Board Members

Laura Similien is a business strategist, grant expert, and advocate for economic empowerment, serving as the President and Managing Director of Kings Amongst Kings (KAK). With over a decade of experience in research administration, business consulting, and nonprofit leadership, she is committed to breaking systemic barriers and creating wealth-building opportunities for Black and Brown communities.

She is currently a Science Operations Manager at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), where she oversees financial management, research administration, and funding strategy for large-scale scientific programs. Her expertise in grant writing and funding acquisition has helped secure and manage multi-million-dollar portfolios, extending beyond research to support nonprofits, small businesses, and community initiatives.

She and her husband, Jeff Similien, co-own Lowkey Dispensary, a Boston-based cannabis business, and run Bridge Funding Consulting (BFC), helping businesses and organizations secure funding and scale operations. Through KAK, they provide mentorship, career development, and economic education for Black and Brown men, hosting monthly meetups, workshops, and networking events to connect professionals and entrepreneurs. KAK also supports interview preparation, AI training, and financial literacy, equipping participants with tools for long-term success.

Balancing business, nonprofit leadership, and family, she is dedicated to building generational wealth and creating opportunities for Black and Brown communities through strategic mentorship, funding access, and leadership development.