Laura Zirpolo Stout ’88: A Career Dedicated to Disability Rights

Laura Zirpolo Stout ’88, a leader in the healthcare space and a passionate advocate for disability rights, draws on her experience as a person with dwarfism to drive change both in her profession and in society.

Stout serves as the Director of Network Compliance and Contract Operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), a role where she leads efforts to ensure that the company’s provider network complies with regulatory requirements. She focuses on policy development, strategic leadership, and contract management while delivering SalesForce functionality to enhance provider operations. Stout’s team works closely with stakeholders across the company to ensure that their network strategies align with corporate goals and comply with regulations. She’s also responsible for developing innovative contracting methods that improve BCBSMA’s competitive edge in the healthcare industry.

As President of the organization’s Empowering Abilities Employee Resource Group (ERG), Stout spearheads disability awareness programs and fosters an inclusive workplace culture. Under her leadership, BCBSMA has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” for five consecutive years, underscoring her impact on advancing the company’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) mission.

“The ERG has been critical to maintaining an inclusive culture and creating platforms for employees at all levels to speak and be heard in a safe place,” she said.

A Tireless Advocate

Stout’s advocacy extends to numerous community boards and committees. In 2018, she was appointed by then-Gov. Charlie Baker to the Advisory Board of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. In this role, she and her fellow board members provide advice and guidance on policy matters, review the commission’s programs and policies, and share their insights with the governor and commission leaders.

She has also served on the Massachusetts Attorney General Disability Rights Advisory Committee since 2015, appointed by Attorney General Maura Healey during the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The committee, composed of advocates and experts with diverse experiences, advises the Attorney General and her staff on inclusion, access, and equality for individuals with disabilities. Their initiatives address a wide range of issues, from mental health and behavioral challenges to architectural access and technology, aiming to drive meaningful changes for the disability community.

A central focus of Stout’s advocacy is her involvement with the Brandeis University National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities (NRCPD), where she sits on the advisory board. In this role, Laura helps shape the center’s mission to support parents with disabilities through research, training, and resources. She’s passionate about the center’s work, which provides webinars, research studies, and outreach to empower disabled parents.

Stout explained, “Being a parent with a disability presents unique challenges, but organizations like NRCPD ensure that we’re not navigating these challenges alone. We’re building a future where disabled parents have the tools and support they need.”

Her experience as a mother of two daughters has influenced her approach to both her advocacy and professional life. She emphasized the importance of open communication about disability, making sure her daughters understand and embrace differences. “We talk openly about disability in our household. It’s something that’s part of our family, but it doesn’t define us. I want my daughters to know that being different isn’t something to shy away from; it’s something to embrace.”

Stout’s involvement with Little People of America (LPA) has also been integral to her life. The organization provides support, advocacy, and community for people with dwarfism and their families. For Stout, LPA has been a lifeline—offering not only a network of families with shared experiences but also opportunities to advocate for better policies and greater awareness of dwarfism. She noted how LPA has enriched her family’s quality of life, providing a sense of belonging and understanding that has been invaluable.

“It’s a space where we can discuss challenges, share advice, and find understanding from people who truly get it. Attending LPA events, annual conferences, and activities has created bonding opportunities for my family, offering a sense of belonging and shared identity,” she said.

Teaching Advocacy at Home

Stout's philosophy on parenting revolves around teaching her children resilience and self-advocacy. She wants her daughters to grow up with confidence and empathy, understanding that differences are not barriers but opportunities for growth and connection. “As a parent with a disability, I’ve had to advocate for myself throughout my life. Now, I’m teaching my daughters how to advocate for themselves and others. I want them to be proud of who they are and to always stand up for what’s right.”

Emmanuel: A Foundation for Leadership

Drawn to Emmanuel’s for its focus on women’s empowerment, social justice, and service, Stout found a supportive environment where she could excel academically and personally. Majoring in biology, she was inspired by faculty like Dr. Joel Kowit, Professor of Biology, and Chemistry Professor Rose Irma Lynch, who deepened her love for science and provided hands-on experiences that would later inform her career in healthcare. Involvement in student organizations such as the Program Board, Student Government, and Health Club helped Stout develop the leadership and teamwork skills that continue to serve her today.

“I’ll always be grateful for my time at Emmanuel,” Stout said. “It was the place where I found my voice and the confidence to use it.”

Stout’s journey at Emmanuel was not just about academics; it was also defined by a vibrant community that fostered lifelong friendships. She cherishes memories of campus events like the big sister-little sister ceremonies and social gatherings on the quad, moments that solidified her connection to her classmates. “Emmanuel was a place where I felt seen and valued,” she said. “The sense of community was incredible, and those bonds have remained a constant source of support in my life.”

Today, Stout remains actively connected to the Emmanuel community and her college friends, many of whom she has maintained relationships with for over 40 years. “Maintaining these close friendships from college is incredibly rewarding. These connections provide a sense of continuity and support as life changes,” she said. “We stay in touch through regular meetups, group chats, and of course Facebook and Instagram! Together we have a treasure trove of shared experiences that have strengthened our connection.”

The Future of Disability Advocacy

Looking ahead, Stout hopes to see continued progress in areas such as public accessibility, digital inclusion, equitable education, and healthcare for people with disabilities. In particular, she said work needs to be done legislatively.

“Inclusive legislation and continued efforts to pass and enforce legislation that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and promotes inclusion are vital. This includes not only federal and state laws but also local governments,” she said.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Laura Stout is not just making a mark—she’s paving the way for a future where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.