Laura Yepez has lived in the 1st Ward for 28 years, is a small business owner, community leader, and proud pro-labor progressive.

Laura is a first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. Her parents immigrated to the United States as teenagers, met in Chicago, and were married at St. Marks Catholic Church, just outside the 1st Ward. She was raised in a union household by a father who worked as an IBEW electrician. Growing up in a union home lifted her family into the middle class and instilled a strong work ethic in her.

Laura went to public schools before attending Brown University, where she earned a degree in Urban Studies. While there, she served as a minority peer counselor supporting students of color. She later interned in Washington, D.C. with the Higher Achievement Program, helping underserved students with tutoring, test prep, and academic enrichment.

After graduating, Laura worked as a legislative aide in the Illinois House of Representatives, where she also led media initiatives for House Democrats.

She later transitioned into the private sector, building a career in advertising while also becoming a small business owner in the 1st Ward. Laura owned and operated Alliance Bakery and is the longtime owner of the Wicker Park Inn.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Laura joined a startup adtech company as its first employee. She served as Vice President of People Operations, building a global, fully remote company through talent recruitment and organizational development while fighting for strong workers’ benefits and fostering an inclusive company culture.

Laura is also a proud mom to CPS students, and served as Chair on Lincoln Park High School’s local school council. She is deeply involved in neighborhood organizations, as well as multiple chambers of commerce, and serves as the President of the Chicago Bed & Breakfast Association.

In 2023, she was selected as one of 12 women statewide for the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy.

In 2024, Laura was elected 1st Ward Democratic Committeeperson. She founded the 1st Ward Democrats to engage residents in the political process and support candidates who were aligned with community values and were committed to serving the 1st Ward.

She also served as Captain for Operation Swing State to reach voters in Wisconsin and Michigan for the Harris-Walz campaign.

Laura is deeply inspired by her father, Esteban Yepez, who immigrated to the United States as a teenager. He worked in California's agricultural fields before moving to Chicago and taking an IBEW union job at a local telephone company. His hard work allowed their family to move into the middle class and made it possible for Laura and her siblings to become the first generation in their family to attend college. The opportunities granted to Laura's family kickstarted her lifelong commitment to Chicago's welcoming culture and to expanding equal and accessible opportunities for all.