ABOUT

Whether you’re looking to craft impactful strategies, execute meaningful programs, or drive growth, LIA Inspiration is here to help.

About

LIA

Inspiration

At LIA Inspiration, we believe that Life is Amazing—and that belief fuels our mission to turn visionary ideas into measurable impact.

Based in Kansas City, LIA Inspiration is a boutique consulting firm specializing in program and project management, strategic planning, and community engagement. We help nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, school systems, and mission-driven leaders bring bold ideas to life through thoughtful design, seamless execution, and data-informed decisions.

Expert Consulting for Nonprofits, Education, Philanthropy — and Political Office

Founded by Laura Palacios, LIA Inspiration brings over a decade of cross-sector experience, spanning education, nonprofit leadership, union organizing, philanthropic strategy, and political engagement. We now proudly offer consulting for individuals seeking political office, providing trusted support in campaign planning, message development, community connection, and organizational structure for aspiring and current leaders.

With bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency and a multicultural lens, we provide inclusive, equity-centered consulting that resonates with diverse communities and stakeholders.

What We Do Best: Program and Project Management for Real Results

Our core strength lies in program management and implementation—helping clients assess what’s working, what needs to evolve, and how to scale or sunset programs with purpose. Whether launching a new initiative or evaluating an existing one, we bring clarity, care, and structure to every phase of your work.

Why Choose LIA Inspiration?

  • Proven success with foundations, school districts, community-based organizations, and political leaders

  • Customized consulting tailored to your goals, culture, and capacity

  • Strategic guidance backed by real-world experience

  • Deep commitment to equity, innovation, and sustainability

The name LIA—short for "Life Is Amazing"—reflects our belief in the power of collaboration, creativity, and community to spark extraordinary change.

📍 Serving Kansas City and beyond
📞 Ready to build something meaningful? Contact us to start your journey.

Meet the founder:

Laura Palacios, MSOL

A transformational and inclusive leader, Laura Palacios is known for invigorating teams, fostering lasting partnerships, and leading projects that drive meaningful change. Equipped with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University, Laura combines advanced skills in emotional intelligence, leadership communication, and data analysis to guide diverse organizations and navigate complex, adaptive environments with confidence.

With over a decade of experience across nonprofits, education, unions, corporations, and philanthropy, Laura brings a unique blend of strategy, creativity, and execution to every initiative. As the founder of LIA Inspiration, a boutique consulting firm based in Kansas City, she partners with mission-driven organizations to bring bold ideas to life, build equity-centered solutions, and achieve results that truly matter.

Areas of Expertise

✨ Program Management & Optimization for scalable, sustainable impact

✨ Project Management with an equity-centered, stakeholder-driven approach

✨ Strategic Communications, including comprehensive plans and storytelling

✨ Community Engagement designed to reach the target audience and resonate

✨ End-to-End Program Execution—from vision to reality

What Sets Laura Apart?

Versatility Across Sectors

Laura thrives in complex environments, bringing clarity and innovation whether advising a foundation, managing a district-wide literacy initiative, or guiding a political candidate through campaign launch.

Community-Focused Leadership

A dedicated volunteer and mentor, she uplifts emerging professionals and fosters coalitions grounded in shared values and impact.

Multicultural, Bilingual Perspective

Fluent in English and Spanish, Laura bridges cultural divides and ensures inclusive engagement with diverse audiences.

Lifelong Learning Mindset

Constantly evolving her practice, Laura brings the latest tools, insights, and frameworks to support her clients’ growth

Beyond her professional work, Laura is a recognized advocate for equity and community betterment—a leader who brings people together and a catalyst for sustainable, systemic change.

🎙 Featured In

Featured in the July 27, 2024 issue of The Independent

Renowned for her support of literacy, diversity advocacy, and numerous other initiatives, Laura’s extensive community contributions have earned her recognition as a Rising Star from The Independent.

Northeast News Women Speak Podcast episode 367 (June 2025)

On this episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Owner of LIA (Life is Amazing) Inspiration and Member of Independence Plaza Neighborhood Council (IPNC) Laura Palacios to continue our series on women who influence policy.

Featured in United Way’s 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month feature

“I identify as Latina, Latinx, Hispanic, Chicana, Mexican-American,” says Laura Palacios, Content Marketing Specialist at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, when asked how she identifies herself in terms of her cultural and ethnic background.

Let’s work together to make a meaningful impact.

How We Work

At LIA Inspiration, meaningful work starts with intentional collaboration. We don't just partner with clients; we also surround ourselves with trusted experts who enhance our operations and presentation in the world.

Our approach is rooted in clarity, creativity, and care, and it’s strengthened by a team of values-aligned partners who help us deliver exceptional results.

🤝 Trusted Partners

  • Urban Prairie

    We’ve partnered with Urban Prairie to provide Fractional CFO services, ensuring that LIA Inspiration’s financial strategy and operations are as intentional and impactful as the work we deliver. This collaboration allows us to grow sustainably and steward our resources with confidence.

  • Esturdo Garcia Media

    For visual storytelling and creative direction, we work with Esturdo Garcia Media, whose keen eye and artistry help bring our brand and client work to life across digital platforms, print, and beyond.

  • Studebaker Consulting

    We collaborate with Studebaker Consulting on research, customer engagement, and process optimization. Their strategic insight and human-centered approach enable us to design smarter systems, gain a deeper understanding of stakeholder needs, and ensure our work is grounded in both data and empathy.