Lisa Jeanne Graf: Unique Artworks, Policies and Design

Art Commission Commissioned to paint a portrait of Dr. Marie Clark Taylor, for the project "Horticultural Heroes" at the New England Botanical Garden. "Dr. Marie Clark Taylor (1911 - 1990) Dr. Marie Clark Taylor was a pioneering figure in horticulture and botanical research. She was the first Black woman to earn a PhD in botany and the first woman of any race to earn a PhD at Fordham University in any field. She was also the Head of the Botany Department of Howard University for much of her career. Taylor studied photomorphogenesis (how the light spectrum affects plant growth patterns) and conducted groundbreaking research on plant diseases and their prevention. Throughout her career, she worked tirelessly to promote diversity and inclusion in the field of horticulture, inspiring and mentoring countless individuals".
Education Completed a Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA) at Suffolk University, in the Spring of 2024. As part of this schoolwork, I oversaw a Moakley Entrepreneurial Practice Program (MEPP) Grant in Spring, 2024. Educational materials were developed for parents to learn about alternatives to Applied Behavioral Analysis for their autistic child through collaboration with autistic led organizations and experts. The website to view this work is InsteadofABA.org and will continue to be updated.

Current Advocacy In the Boston Public Schools, as a parent representative, I am serving as secretary on the Boston SPEDPAC board. In this role I plan to continue to serve as a member of the Boston Public School's District Wellness Council. As a volunteer for #StopTheShock advocacy, I joined human rights advocates and spoke at a large protest at the Judge Rotenberg Center, on Oct 5, 2024. Recent Advocacy Earlier this year I ran for State Representative, for the 8th Suffolk District, on a human rights platform that highlighted the need to pass for bill H.180. In the primary election I received 15% of the vote.