Lara joined Breakthrough Energy in June 2021 and supports the contracting and grantmaking. She brings experience in grants management and proposal development to her role. She also helps strengthen relationships and expand our list of partners.

Prior to joining Breakthrough Energy, Lara was Grants Coordinator at Elevate, where she supported the grant programs for an extensive portfolio of nonprofit clients in the DC metro area as well as nationally. She also managed the grants program Medina Center in Arlington, VA, where she secured COVID-19 emergency funding, led board development efforts, and engaged with program teams to develop fundable programs. While there, Lara implemented grants management strategies and processes to support increased organizational capacity.

Lara holds a B.A. in International Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Peacebuilding from The American University. She is a native to the Washington, DC area and calls the District her hometown. Lara enjoys reading historical fiction, sharing food, and traveling to scenic locations on the Mediterranean Sea.