Laura is the Executive Director of the International Business Council in this role her objective is to increase global trading opportunities for Illinois and bringing needed Investments and jobs to our state. Laura works with the local, state and federal government as well as foreign agencies and representations advocating for proactive international trade and Immigration policies focusing on issues of competition, market access, export facilitation, FTAs and FDI. She also serves as a vital facilitator for business leads in the region helping member companies to access, develop and implement international growth strategies. Prior to the IBC Laura was with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation at the Legal Office for Consular Affairs in Madrid where she conducted legal matters relative to international judicial cooperation, treaty implementation, and the protection of Spanish citizens abroad. Laura has Bachelor's Degree in Law from the Universidad de Cordoba, Spain and a L.L.M from Universidad National de Educacion a Distancia (UNED), Madrid. She also holds a M.A. in Diplomacy & International Relations from the Diplomatic School of Spain with concentration on International Commerce.