We were lucky to catch up with Lori Alhadeff recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lori, appreciate you joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

Once upon a time, in a vibrant Parkland community, nestled near the sunlit coast of Florida, there lived a mother and daughter whose bond was as bright and unbreakable as the morning sun. Lori Alhadeff, a devoted and loving mother, always encouraged her children to dream big and shine their light upon the world. Her daughter, Alyssa, was a spirited young girl with a passion for soccer and a heart full of kindness.

Alyssa had a way of lighting up every room she entered. Her laughter was contagious, and her enthusiasm for life was inspiring to all who knew her. She was a dedicated athlete, often seen practicing on the soccer field, her ponytail swinging with every determined step. Her teammates admired her leadership and the way she always cheered them on, no matter the score.

Lori, inspired by Alyssa’s love for soccer and her caring spirit, often volunteered at school events and helped organize soccer fundraisers. They shared a dream of making the world a better place, and together, they envisioned creating a safer environment for children to learn and grow.

When tragedy struck and Alyssa’s vibrant life was cut short, the heartache was unimaginable. The community mourned the loss of a shining star, but Lori, drawing strength from the love she shared with her daughter, resolved to carry on Alyssa’s memory. She poured her grief into action, turning “Make Our Schools Safe” into a nationally recognized organization dedicated to advocating for school safety like Alyssa’s Law and MOSS Clubs.

Through her tireless dedication, Lori brought together families, educators, and lawmakers, creating a chorus of voices demanding change. Each step she took was a testament to Alyssa’s spirit, a living tribute to her daughter’s kindness and vision.

“Make Our Schools Safe” became a beacon of hope, a reminder that love and determination could spark change and protect future generations. Under Lori’s leadership, the organization established Alyssa Alhadeff scholarship programs, developed safety protocols, and empowered students to speak up about their concerns.

Lori’s story of resilience and love touched hearts across the country, inspiring others to join the cause. Her unwavering commitment turned grief into action, and through it all, she felt Alyssa’s presence guiding her, like a gentle breeze on a warm summer day.

In the heart of their community, an incredible playground was planted in memory of Alyssa, filled with soccer themed playground equipment. It became a place of reflection and hope, a symbol of the lasting impact one girl and her mother could have on the world.

And so, Lori’s mission of keeping Alyssa’s memory alive and making schools safe lived on, not just in the safety measures implemented in schools but in the hearts of every child who felt safer because of their efforts. Together, Lori proved that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love and determination could make the world a brighter, safer place for all.

Lori, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

PERSONAL: Raised and lived in New Jersey for over thirty-eight years. Lori is a former Health and Physical Education teacher, K-12th grade. She was a stay-at-home mom for fourteen years with three children. Her daughter, Alyssa, was tragically killed at Stoneman Douglas High School on 2-14-18. She has been married to Dr. Ilan Alhadeff for twenty-two years and is a community & safety advocate.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and a Master of Arts in Education from Gratz College.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS: State of New Jersey certification in Health and Physical Education and State of New York certification in Health and Physical Education.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Employed four years at Union Township School in Hampton, New Jersey. Where she coached volleyball, cheerleading and softball. Employed one year at Windward School as a Health and Physical Education teacher for children with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities. She also coached cheerleading.

Elected to The School Board of Broward County, Florida in 2018 to serve as District 4 Board Member. Has been Chair of the Broward County School Board for two years.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Fundraising volunteer for the Parkland Soccer Club.

President of a 501(c)(3), a national non-profit organization Make Our Schools Safe dedicated to protecting students and teachers at school. MakeOurSchoolsSafe.org

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Lori’s dedication to this cause turned her grief into action, helping to protect students and give parents peace of mind. Her relentless advocacy for legislative change led to the passage of “Alyssa’s Law,” which mandates the installation of panic alarms in schools to facilitate quicker responses during emergencies. Her efforts have resulted in the successful implementation of the law in seven states and her advocacy continues to expand its reach across the country. Lori has become a powerful public speaker, sharing her story to raise awareness about school safety and the urgent need for change. Her voice, filled with emotion and determination, resonates with audiences, inspiring others to join the cause and take action. Despite her personal loss, Lori has remained deeply involved in her community, working to foster unity and resilience among families affected by the tragedy. Her ability to bring people together and galvanize collective action exemplifies her resilience and commitment to positive change. Throughout her journey, Lori has demonstrated remarkable personal growth and healing, embracing the pain of her loss while allowing herself to find moments of joy and gratitude. Her ability to balance grief with hope serves as an inspiration to others navigating their own paths of healing. Lori has empowered countless individuals to advocate for school safety and engage in meaningful change. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person can have in transforming tragedy into a movement for good. Through her unwavering determination, Lori Alhadeff has not only honored Alyssa’s memory but has also created a legacy of hope and safety for future generations. Her resilience in the face of unimaginable loss is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that love and purpose can transcend even the darkest moments.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Lori Alhadeff’s life took a profound and unexpected turn after the tragic loss of her daughter Alyssa in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Before this devastating event, Lori was a dedicated stay-at-home mom, focusing on raising her children and supporting their activities. The tragedy compelled her to pivot from her role as a homemaker to a passionate advocate for school safety, which involved both founding a nonprofit organization and running for the school board.

In the wake of Alyssa’s death, Lori’s grief fueled a determination to create meaningful change. She quickly realized that to protect other children from similar tragedies, she needed to step into roles that would allow her to influence policy and drive initiatives. This led to the creation of “Make Our Schools Safe,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for safer school environments. Lori’s transition involved learning how to lead and manage a nonprofit, including developing programs, organizing events, and working with community leaders and policymakers.

Her desire to affect change at a more systemic level also led Lori to run for the Broward County School Board. Despite having no prior political experience, she campaigned with a clear and passionate message about the importance of school safety and the urgent need for reform. Her candidacy was driven by a personal mission to ensure that no other parent would have to endure the loss she experienced. Lori’s election to the school board represented a significant pivot in her life, as she took on responsibilities that required her to navigate complex educational policies and advocate for the safety and well-being of students at a district level.

Lori’s transition from a stay-at-home mom to a public figure involved a steep learning curve and required immense courage and resilience. She immersed herself in understanding school safety protocols, building partnerships, and engaging with the community to raise awareness and garner support for her initiatives. Through her nonprofit and her role on the school board, Lori has been able to effect significant change, turning her personal tragedy into a powerful movement for safer schools across the country. Her journey exemplifies how determination and love can transform unimaginable loss into a legacy of hope and action.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeourschoolssafe.org
• Instagram: makeourschoolssafe
• Facebook: Makeourschoolssafe17
• Linkedin: Lori Alhadeff
• Twitter: Lori Alhadeff
• Youtube: Make Our Schools Safe
• Other: Tik Tok Makeourschoolssafe_