The Laksmi Project
The Laksmi Project connects you with opportunities to create, cultivate, and sustain regenerative resources to thrive.
Next Up: Spring Salon
Creating a Welcoming City: Art, Mental Health, and Mutual Aid
Wednesday, May 28th | 6pm - 8pm CST
Join us for a facilitated conversation with an incredible group of Chicago professionals working in newcomer communities as we focus on the interconnected issues of migration, mental health, and artistic creativity. Our conversation will focus on organizations and communities actively working through love, creativity, mutual aid, and care. We invite you to join the conversation with your own experiences and insights, and to ask this question with us: what can I do to join in the work of ensuring that our city is a place where all people can thrive?
LP. Activations
Bespoke Events & Programs
Curated by the LP., Activations are tailored to your goals to build relationships and engagement for your fundraiser, work, project, or mission.
Mirja Spooner // Curator of Connection
Meet Your Host
Mirja Catherine Laksmi Spooner is a development leader, host, and founder of The Laksmi Project. Mirja works as a connector to cultivate relationships, engagements, and opportunities that contribute to a more abundant world. Her work lives at the intersection of community connection, strategic development, and financial engagement.
Mirja spent her career working in the arts in New York City and was the Director of Development at the Neue Galerie New York. Additionally, she worked in development at the Art Institute of Chicago raising capital funds for the Modern Wing. Mirja is a board member of The Renaissance Society, and Hyde Park Art Center. She is the Board Chair of the ChiArts Foundation, the philanthropic partner to Chicago's only public arts high school, The Chicago High School for the Arts. Mirja holds a BA in American Studies from Barnard College/Columbia University.
Mirja is currently the Director of Development at Brushwood Center, a health and nature non-profit in Lake County, IL. In 2022, Mirja started The Laksmi Project. The LP. works with organizations and individuals to create and sustain enriching connections that optimize their assets, and exceed their goals.