Uncrowned Community Builders

Linda G. Gray is a native of Niagara Falls and the daughter of the late Luther Gray and Flora M. Harris. She is the mother of two (2) children, Toya Gray-Thomas and Jelani B. Hamlett as well as grandmother of four (4), Brian W. Thomas, Markiez A. Davis, Mya G. and Charley E. Hamlett.

Linda is the only African American accepted into the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center School of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Technology. After graduation in 1974, she was certified, licensed and registered in her field of specialty Radiology Technology. In September 1975, she became Chief Technologist at Buffalo Columbus Hospital and promoted to department Supervisor in July 1976. She later changed her career focus after leaving the medical field and went to work for the electrical utility company. Several years later she became the only African American female Steam Boiler Operator at Niagara Mohawk's Huntley Steam Station where she worked for ten (10) years. She retired from National Grid after 34 years of service. Linda became a product of STEM forty years ahead of time.

After being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in 1998-1999, Linda joined in the fight against this disease with the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 2001. She later became a member of their Speakers Bureau to raise awareness and enlighten as many as possible about the importance of healthy "self-examination and awareness". She joined The Witness Project (Roswell Park Cancer Institute) in December 2004 and served as Coordinator for the Witness Project of Niagara Falls/Niagara County. Her mission lives on as she continues to educate and assist those in the fight against breast cancer.

Linda has been a member of; The Niagara Falls Chapter, The Links, Incorporated since 1986, a member of the Buffalo Urban League, and the N.A.A.C.P. She currently works as a volunteer at E.C.M.C. in the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Department. She has received numerous awards and recognitions from the city of Niagara Falls, Niagara County, and New York State government for her community engagement.