Laura Lemus

Laura Lemus is a proud Mexican immigrant raised on Long Island, New York and first-generation college graduate. Her passion for immigration motivated her to become involved in immigration advocacy as early as high school.

Laura was the Special Projects Coordinator at Long Island Wins, a non-profit communications organization that advocates for immigrants on Long Island and beyond.  There, she advocated for welcoming initiatives, the NY DREAM Act, language access, NY driver’s license campaign, and immigration reform. She also hosted a monthly radio show in Spanish and a bi-weekly radio show in English regarding immigrant issues. Her commitment to social justice issues began in college with various internships including a position at the United Nations as a Youth Representative for Soroptimist International, an NGO that empowers women and girls globally.

In 2017, Laura was honored by the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission for her professional service in responding to violations of human rights and seeking to change institutional structures that have restricted participation of all people. In 2016, she was the youngest honoree selected among 50 alumni honorees by her alma mater, SUNY Old Westbury, and in 2014, she received an award for her passion and energy in building power for young people across Long Island from Jobs with Justice, a worker-rights non-profit organization.

Laura graduated from SUNY Old Westbury with a Bachelor’s degree in History and Philosophy and a minor in global studies. She received her Master’s in Public Administration from Baruch College.