Finding Belonging and Connection
“As someone who is part of the LGBTQ community, it was important to me to feel supported.”
-Laurie Sawyer
Meet Laurie Sawyer, Academic Administrative Manager
Brown University Health is a great place to grow your career. Here’s an example of how a current employee built their career within the organization.
For more than two decades, Laurie Sawyer has built her career at Brown University Health—growing alongside the organization, embracing new opportunities, and, through her work with Brown Health’s LGBTQ employee resource group, finding a strong sense of belonging and connection along the way.
Growing From the Ground Up
Sawyer’s journey began in 2003, when she joined Hasbro Children’s as a temporary secretary in child protection through a recruitment agency. What started as a three month assignment quickly turned into something more.
Seeing opportunity, Sawyer expanded the role beyond its original scope—helping to strengthen processes and support the team in new ways. Her initiative didn’t go unnoticed, and she was offered a full-time position.
“I felt like I grew along with the division,” Sawyer says. “It was an exciting and fulfilling way to start a career here.”
Over the next 10 years, Sawyer became an integral part of the team, supporting a growing clinic. As the division evolved, she played a role in bringing clinical and administrative spaces together—helping create a more cohesive environment for both staff and patients.
Expanding Skills and Networks
Ready for her next challenge, Sawyer transitioned to The Miriam Hospital as an administrative assistant in patient safety.
“This was a really fulfilling role for me,” she says. “It showed me what the hospital does to keep our patients safe and how we promote the culture of safety.”
The move also broadened her network, introducing her to colleagues across a new hospital setting. A few years later, drawn back to pediatrics, Sawyer returned to Hasbro Children’s—this time supporting pediatric critical care as the administrative assistant in their academic office.
As the division grew, so did Sawyer’s responsibilities. She worked closely with teams across departments, including facilities, while helping manage space transitions and operational needs. These experiences strengthened her leadership skills and reinforced her ability to navigate change and collaboration.
Reaching New Heights
In 2019, Sawyer took another step forward—remaining in pediatrics but moving into a more strategic role as an academic administrator. Serving as a liaison to Brown University, she supported physicians through faculty appointments, promotions, and reappointments while coordinating pediatric faculty education.
Her role continued to evolve, and in 2024 she was promoted to academic administrative manager. Today, she helps restructure workflows and oversees training program coordinators for residency and fellowship programs.
“I like this position because I work with so many different people—from our pediatrics teams at Brown Health to colleagues at Brown University,” she says. “It’s the networks and connections I’ve built that have kept me here.”
Leading with Purpose
Beyond her day-to-day role, Sawyer has made a lasting impact through her involvement with the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), Brown Health’s LGBTQ employee resource group that is open to all employees. A member since her early days with the organization, she found both community and purpose.
“As someone who is part of the LGBTQ community, it was important to me to feel supported,” Sawyer says.
Over the years, as the group evolved, Sawyer remained committed—even stepping in to help rebuild momentum when leadership gaps arose. Her contributions were instrumental in helping SAGA achieve Leader Status in the Healthcare Equality Index in 2014.
After serving as a co-leader for over two years, Sawyer has helped guide the group forward while preparing and transitioning to a new group of leaders. She continues to stay actively involved, including helping lead Brown Health’s participation in the Rhode Island Pride Festival.
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Built on Connection
Sawyer’s career is a testament to the power of growth, relationships, and purpose. From a temporary role to a leadership position, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, connect, and make an impact.
Her story reflects what’s possible at Brown Health: a place where careers are built over time, passions are supported, and people are empowered to grow—together.