For 18 years, Laura Tancredi-Baese did not just lead Home Start San Diego – she poured her heart into it. Her days were filled with real conversations, listening closely to the families who depended on Home Start, and rolling up her sleeves to tackle the everyday challenges they faced. It was about more than fancy titles and lofty speeches. She wanted to ensure that every child and parent felt truly cared for.
Laura’s approach was refreshingly down-to-earth. Whether she was launching a housing program for young mothers or expanding services to help people in crisis, she always kept her focus on the people behind the numbers. “We have expanded life-changing resources like housing, food assistance, tax return support, job training, behavioral health services, and more. Just last year alone, we helped more than 20,000 people break cycles of poverty, abuse, homelessness, and neglect,” she shared with GB Magazine.
One of the things that stands out about her leadership, was her knack for spotting what was missing. Instead of following the crowd, she took a chance on ideas that seemed a bit risky at first – ideas that would eventually drive real change. “You are stepping into a role that has the power to change lives,” she reminded her successor, a simple yet powerful message that encapsulated her belief in the transformative power of empathy and action.
Her legacy is written in the everyday moments that made a difference. Think about the relief on a young mother’s face when she first walks into her own safe apartment, or the quiet gratitude of a family finally having a place to call home. These are the moments that defined Laura’s time at Home Start. They are reminders that even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, turning hardships into hope.
As Home Start moves forward, the spirit of Laura’s guidance continues to resonate throughout the organization. The genuine care she showed is not confined to boardrooms or press releases – it is alive in every team meeting, every community event, and every time someone in need receives a helping hand. Her influence is a warm reminder that true leadership is about being present, being patient, and most of all, being human.
Laura’s journey with Home Start shows that true leadership is all about asking the right questions, listening intently to real stories, and taking the time to understand what people really need.
During her tenure, Laura made Home Start feel like home. When asked about her proudest accomplishments, she stated “I am proud of the countless lives we have changed. From providing safe housing to young mothers to creating job training programs that empower individuals to build better futures, every initiative has been a step toward a stronger, healthier community. That is a legacy I will always cherish.”
