Laura Tierney

Laura Tierney is the Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, an organization dedicated to empowering students, families, and educators in navigating social media and developing essential life skills. She has been in this role since April 2016, where she has developed a comprehensive curriculum co-designed with students and has received positive feedback from various stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators.12

Background and Education

Laura holds a Bachelor's degree from Duke University, where she was also a standout athlete, recognized as a Four-Time All-American in field hockey and named Duke's Athlete of the Decade for her contributions to the sport.12

Professional Experience

Before founding The Social Institute, Laura held several positions in social media management:

• Social Media Director at McKinney (2014-2016)
• Social Media Manager for espnW at ESPN (2012-2014)
• Project Specialist at ESPN (2010-2012)
• Assistant Account Executive at McCann Erickson (2009-2010)

Her experience in these roles has equipped her with the skills necessary to lead The Social Institute effectively.13

Contributions and Impact

Laura is recognized as a pioneer in positive social media education, frequently presenting at national educational conferences and featured in major media outlets like The New York Times and NPR. She emphasizes bridging the gap between adults and students to foster a more positive online environment.23