Laura Mitchell

Laura Mitchell describes herself as an accountant by trade and an advocate by necessity. 

Mitchell's work, which has stretched from the school level to countywide partnerships, such as Montgomery Goes Purple, not only contributes to sharing information, but also saving lives. 

Mitchell and her family moved to Montgomery County in 2016 from Salisbury, Md., where she served on the city council for more than five years. 

With a background in public service and a desire to help her granddaughter navigate the school system, Mitchell joined the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Rosemont Elementary School. 

By the end of that school year, she also became involved with the county PTA and became a board member. “Whatever we can do for one child helps every child,” Mitchell says. 

Mitchell has also done work with the national PTA, helping acquire grants and fellowships including $60,000 for MCCPTA Cares. The initiative provided support for staff at schools during crises so they can better support students. 

She is also the co-founder of Montgomery Goes Purple, a coalition of county government and school, non-profit, faith and community organizations with a mission to prevent substance use injuries and deaths through education and resources.

In 2022, Mitchell, along with county partners and MCPS System Medical Officer Dr. Patricia Kapunan, noticed an alarming spike in illicit fentanyl-related youth overdoses in Montgomery County. In December, the group began communicating with parents about the deadly drug. 

In January, the first MCPS Fentanyl Family Forum and Narcan Training community session was held at Clarksburg High School. The event raised awareness and drew hundreds of families seeking resources and information. 

“I wish parents and students got the information I wish I had before my child developed a substance use disorder,” Mitchell said. “My passion comes from realizing how much I didn’t know and how fortunate I am to still have my child when many don’t.”

In partnership with MCPS, Montgomery Goes Purple has since held two additional forums for families to get information, learn about resources, receive Narcan training and get answers to their questions.