About Laurie Danielle Yamrick Lee
Personal
Laurie is not only a dedicated advocate for social justice, but also a true adventurer at heart. She finds joy in snorkeling with sharks, exploring the depths and the thrills of the underwater world. A passionate artist, Laurie expresses her creativity through painting, constantly experimenting with new techniques and themes. Her love for the arts extends into her culinary adventures, as she delights in trying new foods and exploring different cultures through their cuisines. Travel is another passion of Laurie's, allowing her to immerse herself in new environments and gather inspiration for her work and advocacy. Whether creating art or championing rights, Laurie brings enthusiasm, commitment, and her two children along for the ride in everything she does
Professional
Laurie has developed a versatile professional portfolio across legal, educational, administrative, and management roles, notably most recently as an educator, teaching social sciences, civics and most importantly, the United States' Constitution to middle school students and as a paralegal and law office manager, where she adeptly managed plaintiff cases from intake to trial readiness, overseeing up to 100 active cases simultaneously. Laurie has previously served as a Leasing and Asset Administrator where she negotiated lease agreements and championed fair housing practices, substantially decreasing tenant disputes and turnover through effective mediation and strict adherence to ADA standards.
Her profound impact was most pronounced during her tenure as a LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) Housing Consultant and Community Coordinator.
In this role, Laurie championed low-income housing initiatives, ensuring strict compliance with housing laws and becoming adept in fair housing regulations, which significantly contributed to achieving a 100% compliance rate with housing authority regulations.
Earlier in her career, Laurie showcased her love of cheese, tossing dough, and management skills as an Assistant Manager at a Virginia based pizza shop, where she was recognized as the fastest pizza maker in the region. This role honed her abilities in team leadership and operational management, setting a foundation for her later accomplishments in more complex administrative and legal settings.
A member of the ACLU, NAACP, and League of Women Voters, Laurie's commitment to justice and equality underscores her professional endeavors and community engagement. Her expertise includes advanced legal research, document drafting, dispute resolution, and strategic planning, making her a dynamic and committed advocate for her clients and community.
Education
Laurie has demonstrated exceptional academic diligence and achievement throughout her educational career. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.76. During her undergraduate studies, Laurie consistently appeared on the Dean's List and President's List, reflecting her academic excellence. Alongside her degree, she also completed a Certificate in Ethics in Public Institutions through the United Nations D.E.S.A. and pursued continuing education with the American Bar Association.
Laurie has been professionally certified in Leadership and Remote Leadership by Harvafrd X. She plans to attend law school in the near future.
Laurie's educational pursuits have been particularly remarkable considering she achieved her academic honors while working full-time at a leading law firm and attending school full-time as a single mother of two. This extraordinary balance of responsibilities showcases her resilience, time management skills, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.
Volunteer
Laurie has dedicated her time and skills to a variety of impactful volunteer activities that reflect her deep commitment to community service and social justice. She volunteers with Hope at Hand, an organization that leverages the therapeutic power of poetry and art to support at-risk youth, helping them find voice and healing through creative expression. Additionally, Laurie has been actively involved with First Coast No More Homeless Pets, providing essential support for their mission to offer free and low-cost spay and neuter services, aiding in maintaining "no kill" animal shelters.
Her environmental stewardship is demonstrated through numerous beach cleanup efforts with organizations like Beaches Go Green and Keep Jax Beach Clean, directly contributing to the preservation of local natural habitats. Laurie's expertise in digital communications was pivotal during her time as a Volunteer Remote Digital Fundraising Strategist for Reachout America NPO INC, where she not only met but exceeded fundraising goals by over 100%, significantly enhancing the organization's ability to provide equine therapy to children with disabilities and disabled veterans.
Furthermore, Laurie has independently hosted and organized several fundraisers supporting pet food banks and disaster relief efforts, showcasing her initiative and leadership in addressing immediate community needs. Through these diverse volunteer efforts, Laurie continues to make a substantial difference in the lives of many, championing causes that foster a more compassionate and equitable society.
