Symantha K. Laughter thrives as an award-winning professional and an experience insights strategist at Clayton, a real estate company in Knoxville, Tennessee. In her vital position, Ms. Laughter drives meaningful change while managing customer listening programs to ensure smooth operations, conducting projects to improve response rates, and overseeing experience research design, execution, and insights communications. Previously a research analyst at AlphaBrook, Ms. Laughter honed and brought her transferable research, development, and analysis skills.
Well-known and lauded in her industry for her innovative approach to survey development, Ms. Laughter is particularly proud of having created practical and insightful surveys that have filled a crucial gap in understanding customer feedback connections to internal processes. Based on positive responses to her work from the field, she has received support to conduct additional cornerstone moment surveys. Her professional prowess through the years has garnered honors such as the Chancellor’s Citation for Extraordinary Professional Promise from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as well as the Eureka Social Science Division Award of Excellence, and others. Ms. Laughter believes her accomplishments are the result of the unconditional support of her family and the kindness of individuals who have given her opportunities throughout her academic and professional careers.
Having a rigorous academic background as her foundation, Ms. Laughter holds a dual Bachelor of Arts in sociology and religious studies and a Master of Arts in sociology, all from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During her college years, she developed strong capabilities and discipline in academic research and teaching methodologies as a graduate assistant and as a graduate teaching assistant. Ms. Laughter would later continue her learning and professional development by earning several certifications and completing a key social and behavioral responsible conduct of research course provided by the CITI Program. Moreover, she has contributed her expertise as an author of research on cultural competency and educational methods in studies abroad since 2019 and as a co-contributor to Clayton Voice of the Customer since 2022.
Looking forward, at Clayton, Ms. Laughter is advocating for significant transformation and expansion within her department. She envisions herself taking on a leadership role in guiding research teams and engaging with experts in specialized fields. As a lifelong learner, she also is pursuing various research, communication, and development opportunities of her own to elevate her skills and her role at Clayton. Further, she stays professionally sharp as a member of relevant organizations, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Tennessee Speech and Debate Society, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Professional Education Course Advisory Board, and the Blount County Young Professionals Association. Civically, Ms. Laughter is active in the Women’s Coordinating Council and volunteers with Bridge Refugee Services.