A bird's eye view of our team
About Us
Our work is rooted in the communities that are important to us. We partner with organizations that value self-expression and social connection.
At Cormorant Collective, we take a holistic approach to fundraising, messaging, and design, which we believe is critical for mission-driven organizations to advance their work. Together, we have more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, including working together as colleagues, volunteers, and organizers.
Olivia Orr
Co-Founder and Graphic Designer
Experience:
Eight years as a graphic designer and over a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sector.
You can also ask me about:
World Cup Cross-Country Skiing ❄ and movie score recommendations 🎶
Laura Simocko
Co-Founder and Fundraising Strategist
Experience:
10+ years in fundraising and communications for dynamic, community-based nonprofits.
You can also ask me about:
Tea recommendations 🍵 and house plant troubleshooting 🌱
Laura was the Development Director at the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project from 2018 to 2024 and previously worked in fundraising for Sociedad Latina in Boston for five years. She is a practitioner of community-centric fundraising and has co-presented on the topic at conferences convened by the Maine Philanthropy Center and Association of Fundraising Professionals - Northern New England.
Olivia was a Senior Web Designer at Bates College from 2018 to 2024 and, before that, worked at the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project in Portland and Silver Lining Mentoring in Boston. Olivia has been a long-time advisor for the Maine Community Foundation’s Equity Fund and was a middle school ski coach and Board member for Portland Nordic for five years.
We have both been involved in local political campaigns, supporting progressive candidates and causes in Portland.
Fun fact: We held the exact same job at different points in our careers!