A few weeks ago, we invited our Mestiza community to nominate a woman in their life who has triumphed over adversity, has an inspiring story, or makes a positive impact in their community.

In lieu of this week's regular Tastemaker feature, we're proud to spotlight Laura Kudowitz as our Mestiza Muse. Laura is an educator and a beloved figure in her community. She made the selfless decision to donate a kidney to her son when he was in urgent need of a transplant. Beyond being a triathlete, marathoner, and yoga lover, Laura is a devoted mother of four and is instilling in her children the importance of being kind, and never taking their health, or family, for granted.

Laura wears the Audrey Midi Dress

Hi! My name is Laura Kudowitz. I live in Englewood, New Jersey with my husband, Brian, and my four children, Lily (17), Olivia (14), Paul (11), and Isaac (6), and our dog, Red. I am a teacher in one of my community’s schools, and I love what I do. I also love running and hot yoga, but most of all, I love being a mom.

Your Mestiza Muse nominator, Brian Kudowitz, described you as not only being an amazing wife, daughter, teacher, but also as a kidney donor, triathlete, marathoner, and yoga-lover! How do you balance such a full life while carving out time for yourself?
I am very fortunate to lead a very full life. As a working mom of four children, I have a lot on my plate, but in the best way. I am a very early riser, and I try to use that to my advantage. I wake up early to have a quiet cup of coffee before anyone else needs me, and then I work out by going for a run or taking a hot yoga class. My early mornings are my “me” time, and this routine has gotten me in the habit of starting my day in a positive place mentally and physically.

Your son’s kidney condition led to a truly remarkable moment when you discovered you were a match and became his donor. What was that experience like for you, and what do you wish people understood about organ donation?
It is hard to put into words what it felt like to learn I was a match. My son, Paul, was born with chronic kidney disease due to a congenital condition we learned about when I was 20 weeks pregnant. He has been through so much, including many surgeries, ER visits, hospital admissions, and frequent disruptions to his childhood. I am in awe of his strength and resilience. When Paul was 7 years old, we learned that his kidneys were failing and the time had come for a transplant. We were terrified and worried, but also hopeful that a transplant could change his health and his life. My husband and I prayed we would be a match for him. A living donor relative would be the best possible scenario for Paul, and he would be able to get his transplant quickly. I remember getting the call that I was a match when I was in the car. I pulled over to take the call, and my stomach was in knots. When I learned I was a match for Paul, I just sat there and cried. I was still terrified for him, but I felt such relief and gratitude that he would be able to get the life-saving transplant he needed. 

I would love for people to know that organ donation is truly a modern miracle. Days after his transplant, Paul was home and building a Lego set on our living room floor. I couldn’t believe how healthy he already looked. If you are able to consider donating a kidney, you might not even be able to imagine the magnitude of the gift you could give. You would not only be saving someone’s life, you would be giving them a quality of life they could not experience without a transplant. You would be impacting an entire family by giving their loved one a chance at a healthy life and a bright future and by relieving the stress of having a family member in organ failure. I am just as healthy with one kidney as I was with two. I ran a marathon just last year, I do yoga, I work full time, and I keep up with my kids. It is truly incredible that we were born with two kidneys but only need one. If you are in a place to consider becoming a donor, I hope you will consider giving the gift of life.

You are a teacher who is widely respected by your community. What inspired you to become an educator?
Before I was an educator, I worked in publishing. I enjoyed it, but when I became a mom, it no longer felt like the right career for me. My mom is a retired math teacher. She is a gifted educator, and I remember reading notes her students wrote her every year thanking her for “being such a good teacher” and “finally helping them understand math.” I think becoming a mother helped me realize that it must have been so rewarding for her to work with children and to make a difference in their lives. I decided that I wanted that, too. I truly love what I do. I love my students, and I love coming to work every day. I am so fortunate to do something that makes me feel fulfilled.

As a mother to four kids, what are some lessons you hope to teach them?
I hope to teach my children to be kind, compassionate adults with the strength to always live by the values, morals, and sense of right and wrong that we have always tried to teach them. I want them to always remember that family is everything, to never take health for granted, and to know their own worth. I hope to teach them that they should always be strong enough to choose to do what is right, even when it is hard. I also want them to know that my husband and I are here for them always, and they can turn to us for anything.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to make a difference in their community?
To be honest, I always feel like I should be doing more and giving back to my community more. As a working mother, it can be hard to find the time or means to do that, but I also believe it is incredibly important, so I try to look for opportunities to do some good. I have learned that giving back or making a difference doesn’t always have to come in the form of a grand gesture. Sometimes, it could be something as small as checking in on an elderly member of the community, signing up to deliver food to someone in need, or making a meal for someone who is ill or going through something difficult. Sometimes, there might be some small way you can help, while still making a big impact.

Are there any quotes or mantras that you live by?
Yes my favorite quote is something my husband once said to our oldest daughter. “You will never regret being the kindest person you know.” I remember that when he said it, I thought it was so true and such a beautiful idea. I live by that quote. I think about it daily, and now I say it to my kids all the time. 

Where are you wearing your new Mestiza piece and how does wearing your Mestiza piece make you feel?
I am so incredibly excited to wear my Mestiza dress to some upcoming parties, events, and a family wedding. It is such a special piece. The fabric and silhouette are gorgeous. It makes me feel so beautiful and elegant.

What about the Mestiza brand speaks to you?
I am in love with the Mestiza brand. It just speaks to me. Everything is so feminine and unique. I love the beautiful florals and stunning fabrics, and I love that so many pieces are convertible or reversible! I feel there is almost a vintage inspiration to many of the designs that just makes me feel like a beautiful woman when I wear them.