26. Laura Ahearn

Ahearn founded the Stony Brook-based grassroots victims and community advocacy organization that through a decade of her focused efforts has grown to national prominence. This social worker is a recognized expert in child sexual assault prevention, victims’ services and Megan’s Law, a leader that the powerless and powerful turn to when they need facts and a fearless advocate to speak out. Under her stewardship, PFML launched a Crime Victims Center, also in Stony Brook, to secure benefits and services for victims of violent crimes. Ahearn’s efforts were recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the New York State Crime Victims Board, who presented her with the Outstanding Victim Advocate Award in 2007.  She recently secured major funding for the agency from Congress to initiate a nationwide cutting-edge sex offender e-mail alert/mapping and community support program that will debut on LI. Work with her, stand behind her or get out of the way—she remains an unstoppable voice for victims and the community.