Laura Johnston

Laura Johnston is President and Founder of The Buzz Effect, a marketing and advertising agency she launched in 2020 to help nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Recognized for her holistic, mission-first approach, Laura supports nonprofit teams with marketing systems that are clear, accessible, and sustainable for overwhelmed teams and nonlinear brains. She leads strategic initiatives that align storytelling, brand positioning, and growth planning to turn vision into measurable community impact. 

Laura's leadership in the Junior League of High Point, NC  has been significant. As President (2022–2024), she strengthened Member engagement, increased community visibility, and advanced partnerships through a plan lovingly referred to by members as NASCAR to right-size the League and expand local presence. In earlier roles as Fund Development Chair and Board Member, she helped build sustainable leadership pipelines that continue to benefit the organization. 

A committed advocate for women and girls, Laura served as President of YWCA High Point in 2021 and continues to support its mission through various board committees. Her volunteer work with Girls Who Code and Girls on the Run demonstrates her dedication to building the next generation's confidence and leadership skills. 

In 2025, Laura joined the Board of Directors for High Point Discovered, where she guides storytelling and engagement strategies that foster civic pride and celebrate those advancing High Point. 

Laura has received the YWCA High Point Emerging Leader Award and the Junior League of High Point Spirit of the League Award. She holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University and a certificate in Leading with Equity in the Nonprofit Sector from Northwestern University.

Guided by the belief that strong stories build strong communities, Laura brings unapologetic, collaborative leadership to every role.