Laurie graduated from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan with an English (Writing track) and Communication Arts degree in May 2008. While in school, she studied abroad at Oxford University, interned at Grand Rapids' leading television news station, WOOD TV8, was editor of her campus newspaper, won a first place prize in the national Association of Christian Collegiate Media contest and was a Michigan Press Association scholarship recipient for 2008.

Laurie currently works as a full-time reporter with The Advance newspapers in Jenison, Michigan and covers the news in Sparta and Kent City. While driving on pothole laced roads and conducting interesting interviews, Laurie is inspired to write in order to inspire others to action.

Laurie Hekman's blog is Inspired.