Laura Perez, an East Hampton High School senior, will receive the Shapiro-McCormick Young Woman Leader Award on October 25 at the Women’s Fund of Long Island’s annual breakfast.
Recipients of this award must demonstrate leadership, have an awareness the challenges still facing gender equality, and be prepared to advocate for those rights.
According to a statement from the Women’s Fund, “Laura is a motivated and career-driven young woman who has a passion for making the world a better place. She was raised in East Hampton as the middle daughter of two courageous and extremely hard-working parents whom she credits as the force and motivation behind her passion for social change.”
Laura was chosen by the school and the American Legion Auxiliary to spend one week learning about the importance of women’s participation in government by attending the Empire Girls State. She also attended the 2012 Harvard Model Congress, and spent last summer interning in the office of New York State Assemblyman Fred Theile.
At East Hampton High School, Laura has invested over 150 community service hours, and is a member of the Century Club, Key Club, French Club, National Honors Society, and was vice president of her class for two years. She also plays field hockey and has been recognized as a scholar-athlete by the school.
As a recipient of this award, Laura will receive a $1,000 Young Woman Leader Service Grant made available through WFLI’s partnership with the United Way of Long Island’s Dreams for Youth Scholarship Program. She plans to use this grant towards raising awareness among her peers as an advocate for women’s rights against domestic violence.
She intends to pursue a career in international business so she can travel the world and continue to help others.
