Lori Alhadeff, a New Jersey native, is a former K-12 Health and Physical Education teacher and stay-at-home mom. Her life changed when her daughter, Alyssa, was killed in the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Married to Dr. Ilan Alhadeff for 23 years, Lori is a dedicated community safety advocate. She holds a BS in Health and Physical Education from The College of New Jersey and an MA in Education from Gratz College, with certifications in both New Jersey and New York. Lori served on the Broward County School Board, where she championed policies for student safety, including the Alyssa’s Alert panic button initiative. She is also president of Make Our Schools Safe, a nonprofit focused on school security and student well-being.
Lori shares the significant strides she’s spearheaded to enhance school safety across the U.S. Following the tragic loss of her daughter Alyssa in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Lori co-founded “Make Our Schools Safe” and played a crucial role in the inception and enactment of Alyssa’s Law. This law mandates panic button systems in schools, ensuring direct and swift communication with law enforcement during emergencies.
The conversation touches on many vital aspects, including comprehensive safety measures like strong fencing, secure entry processes, and robust mental health programs. Lori also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement, urging parents to be vigilant and proactive about their children’s environment and interactions.
