Netcentric Campaigns Fellowship Spotlight: Laura’s Journey to Network Building
At Netcentric Campaigns, we are committed to helping advocates build the powerful networks that drive lasting social change. One of the ways we achieve this is through our fellowship program, which provides emerging leaders with the tools, training, and support needed to enhance their skills and create real impact in their communities. This blog series shines a spotlight on the experiences of our fellows, sharing their journeys to inspire and guide others who are interested in network-building and advocacy.
Today, we’re excited to introduce Laura Pasquariello, one of our fellows. Laura’s story reflects the transformative experience many have had in our fellowship, and she is eager to share how the program has influenced her approach to advocacy and leadership.
Laura’s Fellowship Journey
Hi, I’m Laura! I am a Netcentric Campaigns Training Fellow. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Equity Studies and History from the University of Toronto and a Master’s in Public Administration from Claremont Lincoln University. Education and advocating for marginalized voices have always been my passion. I first heard about Netcentric Campaigns through my university mentor. Since I am a recent graduate and passionate advocate, she suggested that the Netcentric Campaigns fellowship would be a great opportunity for me to leverage the skills I gained through my education while learning about the power of networks in advocacy work. After connecting with Marty Kearns, the founder of Netcentric Campaigns, and hearing firsthand about his excitement for network building and advocacy work, I decided to apply!
One of the most profound impacts this fellowship has had on me is completely reshaping how I approach advocacy. Before joining the program, I viewed networks as a peripheral element of organizing, focusing more on direct action and policy change. Now, I recognize that building strong, effective networks is essential to creating systemic, lasting change. I learned this firsthand through my work on the Wash Desk project, a customer service and communication hub for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives in the Asutifi region of Ghana. This project taught me the importance of engaging communities and using structured feedback mechanisms to address public health challenges effectively. Additionally, developing the Network Manager Self-Check Tool—an assessment tool to help advocates and organizations evaluate and improve their network-building capabilities—showed me how to benchmark network strengths and identify areas for growth. These experiences deepened my understanding of strategic network-building and equipped me with practical skills to lead impactful advocacy efforts.
The insights I’ve gained from this fellowship have transformed how I lead projects in my role as a Director on the board of a non-profit. I now focus on fostering networks that drive collective action and effectively address systemic issues. This shift has made me a stronger advocate and leader, better equipped to support the communities we serve.
This transformation was possible because of the thoughtful structure and opportunities built into the Netcentric Campaigns fellowship. The program was designed to deepen my understanding of network campaigns and organizing, while also supporting the efforts of Netcentric Campaigns’ partners and fellows. It provided hands-on work, leadership opportunities, and collaboration with peers. As the Training Fellow, I was responsible for supporting program operations, providing peer leadership, and working closely with the Executive Director on tasks like identifying leads, conducting interviews, and organizing events. Through these responsibilities, I was able to learn the importance of strategic planning and effective communication, both critical skills for building and sustaining impactful networks.
Though I had experience in education, analyzing policy documents, and creating curricula, I didn’t have much understanding of networks before joining. The resources that were shared with me, such as the Field Guide for Network Managers and the concept of the 7 elements of an effective network, were crucial in helping me grasp the basics. Watching videos of past training cohorts also gave me practical insight into how this knowledge was applied. The most impactful part, however, was the one-on-one coaching from the Netcentric Campaigns team. Their big ideas and collaborative leadership approach created a space where I could learn and grow, embodying the network-building values we discussed.
One of the biggest challenges I faced during the fellowship was being tasked with rebuilding the Netcentric Campaigns training program. This role required me to dive deep into the intricacies of network-building while simultaneously developing new courses. It was a steep learning curve, but the team’s guidance helped me navigate through it, ensuring the training materials were both effective and accessible. This challenge turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my fellowship, as it gave me a deep, hands-on understanding of networks from the ground up.
If you’re looking to strengthen your network-building skills and deepen your understanding of effective advocacy, the Netcentric Campaigns Fellowship is a unique opportunity. My biggest piece of advice is to dive in with curiosity and openness. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and engage deeply with the program. Before digging in, have a conversation with your Fellowship Supervisor about your goals and what you hope to achieve from the fellowship. This discussion will help you craft a personalized plan and ensure your contributions align with both your aspirations and the organization’s needs. Embrace the opportunity to collaborate, adapt, and grow. The fellowship is not just about gaining knowledge but also about applying it to make a meaningful impact.
It’s always inspiring to hear how our fellowship members have grown and strengthened their network-building skills, and Laura’s experience is just one of many that highlights the transformative nature of the Netcentric Campaigns Fellowship. Our program equips advocates with the skills and strategies they need to build strong networks and create meaningful change. If you’re interested in learning more about the Netcentric Campaigns Fellowship or the broader advocacy and network-building work we do to empower communities and drive social change, visit our Fellowship Program page or contact us today.