Great project managers keep everything moving, but what makes them stand out? SE2 Senior Project Manager Laurie Hansen knows how to juggle timelines, budgets, and people while keeping work on track.
She also brings a deep passion for storytelling and community impact, especially through SE2’s work on mental health initiatives like 988. In this Q&A, Laurie shares insights on staying organized, the issues that drive her, and why a great story sticks with you long after the credits roll.
Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to be a project manager or improve time management?
Organization makes all the difference. Keeping track of deadlines, budgets, and tasks helps everything run smoothly. But strong project management goes beyond your own schedule—you also guide teammates to complete their work on time. Balancing those moving pieces ensures that projects stay on track and teams feel supported.
Q: What issue that we work on are you most passionate about, and why?
988. Every community needs access to mental health resources, and too many people don’t know where to turn. I love that SE2 helps communities understand what’s available and where they can find support. Meeting people where they are, hearing their needs, and making sure they feel safe enough to reach out—that’s what matters most.
Q: What draws you to movies and storytelling? What makes a great story?
I’ve loved movies for as long as I can remember. In my 20s, I’d spend an entire day at the theater watching five movies back-to-back. A great story pulls you in, sticks with you, and teaches you something new every time you revisit it. That’s what makes storytelling powerful—it connects people and leaves a lasting impact.
About the Author:
RJ Johnson (they/them) is a trans behavior change marketer. They create fun, engaging, and strategic content. With over six years of experience in marketing, communications, and content management, they have touched just about every aspect of the field. RJ is a lifelong learner with an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado, Denver, and a B.F.A. in Creative Writing from Stephens College. RJ is a content strategist at SE2, a behavior change marketing agency, previously worked in the health insurance sector, and is passionate about aiding in the fight for equal opportunities and advocacy. They approach everything from a lens of intersectionality and community.
