Laura Harding, Esq. Will Become President in September
Syosset, NY – August 8, 2022 – The Board of Directors of ERASE Racism announced today the successor to its Founding President Elaine Gross, who has led the organization for its 21-year history and informed the Board a year ago of her plan to retire. Laura Harding, an advocate, attorney, and public administrator with extensive experience advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusion, will become President of ERASE Racism in September. At that time, Elaine Gross will become President Emeritus and a consultant to ERASE Racism.
Laura Harding brings extraordinary experience in a wide range of areas that relate directly to ERASE Racism’s advocacy and programs – especially in public education, housing, and other aspects of public policy. She brings a depth of knowledge in effective approaches to addressing structural racism and enabling systems change to impact government and school policies. Her professional expertise encompasses program planning and implementation and has centered access to quality services and opportunities for underserved communities for school-age children and families eligible for affordable housing.
Laura also understands Long Island, its history, and its opportunities. She earned her undergraduate degree at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY, where she currently has a consultancy as a facilitator in the Diversity Certificate Partnership Program, training Long Island residents about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Laura is currently Director of Strategic Initiatives in K-12 Education and Co-Chair of the Racial Justice & Equity Team in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education in Washington, DC. She will be moving to Long Island to assume the presidency of ERASE Racism.
Laura was previously Director of Strategic Development in the Office of Equity & Access of the New York City Department of Education. Before that, she was Assistant Director of the Office of Federal Programs for the District of Columbia Public Schools. She has also served as a staff attorney with Legal Services New York, focusing on tenants’ rights, and for the New York Police Department, focusing on risk mitigation. In addition to her bachelor’s degree from Adelphi, Laura has a master’s degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago and a law degree from Howard University.
“Laura brings a breadth of talent and experience to the position of President,” said
Kalpana Bhandarkar, Co-Chair of ERASE Racism’s Board of Directors. “Her expertise in public education policy and programs centered on equity, her experience as an attorney focused on tenants’ rights, and her years of stakeholder engagement make her uniquely qualified to be in this important role. She threads compassion through her work, and we are confident she will serve as a dynamic and effective leader.”
"Laura has an adroit and deft command of the issues that impact the pursuit of equality on Long Island,” said Edward Pichardo, Esq., Co-Chair of ERASE Racism’s Board of Directors. “ERASE Racism is fortunate to have someone with her depth and skills come in to lead this illustrious organization."
“I am very excited by the opportunity to lead ERASE Racism and build on the legendary accomplishments of Elaine Gross,” said Laura Harding. “These are challenging times in America for racial justice and equity, and ERASE Racism’s history and record of achievement make it a remarkable vehicle that can drive Long Island, New York, and the nation forward.”
“It is thrilling for me to see a new President with a breadth of experience appointed to ERASE Racism,” said Elaine Gross. “As Founding President, I am delighted that Laura Harding will be succeeding me and that she will be setting the course for ERASE Racism going forward.”