Laura Pople
One of the founders of Jersey Pride, producers of the state’s annual GLBTI Pride Celebration (now in its 19th year), Pople also helmed the New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition and its Personal Liberty Fund, an umbrella organization that provides education and advocacy for GLBTI issues. During Pople’s tenure, NJLGC was instrumental in the passage of an amended law against discrimination as well as domestic partnership legislation. But Pople’s career took a new turn in 2008 when she heard about pets being left homeless by families in foreclosure. In response, she founded Seer Farms, a nonprofit organization providing emergency care for animals. Seer Farms helps animals from families who have endured a natural disaster, foreclosure, domestic violence or other life crises, and animals who may need long term care because of health-related issues. “Whether I am part of the team producing NJ’s annual GLBTI pride event or running Seer Farms, one of the best outcomes we achieve is giving people hope for a safer, happier, tomorrow. That keeps me going.” -EI
