Advocating for Connection: Laurie Zierer Forges Collaboration at the PA Humanities
A Women to Watch Feature
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March 23, 2026
For Women’s History Month, we celebrate Laurie Zierer, whose transformative leadership of PA Humanities since 1995 exemplifies how women leaders build bridges, foster community, and create lasting change across Pennsylvania.
Throughout its 50+ year history, PA Humanities has grown from what was primarily an organization making grants to other nonprofits to what it is today: an organization that focuses strategically on areas of need in Pennsylvania where the humanities can have the greatest impact, specifically community building and education. PA Humanities’ “boots on the ground” approach to putting the humanities in action creates positive change with people and their communities across the Commonwealth. Using the tools of storytelling, historical perspectives, personal interpretation, creativity, and deliberative conversations enables communities to document their culture and shape their homes.
It’s clear from speaking with Laurie that her favorite word is “let’s.” It’s the spirit of collaboration and inclusion inherent in that word that drives her work the most. She brings people together to celebrate our shared humanity in diverse spaces across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Laurie recognizes the need for shared stories and engagement for individuals, a need that is at the heart of the PA Humanities’ core.
As Laurie explains, “We build connections, let’s do it together, let’s find common ground. Let’s flourish. And the core idea around our work is that we illuminate possibilities for Pennsylvanians. And we do that through the humanities.”
When faced with a devastating funding cut in 2025 – a loss that would have crippled many organizations – Laurie demonstrated the resilience and strategic thinking that defines exceptional women leaders. Rather than viewing the situation as merely a crisis to survive, she reframed it as “a new climate that we had to exist in.” Her response? Mobilize, innovate, and exceed expectations by raising funds through strategic partnerships and community engagement.
In addition to Laurie’s leadership of the organization, she also engages in advocacy work, lobbying legislators in Washington and Harrisburg for increased support for the arts in Pennsylvania. That support sustains exciting projects throughout the Commonwealth, including:
Rain Poetry
In 2023, PA Humanities began this hands-on community poetry-centered activity facilitated by teaching artists and local poets in elementary schools. Students learned about the Japanese haiku poetic form and worked together to write their own haiku poems. Selected poems were chosen to be displayed on the ground using a special water-activated solution that allows the poetry to appear as if by magic when wet.
Rain Poetry gives young people the opportunity to express themselves through poetry while transforming everyday neighborhood spaces into opportunities to engage with the humanities and foster learning and conversation.
Since its inception, the project has expanded across the Commonwealth, including in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Reading.
The Window Keepers
In 2024, PA Humanities commissioned former Philadelphia Poet Laureate Yolanda Wisher to write a poem in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence to be celebrated on July 4, 2026. Wisher’s poem, “The Window Keeper” reflects on the Declaration of Independence as a “Giant Window” and our shared responsibility in keeping the window clean to build and maintain a thriving democracy. PA Humanities released an animated video of the poem with visual images by digital artist Naeem Murdic. Later this year, nominations will open for local Window Keepers, individuals in our Pennsylvania communities doing their part to sustain democracy and civic engagement.
Voices of History of Philadelphia: Stories from Black Pennsylvanians
This first-of-its-kind statewide project collects and celebrates the stories, family histories, struggles, and triumphs of Black Pennsylvanians in the 20th and 21st centuries. These stories are collected in cities across the Commonwealth and permanently preserved in a digital archive. Inspired by Pennsylvania playwright August Wilson’s American Century Cycle plays that chronicle the Black experience throughout the 20th century, the project has taken place in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Scranton. PA Humanities is raising funds to bring the project to Philadelphia at four historic Black sites. The project will also feature a lecture and conversation with historian Erica Armstrong Dunbar.
Laurie’s nearly three decades of leadership exemplifies the profound impact women have in shaping cultural institutions and communities. Through her collaborative approach – always beginning with “let’s” – she has created spaces where diverse voices are heard, stories are preserved, and democracy is strengthened through the humanities. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Laurie Zierer stands as a testament to how women leaders don’t just adapt to challenges – they transform them into opportunities for growth and connection.
To support the PA Humanities, you can make a financial contribution here, attend one of their many events throughout the Commonwealth, keep up with their current events by subscribing to their newsletter, or assist the organization in their advocacy efforts.
Photo credit: Russ Hickman
