Laura Giles

After a career in healthcare communications, Laura utilized her professional skills for various community-based organizations while raising her family. For the public schools, she created a successful anti-bullying (FUN: Families Unite w/ Nishuane) program at one of the largest elementary schools in New Jersey. She also helped lead a campaign for important environmental repairs by generating media coverage in outlets such as The New York Times.

An active member of her town’s faith community, Laura has participated in or led prayer groups for an international Christian ministry (Moms in Prayer) for 23 years and served on a leadership team to run a church-based women’s retreat. She has enjoyed volunteering at Toni's Kitchen, a comprehensive food ministry, as well as for the Interfaith Hospitality Network, an innovative shelter program for families and recently a refugee resettlement ministry at her parish. In 2022, Laura completed a master’s of theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary (Seton Hall University) graduating with highest distinction. In 2023, she will begin teaching undergraduates in Seton Hall’s signature core curriculum that helps students begin to understand the mysteries of the human journey as addressed by the world’s religions and philosophies. Laura has a bachelor’s degree in history and journalism from Lehigh University. She and her husband Walter have a deep interest in the arts. They have two adult children.

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