We thought our readers/viewers might like to learn about some of the folks who work at IdahoPTV. Because there are so many people who work behind the scenes, you may have seen some of them, or maybe only heard about them. Today we would like to introduce Grants Manager, Laura Hull.
IdahoPTV’s Carol Beres recently sat down with Laura. She learned that Laura has lots of responsibilities in securing grant funding for IdahoPTV. “As grants manager I run IdahoPTV’s grants calendar which includes assembling information for grant proposals and reports, strategy, and research.” Laura keeps track of the grant schedules, including due dates. “My work is deadline driven. There’s a lot more to grants that doesn’t include writing,” she says. “When I do get to write, I especially enjoy picking which gems shine brightest for a particular narrative. My colleagues do such top-notch work that I often have more ‘case for support’ language than character- or page-limits allow.”
While you don’t hear it in her voice, Laura is originally from another country. “I was born in Cape Town, South Africa and immigrated to Idaho with my family in 1991. My mom is Italian and my dad English, both were born and raised in Africa,” she says. Her family lived in Sun Valley before they moved to Boise. “Outdoor Idaho helped us learn about our new home.” She has lived in other places, such as Portland, Oregon, and Italy, where she taught English and got to see a bit more of Europe while finishing her degree, and before eventually settling back in the Gem State.
She believes in the mission of Idaho Public Television. “I value public media, believe in our mission to ‘tell Idaho’s stories,’ and am privileged to work amongst such talented people,” she says. “I feel fortunate to play a small part in the significantly positive impact IdahoPTV has on citizens and communities at large, especially in early education.” Taking care of two small children and running a grants consulting business, while working here part time, keeps Laura busy.
Her hobbies include yoga, writing, reading, and many outdoor activities like camping and hiking. She recently took up mountain biking, “which I instantly fell in love with,” she says. Her kids influence her choices as well. “They’re curious outdoor adventurers and love collecting ‘nature treasures’ on walks, bike rides, and hikes. We like to press and preserve them in thick books to admire later. We have a LOT of special rocks at our house,” she says.
Laura chooses a warm spot for her favorite part of the state. “Hagerman is one of my favorite spots to unwind and take in Idaho’s breathtaking scenery,” she says. “I find its fossil beds and thermal springs fascinating, and it’s a fun place to camp with kids.” Another favorite place is the City of Trees. “I love to wander around downtown or go for a run in the foothills,” she says. She’s looking forward to exploring the Panhandle in the future as her children get older.
When it’s time for a snack, Laura goes back to her roots. “A staple is tea – English or Rooibos, with milk – and for a quick bite I’d pick boerewors (a type of sausage which originated in South Africa) every time if I could. I tend to stick to healthy stuff like nuts, fruits, and veggies, but in an indulgent moment will reach for kettle chips or milk chocolate,” she says.
With young children in her house, Laura is pretty familiar with PBS KIDS, but when it comes to her favorite character, she sticks with a classic: “Definitely Grover and his unbridled enthusiasm for everything he sets his mind to,” she says. “He tends to take on a bit much but his heart is always in the right place. If we were friends, I’d tell him to slow down and take a deep breath, which I often have to tell myself!” Her children like the newer characters, like Alma from Alma’s Way. “They now love to say, ‘Hmmm, I gotta think about this…’ and Curious George is always on at home. My toddler daughter can definitely relate to his monkey business.”