Lieberman-Mitzner Scholars Faculty

Lieberman-Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy Scholars

Dr. Sharon Poczter, Program Director

Sharon Poczter is the Chair of the Strategy and Entrepreneurship Department at the Sy Syms School of Business at as well as an Associate Professor and director of the Senator Joseph Lieberman-Mitzner Scholars program. Her research focuses on issues related to access to financing for firms in both the developing and developed context, including the role of the government in promoting entrepreneurship, and gender disparity in company funding. Her research has been published in top peer-reviewed journals, and she is a columnist and frequent contributor for Inc, Bloomberg, Fox News, and other media outlets where she simplifies complex economic and business issues, and uses economics to analyze issues around women at work. Her economic take on women in the workforce has also appeared in the book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. She is also a professional kickboxing instructor.

Laurie Saroff, Impact Officer

With over two decades of Capitol Hill experience, Laurie is a seasoned political strategist and insider. In Congress, she worked in both the House and Senate mainly for the California delegation. In the Senate, she was policy staff for Senators Boxer and Lautenberg and helped craft legislation on issues of national importance including post 9/11 homeland security. Laurie then held leadership roles in the House, including Chief of Staff for over 12 years for Southern California Members Reps. Harman, Hahn, and Correa, where she was recognized for outstanding management including the most productive freshman office.

As the founder of Capitol Dome Strategies, a non-profit firm, she advises the next generation of leaders by providing consulting and mentoring to new Members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff. Through her "Launch Your Capitol Hill Career" program, she has mentored hundreds of college and recent graduates on how to get their start in Washington. She also developed a leadership program to provide guidance for professionals to take their careers and team to the next level.

She is passionate about creating and being part of networks that promote Jewish women working in politics. After 10/7, she created the bi-partisan Capitol Jewish Women's Network for Jewish women in politics, policy, press, and PR providing a vital space for collaboration and networking.

Laurie's commitment to leadership extends to her involvement in political boards such as the GlobalWIN Advisory Council and 131& Counting. She also serves as co-president of the California State Society.

One of the biggest honors of her career was volunteering on the Gore-Lieberman campaign, which included helping the Senator's mother fold towels at his home, so they would not mildew, before leaving for the last few days on the campaign trail.

Laurie is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. She is also a mom to two boys, Zachary and Daniel, who after growing up in Washington, DC say they do not want to work in politics.