Laura Schroff

Laura Schroff is a former advertising executive with extensive experience in major media companies, including Time Inc. and Conde Nast. Born and raised on Long Island, she was a key member of the advertising team that contributed to the national success of USA Today. Prior to her involvement in launching three of Time Inc.'s most successful start-ups—InStyle, Teen People, and People StyleWatch—she held the position of New York Division Manager at People magazine. Additionally, Schroff has served as the New York Ad Manager at Ms. magazine and Associate Publisher at Brides.

Schroff's journey into writing began following the publication of an article about her and a boy named Maurice in Good Housekeeping in 1997. This encounter inspired her to write the bestselling book, "An Invisible Thread: The True Story of an 11-year-old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny." The book details the unexpected friendship that blossomed between Schroff and Maurice after their first meeting on a New York City street corner. What started as a casual lunch at McDonald’s evolved into a series of weekly meetings that fostered a deep, life-changing bond.

Throughout the narrative of Maurice's struggles and their growing friendship, Schroff interweaves her own experiences of a turbulent childhood, marked by her father’s alcohol-induced rages. These reflections not only deepen the understanding of her connection with Maurice but also highlight how her past shaped her as a person. As their friendship developed, Schroff introduced Maurice to new experiences such as setting a table, trimming a Christmas tree, and bringing homemade lunches to school, which became cherished moments for him.

Today, Schroff shares their 25-year friendship story, emphasizing its transformative impact on her life and Maurice's, turning her professional success into a meaningful personal journey. Outside of writing and speaking, Schroff enjoys spending time at her condo on Long Island and visiting her family in New York and Florida. She resides in New York City with her poodles, Coco and the recent addition, Emma.