Meet Lori Alhadeff

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lori Alhadeff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lori below.

Lori, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from my daughter Alyssa. Alyssa’s strength and spirit continue to inspire me, and it’s evident in everything I do. Her legacy is powerful, and I channel that resilience into making a difference.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Lori Alhadeff, and I am deeply committed to making our schools safer for our children. After the tragic loss of my daughter Alyssa in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, I knew I had to turn my grief into action. That’s when I founded Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for stronger school safety measures and ensuring that no other parent has to endure the pain I’ve experienced.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is seeing the tangible impact we’re making. Through our efforts, we’ve successfully advocated for the passage of Alyssa’s Law in several states, which mandates the installation of silent panic alarms in schools. This legislation is crucial in providing a quicker response during emergencies, potentially saving lives.

Another initiative I’m incredibly passionate about is our MOSS Clubs, which empower students to take an active role in promoting safety and inclusivity within their schools. These clubs are a testament to Alyssa’s legacy of kindness and strength, and it’s inspiring to see young people lead the charge in creating safer environments.

Professionally, I also serve as the Chair of the Broward County School Board, where I continue to push for policies that prioritize student safety and well-being. My work with the school board allows me to address safety concerns at a systemic level, ensuring that our schools are not just places of learning but also places where students feel secure and supported.

Currently, I’m focused on expanding our reach and impact. We’re working on launching a new campaign for our MOSS Clubs called “MOSS MINGLE,” aimed at fostering inclusivity by encouraging students to invite others to join them in the cafeteria, ensuring no one eats alone. We’re also organizing the 7th Annual Make Our Schools Safe Tennis Fundraiser, where we’re reaching out to businesses for gift basket donations to support our cause.

In everything I do, I’m driven by the memory of Alyssa and the desire to make a difference. My hope is that through MOSS and my work with the school board, we can create a safer future for all children, where they can learn and grow without fear.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I believe the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, advocacy, and leadership. These have not only shaped my path but also empowered me to turn tragedy into a force for positive change.

1. Resilience:
Resilience has been crucial in helping me navigate the unimaginable loss of my daughter Alyssa. It’s the ability to keep going, even when the pain feels overwhelming. I learned that resilience doesn’t mean being invulnerable; it means allowing yourself to feel the pain but choosing to rise above it and channel it into something meaningful. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say that building resilience is about finding your “why”—the reason that keeps you moving forward. Whether it’s a cause, a loved one, or a personal goal, let that be your anchor in difficult times.

2. Advocacy:
Turning my grief into advocacy has been a powerful way to honor Alyssa’s memory. I had to educate myself on how to navigate legislative systems, learn the art of persuasion, and find my voice in spaces where I initially felt out of place. My advice to others is to become deeply knowledgeable about the issue you’re passionate about and to never underestimate the power of your voice. Start local, build relationships, and understand that change often happens one conversation, one step, at a time.

3. Leadership:
Stepping into a leadership role, whether with Make Our Schools Safe or as the Chair of the Broward County School Board, required me to develop a new set of skills. Leadership is about vision, but it’s also about listening, empathy, and being willing to make tough decisions. To those beginning their journey, I’d recommend seeking opportunities to lead, even in small ways. Volunteer, join committees, or start initiatives in your community. Leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about taking responsibility and inspiring others to join you in your mission.

In developing these qualities, I’ve learned that you don’t have to have all the answers from the start. What matters is your commitment to learning, growing, and staying true to your purpose. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek out mentors, and never lose sight of the impact you can make, no matter where you are in your journey.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The person who has been most helpful in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge I needed to be successful is my husband, Dr. Ilan Alhadeff. Ilan has been my rock through everything. His unwavering support, wisdom, and strength have guided me through the darkest times and have been instrumental in the work I do today.

Ilan has a unique way of helping me see the bigger picture, reminding me of the importance of the work we’re doing and the lives we’re impacting. He’s always there to listen, to provide thoughtful advice, and to encourage me to keep going, even when the road feels impossibly hard. His perspective as both a father and a professional has been invaluable in shaping my approach to leadership and advocacy.

He’s also been a constant source of encouragement in developing the resilience and determination I need to lead Make Our Schools Safe and serve on the Broward County School Board. Ilan’s belief in me, even when I’ve doubted myself, has made all the difference. Together, we’ve navigated unimaginable grief and have turned that pain into a powerful movement for change.

I’m incredibly grateful for Ilan’s presence in my life. He’s not only my partner but also my greatest supporter, and I couldn’t do this without him by my side.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Lori Alhadeff