FRONTLINE: Dossier

La Salle University Nonprofit Center Director Laura Otten 

Laura Otten, 56, Ardmore
Director, Nonprofit Center, La Salle University

Book on her night stand: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. I’m also in the process of rereading all of Zora Neale Hurston’s works. I just finished Their Eyes Were Watching God. I like her style and the period of history she’s working with. She has a unique way of telling a story.

iPod tunes on repeat: I love baroque music. I love trumpet concertos, so I listen to composers like Telemann and Vivaldi. And even though he’s not a baroque composer, I like the recordings of Wynton Marsalis.

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Restaurant of the hour: I don’t have one. Food isn’t that important to me. I much prefer to cook. Cooking is my relaxation, my diversion.

Personal hero: My parents have been the biggest source of inspiration in my life. They have a very strong sense of right and wrong and giving back. They’re rooted in a strong moral base and they’re great people.

One thing she knows for sure: That I love my family.

Very own vici: Professionally, I’m most proud of publishing a book, Women’s Rights and the Law, and winning a national award for teaching. Personally, my proudest accomplishment is my son.

Zen destination: Walloon Lake, Mich. I like the peacefulness, the setting, the people, the sunsets, the night skies, the Northern Lights.

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If she had an extra hour each day, she would: Read.

Pet peeve: Arrogance.

Life view: chance or fate? Neither. You need to have a plan and back it up with hard work.

Most marked characteristic: Being straightforward.

Quality she most admires in others: Integrity and smartness.

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Mantra: Follow your passion.

Main Line Today Restaurant Week runs October 13-26!