The Executive Board of The Long Island Area Council of Unitarian Universalist Congregations (LIAC), the organization connecting Long Island’s nine Unitarian Universalist congregations, recently welcomed nonprofit veteran Laurice Grae as its new Executive Director. In this role, Ms. Grae will oversee all aspects of the organization, including strategic planning, program implementation, community engagement, revenue and grant management, and intra-congregational relations.
“As we continue to adjust to life after COVID Pandemic shutdowns, we are in a great position to take advantage of greater comfort and experience using new tools for connecting to each other remotely,” reflects Rev. Kimberly Quin Johnson, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork and President of the LIAC Board. “We’re looking forward to Laurice’s leadership to guide us in more effective collaboration among UU congregations and more effective communication to the greater Long Island public about Unitarian Universalism and what our faith movement has to offer.”
Ms. Grae has worked for nonprofit organizations and commercial entities across the region to create growth strategies, build meaningful partnerships, cultivate donor relationships, and dismantle oppressive systems and policies.
“With a background in arts service justice organizing, I have seen firsthand how collaboration and resource sharing helps to not only make programs more accessible, but develops a depth of relationships and richness that can’t be achieved independently,” Grae said. “While other faiths are struggling to keep doors open, now is the perfect time to grow our Unitarian Universalist movement, to draw a wider circle of inclusion.”
Grae previously served her faith as the Outreach Coordinator for the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ (now Faith Action UU), using community action and digital communications strategies to engage UUs in advocacy and action across 21 New Jersey congregations.
Ms. Grae has worked with many theater companies, including Goodspeed Opera House (CT), Paper Mill Playhouse (NJ), Roundabout Theatre Company (NYC), and Jujamcyn Theaters (NYC) in a multitude of roles ranging from company management to choreographing. Laurice is a communications strategist and UX designer, working to help organizations engage with their audiences and deliver content to the people who will benefit most.
Grae has served in many community capacities with the Cultural Access Network, Parent Artist Advocacy League, Civitan International, and on the inaugural DEI committee of ArtPride NJ.
For further information, contact laurice@liacuu.org