CEO of Extra Special People (ESP) and author of The Joy Exchange

Laura Hope Whitaker, M.Ed. is the CEO of Extra Special People (ESP), a multi-city nonprofit creating transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. After the sudden passing of ESP’s founder, Laura stepped into leadership at just 19 years old—growing the organization from a small summer camp into a year-round model serving more than 1,500 families annually.

With over two decades at the helm of ESP, Laura has reimagined what belonging can look like—leading major expansions, creating innovative programs like Java Joy, a social enterprise employing adults with disabilities, and building spaces of belonging that impact communities across the Southeast. Laura has been recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Georgia Trend, the UGA Alumni Association, and the Bulldog 100, among many others, and is part of Leadership Georgia and LEAD Athens. She has served on the boards of the United Way of NEGA, North Oconee Rotary Club, Oconee Civitan, and the Junior League of Athens. She currently serves on the Georgia Chamber Board of Directors and the Oconee State Bank Board of Directors.

Most recently, Laura published the nationally bestselling book, The Joy Exchange, where 100% of proceeds support ESP’s mission. Her most meaningful roles, however, are wife to Joseph and mom to Owen, Finley, and Tate. Laura believes joy is not a feeling to chase but a practice to cultivate—and that the most powerful leaders are those who delight in the person right in front of them.