About
About Laura Hope Whitaker
Founder & Visionary Leader of ESP | Award-Winning Speaker | Author of The Joy Exchange
About Laura Hope Whitaker
Founder & Visionary Leader of ESP | Award-Winning Speaker | Author of The Joy Exchange
Laura Hope Whitaker is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader, speaker, and champion for joyful, ability-forward community building. As the CEO of ESP, Laura has spent nearly two decades redefining what it looks like to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families—experiences rooted not in limitation, but in dignity, joy, and belonging.
Her leadership has helped ESP grow from a single local program into a multi-community organization serving thousands of members and families across Georgia and beyond. But at the heart of Laura’s work is something deeply personal: a belief that every person has inherent worth, and that when communities are built with warmth, hospitality, and imagination, everyone thrives.
A Story Shaped by Calling
Laura’s journey with ESP began as a college volunteer. When ESP founder Martha Wyllie passed away unexpectedly, Laura stepped into leadership at just 19 years old—guided by conviction, resilience, and a deep love for the community she served.
What followed was not simply organizational growth, but cultural transformation. Under Laura’s leadership, ESP expanded programs, eliminated waitlists, launched innovative employment pathways like Java Joy, and pioneered joy-filled environments where people of all abilities are seen and celebrated.
About Laura Hope Whitaker
Speaking with Purpose
Laura is a sought-after speaker for organizations looking for more than inspiration alone. Her talks are grounded, honest, and deeply human, blending personal story with practical insight drawn from real leadership experience.
- Leadership & Resiliency
- Faith & Family
- Inspiration
- Entrepreneurship
- Non-Profit as a Business
- Overcoming Obstacles
Whether addressing executive teams, faith communities, entrepreneurs, or nonprofit leaders, Laura speaks with clarity and warmth – challenging audiences to lead with courage, compassion, and purpose.
Author of The Joy Exchange
Laura’s book, The Joy Exchange, is a National Best Seller and explores a powerful truth she’s lived firsthand: joy multiplies when it’s shared. Through personal stories, leadership lessons, and moments from the ESP community, Laura invites readers to rethink success, service, and what it truly means to belong.
The book extends Laura’s message beyond the stage, offering readers a tangible way to engage with joy as a daily, transformative practice. Find it wherever great books are sold!
Learn More about Laura
This page is just the beginning.
To explore Laura’s full story, speaking resources, media features, and The Joy Exchange, visit her personal site.