Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) proudly announces that Senior Staff Attorney, Laura Graham was honored with the Leader in Racial Justice Award at the YWCA Delaware 2013 Awards Luncheon. Laura received this award in recognition for her commitment to eliminate inequalities faced by victimized immigrants in Delaware.
Laura’s work at CLASI includes representation and systemic advocacy in the contexts of immigration petitions for victims of violent crime, domestic violence, and child abuse; public benefits such as Food Stamps and Medicaid; and public and subsidized housing. Laura’s passion is working with undocumented immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other violent crimes to help immigrant victims of crime gain the protection and safety needed to ensure long term opportunity and independence. She also partners with law enforcement, battered women’s shelters, health service providers, community groups and other agencies to provide education regarding the immigration options available to immigrant victims of violent crime.
“We congratulate Laura for being selected as an honoree by the YWCA,” said William Dunne, CLASI’s Executive Director. “Laura is dedicated to the immigrant victims she represents. She is relentless in pursuing the best possible outcome for those victims, ensuring their safety and empowering them to reach their full potential. Laura is an asset to our organization and to the community of immigrant victims she serves.”
Laura graduated from Juniata College with her bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in political science and German. She earned her J. D. from Temple University School of Law, where she was a member of the Public Interest Honor Society and was awarded a Barrack Public Interest Fellowship. She is a member of the Delaware and Pennsylvania Bars, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
“I am flattered and honored to celebrate this award with the YWCA of Delaware,” said Laura. “I hope that the stories of CLASI’s clients – low-income Delawareans and immigrant survivors of violent crime, domestic violence and sexual assault – will inspire others to join CLASI in our mission, and take up our work to end victimization and advocate for meaningful social change and justice.”
Laura was honored with five other women at the YWCA Delaware 2013 Awards Luncheon on March 20, 2013 at the Hotel DuPont in Wilmington. The event featured Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D., newly appointed CEO, YWCA USA, as the keynote speaker.
“The purpose of these awards is to honor extraordinary women who break new ground; are committed to actively pursuing opportunities to make a difference in the world; are champions in eliminating barriers for all people; actively serve as mentors; and encourage others to reach their full potential,” said Ginny Marino, YWCA Delaware Chief Executive Officer. “We are very excited about this year’s honorees. They are truly an outstanding and inspirational group of women.”