Laura Beeth’s passion for healthcare began at an early age. Her motivation was never just an interest in medicine, it was making a difference in people’s lives. Though her purpose was clear, the journey that led her to a degree in healthcare was anything but straightforward. This is what shaped the leader and lifelong learner she would become.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Laura enrolled at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. But when a death in her immediate family changed her circumstances, she made the difficult decision to pause her education to help support her family at home. Rather than letting her goals slip away, Laura charted a new path. She earned her Medical Assistant credential at Lakeland Academy and completed EMT certification at Hennepin Technical College. She then began working in healthcare clinics, gaining hands-on experience and deepening her understanding of patient care.

Even as she worked, Laura never stopped thinking about her future. She understood that lifelong learning was the key to growth, a lesson she now shares with Normandale Community College students, many of whom, like her, are non-traditional learners. In her twenties, she returned to college to complete her associate degree at Normandale. Working closely with advisors and professors, she transferred her Medical Assistant credits and continued her education while advancing her career. “I never forgot what it was like to be a working adult attending classes,” she says. “Receiving my first degree from Normandale helped move my career forward and prepared me for my bachelor’s degree and opportunities in leadership.”

Laura’s career expanded across healthcare clinics and ambulatory settings, including helping launch urgent care services in Minnesota. She joined Fairview Health Services in a leadership role in Occupational Medicine, eventually managing seven specialty clinics and serving as a healthcare practice consultant. Her leadership journey grew system-wide when she launched Fairview’s first Career Resource Center, helping employees take ownership of their professional development while strengthening the healthcare workforce. She also led workforce initiatives and earned multiple credentials in career development.

While advancing professionally, Laura continued her education. Working full-time and attending school part-time, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, graduating as class valedictorian. She later pursued graduate studies in Human Development. Over the years, she advanced from manager to director, system director, and ultimately vice president, overseeing recruiting, academics, workforce and career development, and strategic partnerships.

Laura’s influence extended far beyond her organization. She served 20 years under three Minnesota governors as chair of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board and 13 years under two Minneapolis mayors as chair of the Minneapolis Workforce Investment Board. Nationally, she was elected to chair the National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs. Laura also led and chaired the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Healthcare Education Industry Partnership Council/HealthForceMN for 25 years, often holding meetings at Normandale. Her work earned her two visits to the White House and made her the first Minnesotan, and first woman, to serve in the National Governors Association.

After 34 years at Fairview, Laura attempted to retire in 2023. But her expertise was in high demand, and her love of helping people brought her to a new role as Chief Workforce Officer at Futuro Health, a national organization addressing healthcare workforce shortages. She oversees programs partnering with employers and trade associations on healthcare workforce development talent solutions to fill critical job openings. In addition,
guiding people into healthcare careers through scholarship and apprenticeship opportunities, supporting those who might not have considered healthcare otherwise. To date, Futuro Health has helped over 15,000 individuals enter healthcare roles, with 90% of them identifying as a person of color, over 50% of them bilingual, and an average age of 31.

Laura describes her role as a culmination of everything she has done since graduating high school including workforce planning, community partnerships, education, recruitment, and program development. “It’s really rewarding,” she says. “You see people succeed, and you know you helped make that possible.” In Laura’s career she has helped over 10,000 people land healthcare jobs through education and employment opportunities. Laura has received numerous national and local awards in her career for her work to address workforce solutions, healthcare access, career and workforce development, education pathways, partnerships, and community health.

Her passion for healthcare education and workforce development continues. In 2024, she received an Honorary Doctor of Business degree from Saint Paul College, where an endowed healthcare scholarship was established in her name when she was named Partner of the Year in 2018. Reflecting on her journey, she credits Normandale with
launching her career. “You can start at Normandale and land a great job, or start here and continue on to higher degrees,” she says. “No matter what path you choose, make the most of your education. Never stop learning, connecting, and exploring. Your education will always set you up for success and Normandale certainly set me up for mine.”