Our Team

Founder

Laurie is CEO of LDJ Productions, where she oversees the strategic direction, culture and structure of the company. Under her leadership, LDJ has made multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000 list, the Women Presidents Organization's list of the "50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned Businesses in North America" and was named one of New York's 50 fastest-growing companies by SmartCEO.

As a longtime mentor of women and girls globally, her philanthropic efforts have led to the formation of the Paper Fig Foundation, the purpose-driven initiative of LDJ Productions. She is a regular speaker on women’s empowerment, mentorship and the economic impact of fashion on global economies with specific emphasis on developing nations and recently spoke at the World Economic Forum Africa. Laurie is a Trustee of Marist College, a member of the Women's Presidents' Educational Organization, and the National Association of Professional Women. Laurie was recently selected "Enterprising Woman of the Year" by Enterprising Women Magazine and is a guest writer for Entrepreneur Magazine.

Executive Director

Adam Cook brings over 15 years of strategic and financial management, with expertise in agency, venture-funded startup, and non-profit financial modeling.

Adam is very engaged in the day-to-day operations and operational finances of LDJ and The Paper Fig Foundation, and enjoys finding ways to create efficiencies to provide client cost savings and help our Producers and Technical Production teams manage individual event and overall client relationship budgets.

Managing Director

Emily comes from a journalism background, and focuses on storytelling and communication for the Paper Fig Foundation. She has developed genuine relationships with all staff in New York and in Uganda, and focuses her work on listening to the needs of the communities where we work, and expressing them to the leadership team in New York.

Area Supervisor

Edith graduated from Makerere University Kampala with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences(Social Administration, and Psychology)

She has 20 years experience in community work and service through Compassion International, Save the Children Uganda, ABSA Bank, and the Paper Fig Foundation.

Health Director

Social Media Coordinator

Fiona has been a mentor at PFF for many years, but now she is also the eyes and ears of our foundation on the ground in Uganda. As a professional tailor in Kampala, she brings perspective to our followers and inspiration to our students and graduates.

Advisor to the Board

Advisor to the Board

Kiera is a born and raised New Yorker, with especially strong ties to her Nuyorican community. Her family and communities have influenced her love of the arts, drive for social justice, and passion for global health and wellness equity. After studying Political Science at Rutgers, Kiera entered public health work through Americorps service in Brooklyn, NY, then lived and worked in rural Zambia during her Peace Corps service. Kiera continues to bring all she’s learned and experienced to her current roles as a grassroots community organizer, program manager (Center for Wellbeing and Happiness), event curator (The Garden Krall), and advisor to the board (Paper Fig Foundation). Kiera recharges her soul by traveling, dancing, trying new cuisines, and spending time in nature.

Brianne has more than 14 years of experience assisting international organizations, non-profits, and corporations develop and implement strategic public relations programs that address pressing social issues. Brianne has expertise in strategic communications, message development, research, internal communications, partnership development, thought leadership, branding, integrated marketing and event management/production.

She has supervised large-scale events including the Shinnyo Lantern Floating for Peace at Lincoln Center’s Milstein Pool and the launch of the Maybach Family Foundation at the United Nations, as well as side events at the United Nations Climate Change and Sustainable Development Summits.

Andrew is a passionate global citizen that has lived on five continents and spends his time working professionally and personally to improve global business through innovative and value-add product development. He is a natural strategic thinker that can work in a multitude of environments with the ability to work diligently where others see ambiguity. His passion for human development has led him to participate on some of the largest global stages, most recently attending the 2017 opening week of the United Nations General Assembly. Andrew hopes to do even more work with communities and businesses around the world with the hope of providing a better future for the advancement of people everywhere.

David McIntyre is a New York based photographer, filmmaker and writer. He is an accomplished fashion photographer whose work has appeared in many of the worlds most illustrious fashion magazines, including Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire. His portfolio of portraits includes an eclectic group of musicians including Björk, U2 and Biggie Smalls. He was the Founder and Publisher of the two time Webby Award winning fashion magazine ZOOZOOM. He has directed music videos for Giovanni James, Carney and Dan Black and short documentary features for Macy’s, L.A.M.B., L’Oreal and The Martha Graham Dance Company. His short film ‘A Band Apart’ was featured in the 2012 American Dance film festival. His Photographs have been displayed in London’s V&A museum and in the books: U2 by U2, Blitz – As Seen in Blitz and The Colour of Fashion. His children’s book ‘The Cyber Claus’ was published in 2013.

Annerose is a German-Rwandan mother, entrepreneur, and former model whose company Muyombano Jewelry aspires to create pieces that draw from a blend of German craftsmanship and African cultural influences. Born in Burundi to a Rwandan father and a German mother, she is a passionate supporter of racial equality and women’s empowerment around the world and in African countries, in particular. A practicing vegan, Annerose involves conscious lifestyle choices in her work and at home, and aspires to help bring greater economic and social autonomy to those in need.

Tamera is a founding Board member of the Paper Fig Foundation. She is founder of her own events production firm T. Restuccia Events, LLC and prior to that produced events for the New York Times and American Express, among others. She is a Senior-level communications and marketing professional with over 20 years experience in conceptualizing, planning and executing a wide spectrum of events. Specialties: Collaborates with high profile partners, non profits and major private sector companies with proven leadership, sound judgement and creativity.

Dr. Timo Sandritter, a serial entrepreneur, is a Co-Founder and President of Rippleworx, a technology focused software offering that provides professional sports teams, military units, corporations with a performance accelerator platform.

Additionally he serves as Chief Operation Officer of Haufe, an innovative enterprise human resource and talent management software company. In that role, Timo is responsible for the firm’s strategic direction and its internal capabilities, including talent management, legal, operations, finance, and corporate development.

Robert Strohmeier is pleased to join the board of The Paper Fig Foundation. Graduated Rollins College in 1974, immediately moved to New York to become the technical director of Equity Library Theatre and the Lakewood Playhouse summer theatre for two seasons. Robert designed the lighting for many off Broadway productions including the hit show Scrambled Feet that ran for two years at the Village Gate. A member of United Scenic Artist, he started Strohmeier Lighting in 1983. Work has taken him all over the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Mexico and India. Clients and shows have included MTV, Yahoo, Hasbro Toys, Matrix, Lexus, Mercedes, IMG, among many others. Robert was part of the original production team for NY Fashion Week and has been lighting the catwalk for over 35 years. He is especially pleased to be affiliated with LDJ Productions for the last 16 years and is proud to be lighting Kampala Fashion Week.

Rae is a seasoned Show Team Director/ Producer and Casting Director with relationships with major modeling agencies all over the world. She was a founding member of the Paper Fig Foundation team, helping to execute the very first Kigali Fashion Week in Rwanda and as a leading collaborator with Kampala Fashion Week in Uganda.

In addition, she has worked closely with and managed major industry brands events/shows such as; New York Fashion Week/Mercedes Benz Fashion Week/IMG New York and Miami, Academy of Arts University, Betsey Johnson, BET, Christian Siriano, Jenny Packham, L.A.M.B, Leather Japan, Lela Rose, L’Oreal Matrix, NEO by Adidas, Project Runway, Victoria’s Secret, and many more.

Rae is very passionate and proud to be a part of an amazing team and family. She continues to add value and a fresh approach to production with the motto “calm under pressure.”