MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Laura Smidzik, executive director of Project 515, will step down from her position to pursue a career in ministry. She will begin studying at United Theological Seminary in January.
Smidzik was tapped in May 2008 to provide leadership and oversight for Project 515, a nonprofit organization that is working to ensure equal rights and consideration under Minnesota law for same-sex couples and their families. Smidzik will continue serving as executive director through the end of 2009. Project 515's Board of Directors has formed a search committee and will post the position soon.
"Project 515's success over its first years would have been impossible without Laura's leadership and we will really miss her," said Lee Anderson, Project 515 Board chair. "Laura has chosen an exciting new life direction and we wish her all the best."
"Meanwhile, Project 515 remains committed to seeking equality and fairness for all Minnesota families," Anderson said. "We have begun to develop our 2010 legislative strategy, which will build on our success last session. We look forward to another successful year."
During her time with Project 515, Smidzik managed the organization's efforts to lead Minnesotans in a broad discussion about the discrimination that exists in Minnesota laws. These efforts have begun to change the debate at the Capitol. The 2009 legislative session saw several advances in correcting the discriminatory language in Minnesota's statutes, including passage of the "Protecting One's Home" bill (Chapter 160; SF 1208), which was signed into law. Smidzik also led the organization's outreach efforts to metro and Greater Minnesota communities and helped its overall support network grow significantly.
Smidzik will continue her commitment to Project 515 and its goals by participating as a spokesperson and supporter. Smidzik, who possess 20 years of management and leadership experience in non-profit and higher education organizations, lives in St. Paul with her partner Linda and two school-aged sons.
Project 515 was founded in 2007 by Minnesotans concerned about how state laws discriminate against same-sex couples and their families. The organization has since worked to raise awareness of its research report, "Unequal Under the Law: 515 Ways Minnesota Laws Discriminate Against Couples and Families," which identifies at least 515 Minnesota statutes that deny protections, benefits and obligations to same-sex couples and their families. Information about Project 515 and a copy of its report can be found online at www.project515.org.
SOURCE Project 515
Project 515
