Laksmi Lagares
Vice President of Development
Laksmi Lagares brings over two decades of experience advancing social impact through strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and cross-sector collaboration. As FLY’s Vice President of Development, she leads the organization’s development strategy, expanding donor and foundation partnerships to strengthen FLY’s capacity to provide mentorship, legal education, and leadership opportunities to youth across California.
Laksmi is a nationally recognized social impact strategist with a track record of mobilizing resources and advancing community-centered initiatives at scale. Prior to joining FLY, she helped secure more than $117 million in state funding through California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), supporting projects that integrate affordable housing, workforce access, health services, and sustainable transportation. She also served as the Founding Curator of the Oakland Hub of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, bringing together emerging leaders across sectors to advance economic inclusion, youth leadership, and community innovation.
Laksmi is driven by a deep commitment to building partnerships and investments that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.