Gloria Lara brings a wealth of leadership experience to her role at WMEAC, having held executive positions in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her background includes roles at Chrysler Corporation and automotive suppliers, as well as serving as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore (Grand Rapids) and the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Detroit). Most recently, she led the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance (Holland), where she focused on advancing equity, justice, and belonging.
Gloria’s passion and expertise in nonprofit work are rooted in her ability to integrate innovative operating strategies that allow talent to focus on fulfilling the organization’s mission. She has served on numerous local, statewide, and national boards and finance committees, lending her expertise in finance and governance. Gloria was reappointed as a commissioner to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, with her term expiring on December 31, 2028. She holds a BA in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Gloria’s lifelong connection with the environment is shaped by her upbringing in Los Angeles, where she witnessed the impact of smog on air quality. She has also been aware of water issues for many years, given Southern California’s reliance on importing water from distant sources. As the daughter of a groundskeeper, Gloria’s extensive vegetable garden and focus on heirloom and native plant varieties reflect a profound understanding of the importance of biodiversity. This connection to the outdoors has deepened as Gloria, with her husband, has had many tent camping adventures along with exploring the majestic landscapes of our National Parks.
