Laura Graham ’95

Laura Graham ’95

From a blue-collar beginning to first name basis with world leaders

Laura Graham '95

Laura Graham '95

From her blue-collar beginnings to being on a first name basis with many world leaders, Laura Graham has certainly made the most of her education at Wagner College, where she majored in Political Science.  Her role in the administration of President Bill Clinton began in 1994, when she landed an internship at the White House through a connection she met at Wagner College.  Graham soon moved up through the White House hierarchy to become deputy director of White House Scheduling during President Clinton’s administration—becoming one of the youngest deputy assistants in the White House.

President Clinton’s post-presidency has been an even busier time for Graham.  Since 2005, Graham has been at the forefront of the William J. Clinton Foundation, serving dual roles as chief of staff and chief of operations.  One can usually spot her just off of Clinton’s shoulder while giving a press conference or visiting disaster sites such as New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina or helping  out in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

Graham was born and raised in Staten Island, NY.  Her father held down several jobs in order to make ends meet. After graduating from Susan E. Wagner High School, Graham attended Wagner College on an academic and athletic scholarship, where she played third base on the Wagner College Softball team.  Read more about Graham.