture, and impact. Says Laura, “These roles have given me a deep understanding of CAA’s programs, culture, and impact, and they’ve strengthened my commitment to the organization’s mission.”
Beyond CAA, Laura has volunteered with the Animal Rights Coalition — participating in demonstrations to end the use of animals in entertainment — and with Chicken Run Rescue, where she provided on-site care and previously fostered rescued chickens. These experiences strengthened her commitment to compassionate, plant-based advocacy grounded in education, public engagement, and direct care.
Why CAA
“What I appreciate most about CAA is how open and welcoming the organization is,” Laura said. “CAA meets people where they are and encourages sustainable change. The warmth of the community, the thoughtful outreach, and the connections built through education and events really stand out.”
She also sees opportunities to expand impact. “I’d love to see more direct, compassion-driven actions — like vigils, educational campaigns, or collaborative partnerships — that help people understand the realities faced by farmed animals and inspire deeper engagement.”
Continuing on, Laura shares, “I am deeply committed to promoting a vegan lifestyle and advocating for animals, and I believe Compassionate Action for Animals plays a uniquely effective role in advancing both. Over the years, I’ve seen how CAA builds community, inspires change, and helps people make compassionate choices in ways that are approachable and impactful. I’m especially drawn to CAA’s practical, inclusive approach to animal advocacy — meeting people where they are and empowering them to make meaningful progress toward a more compassionate world.”
Why Join the CAA Board
For Laura, applying to serve on the CAA Board of Directors felt like a natural next step in her advocacy journey. In her own words:
“I’m passionate about supporting organizations that take a practical, inclusive approach to animal advocacy — meeting people where they are and empowering them to make meaningful progress. Serving on the board is a chance to help guide CAA’s mission strategically, support staff and volunteers, and ensure the organization continues to thrive and reach new audiences.”
“I’m eager to contribute my skills, perspective, and commitment to long-term movement building by helping guide CAA’s mission strategically, supporting its staff and volunteers, and ensuring the organization continues to thrive. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to help CAA navigate new opportunities, build partnerships, and expand its impact, and I am honored to help shape the future of an organization that has meant so much to me and to the broader animal advocacy movement.”
Board Service Perspective
“I believe the board’s role is to provide strong, mission-driven governance so the organization keeps moving toward its long-term vision,” Laura explained. “For CAA, that means staying focused on improving the lives of animals and promoting compassionate, plant-based living in every decision. The board sets strategy, safeguards financial health, upholds accountability, and creates the conditions for staff to succeed.”
Fundraising & Community Engagement
While Laura doesn’t have formal fundraising experience yet, she brings transferable strengths from volunteer leadership and events: community engagement, relationship building, and clear mission communication.
“I’m enthusiastic about learning and taking an active role — supporting campaigns and events, helping with donor stewardship, and reaching out to my networks when appropriate. Fundraising is also about strengthening relationships and expanding the community of people who care about animals.”
Skills & Background
Professionally, Laura brings a mix of communication and technical skills. As a former teacher, she’s skilled at explaining complex ideas clearly, collaborating with diverse groups, and fostering positive, organized environments — assets for board discussions and community engagement. As a software developer, she adds strong problem-solving, attention to detail, process improvement, and data-driven thinking.
Laura’s Spare Time
Laura keeps busy between work and volunteering, but when she’s not engaged in work, she’s got plenty of interesting hobbies and ways to spend her spare time. Here’s what she has to say about her spare time and the animals in her life:
“When I’m not advocating for animals, you can usually find me cheering on women’s sports — especially the Minnesota Lynx and the Frost. I’m a huge Lynx fan and love all things WNBA and Unrivaled, so there’s a good chance I’m watching a game, following along way too closely, or talking about it with anyone who will listen.”
“I also love spending time in nature, noticing birds and other animals, and soaking up some quiet outdoor moments. And, of course, I really value time with friends and family — ideally gathered around some delicious vegan food. Whether it’s a game night, a walk outside, or a shared meal, that balance helps keep me energized and grounded.”
“I don’t currently have any companion animals of my own, but I live a very animal-adjacent lifestyle. I’m the go-to sitter for my mom’s four dogs and for many of my friends’ dogs, so I get plenty of quality time with wagging tails, walks, and serious cuddle responsibilities.”
“I’m also the kind of person who will absolutely introduce myself to any animal I meet — on the street, at a park, or in the woods — because it just feels rude not to. While I don’t have a permanent animal roommate at the moment, my life is joyfully full of temporary best friends and lots of enthusiastic hellos.”
Laura’s Favorite Plant-Based Foods and Restaurants
With so much great vegan food to discover locally, Laura shares some favorites: “I really love supporting our local vegan restaurants — Reverie, Francis, and Trio are go-to favorites and always worth getting excited about. Whether I’m craving comfort food, something a little fancy, or just a reliably great meal, they never disappoint.”
“I’m also a big fan of exploring vegan options from the cuisines of our immigrant neighbors, especially Thai, Vietnamese, Somali, and Indian food. There’s nothing better than discovering a new favorite dish that just happens to be plant-based. For me, vegan food is about joy, curiosity, and connection — and I’m always happy when it involves trying something delicious.”
Vision for the Movement
“I believe the movement is most effective when it combines compassion, inclusivity, and strategic action,” Laura said. “We should meet people where they are, offer positive, accessible pathways toward plant-based living, and build communities that support long-term change. Education and outreach should inspire rather than alienate, and our advocacy should highlight systemic issues while staying grounded in empathy.”
“My vision for serving on the board is to help support and strengthen the incredible work CAA is already doing while also helping the organization continue to grow and evolve. I want to contribute to sustaining CAA’s existing success — ensuring its programs, staff, and volunteers are well supported — so the organization can remain effective and resilient.”
“At the same time, I’m excited to help identify and grow new opportunities for CAA to reach more people, build deeper connections, and ultimately help more animals. By supporting thoughtful growth and long-term strategy, I hope to play a role in expanding CAA’s impact while staying true to its compassionate, community-centered approach.”
Values & Perspective
“Being part of the CAA community over the past several years has been deeply meaningful,” Laura shared. “Connecting with people who share a commitment to compassion — and watching others grow in their plant-based journeys — has been a highlight of my life. Ultimately, everything we do is for the animals. That purpose drives me every day.”
“I feel incredibly excited and honored to have been accepted to the board. CAA has meant a great deal to me, and the opportunity to support an organization whose values and work I deeply believe in is truly meaningful.”
“I’m looking forward to contributing my time, skills, and perspective to support the organization’s mission and the people who make its work possible — and, ultimately, to help improve the lives and lived experiences of animals.”
“Connecting with people who share a commitment to compassion — and watching others grow in their own plant-based journeys — has been one of the highlights of my life recently. CAA has created a space where I’ve felt inspired, supported, and connected, and I would love the opportunity to help bring that same experience to others.”
“At the heart of all this work is a simple truth: everything we do is for the animals. Whether we’re hosting events, building community, or supporting someone as they take their first steps toward veganism, the ultimate goal is to improve the lived experiences of animals and reduce their suffering. That purpose drives me every day, and it’s why I’m so enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve on the board and contribute even more to CAA’s mission.”
We’re thrilled to welcome Laura Hofer to CAA’s Board of Directors. Her community-first mindset, steady leadership, and dedication to practical, compassionate advocacy will help CAA continue to grow in reach, sustainability, and impact.
