Wiki_QA_PREVIEW__@@

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
To view this on the COS website, click here [[https://conventionofstates.com/news/central-florida-team-leader-emerges|central-florida-team-leader-emerges]]


----

====== Central Florida team leader emerges ======


On sunny days, Laura would eat lunch under the Massachusetts Minuteman statue and wonder if she had that same courage.


----

|In the Convention of States organization, volunteer Regional Captains help develop and support the District Captains. Laura Smith is serving as Regional Captain for Florida House Districts 31-40, and she is excited to serve the team as one of the new cheerleaders in Central Florida.\\ \\ {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/27425/27425_original.jpg?340x508}}Originally from Missouri, Laura landed her first job in Lexington, Massachusetts. On sunny days she would eat lunch under the famous Massachusetts Minuteman statue and wonder if she would have the courage someday to step up and be as brave as those involved in the founding of our great country. \\ \\ That day came when she did some research on Convention of States and said to herself, "Now is the time my country needs me to do something."\\ \\ In the 2008 recession she was laid off from 25-year career as a travel agent. Knowing that she had to re-invent herself, she accepted an offer to help a friend sailing in the Caribbean for a few months.\\ \\ They landed in Grenada where she stayed for several years, and working on yachts and becoming a writer. It was in Grenada that she found her passion for Qi Gong (Tai Chi foundation), which she teaches today.\\ \\ Three years ago Laura moved to Land O'Lakes (north of Tampa) to help out some friends on a cattle ranch. One day she got a call from District Captain John Roof.\\ \\ "We talked for an hour," she said, "and then we met at Denny's and talked for two more. John eventually introduced me to the future State Director Richard Simo, and Richard asked me to take over the region." \\ \\ {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/27532/27532_original.jpg?320x213|FL State Fair, Image Courtesy of RC Dennis Darragh}}\\ \\ Laura working at the Florida State Fair.\\ Photo courtesy of Regional Captain Dennis Darragh.\\ \\ With a little time on her hands, she clicked that menu button to Take Action. That's the first step of stepping up for your country. \\ \\ {{https://content.conventionofstates.com/cosaction-prod/public/content/images/27426/27426_original.jpg?320x320}}Laura is one of our amazing citizens leaders. She dreams of building her team in the sunshine state to do what she can for the cause of liberty. \\ \\ **Favorite Quote**\\ "You have a Republic, if you can keep it"  -Ben Franklin\\ \\ Laura is a member of West Pasco Toastmasters Intl. and Spring Hill VFW Post #10209.\\ \\ Florida has 120 House Districts. Our State Strategy Goal is to have a District Captain in every district across Florida and a team filled with engaged citizens. We invite you to join the team. \\ \\ #|LEADER_POSITION_FORM{leader_position:district_captain}|#|


----

|  __Page Metadata__  ||
|Login Required to view?  |No                  |
|Created:                 |2020-04-15 19:11 GMT|
|Updated:                 |2020-04-24 07:00 GMT|
|Published:               |2020-04-17 04:00 GMT|
|Converted:               |2025-11-11 11:56 GMT|
|Change Author:           |Nancy Suits         |
|Credit Author:           |                    |