Laura Shantz is a policy and advocacy professional and has organized in support of marginalized residents in Ottawa for over a decade. Laura holds a PhD in criminology from the University of Ottawa and has studied older women’s marginalization and homelessness. She has worked as a university professor, front-line intervention worker, policy analyst and researcher, as well as in civic engagement. In her spare time Laura volunteers with local and provincial advocacy groups, focusing on public transit and disability justice. She enjoys running and cycling, and spending time with her two sons.