Long Island's ERASE Racism Names New President

SYOSSET, NY — ERASE Racism, a Syosset-based civil rights organization, has announced that Laura Harding will become the organization's new president in September. She will be replacing Elaine Gross, who has led ERASE Racism for its entire 21-year-history.

Gross, who previously announced that she would be retiring in September, will become president emeritus and a consultant for the organization.

“I am very excited by the opportunity to lead ERASE Racism and build on the legendary accomplishments of Elaine Gross,” said 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.”

Harding's professional expertise encompasses program planning and implementation and has centered on access to quality services and opportunities for under-served communities for school-age children and families eligible for affordable housing.

She also understands Long Island, its history and its opportunities. Harding earned her undergraduate degree at Adelphi University in Garden City, where she currently has a consultancy as a facilitator in the Diversity Certificate Partnership Program, training Long Island residents about diversity, equity and inclusion.

Harding 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.

She was previously director of strategic development in the Office of Equity & Access of the New York City Department of Education. Before that, she was the 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, Harding 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.”