As a Michigan State University Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy, Lauren has set herself up to have a background that can flourish in multiple areas. While studying in the residential program James Madison College, Lauren took many pursuits to student leadership, including positions as President of the Case Black Caucus, Chair of the African American Celebratory, Treasurer for the Zonta International Golden Z Club, Member of the James Madison College Diversity Programming Committee, volunteering as a James Madison College Peer Assistant, Multicultural Director for the University Activities Board, and having the honorable pleasure of being on the selection committee for the MSU Teacher-Scholar Award. This student-led leadership experience coupled with the internship experience with the Michigan Democratic Party helped to solidify Lauren's consistent pursuit of the policy and government realm.
Lauren decided to utilize her degree to further pursue a Masters of Arts in Public Policy from The New England College. As an MAPP student, she garnered much experience in the world of politics and policy, including working as a Fellow for the Millennial Mayors Congress Program through the Michigan Suburbs Alliance as well as campaign work for candidates within local government. At the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, she was able to play a leadership role by delegating ideas to members of the Congress and Michigan mayors as well as the Millennial population of Michigan to adequately implement policies that promote higher levels of civic engagement.
Lauren continued her career in the Finance Department of political campaigns, beginning on the Congressional Campaign of the 14th District of Michigan as Assistant Finance Director and then on to being the Finance Director for a Democratic Nominee for the 39th District for the Michigan House of Representatives. In total, Lauren helped to raise $800,000 in campaign elections in 2014, being the only Millennial African American woman in Michigan working in the fundraising realm of politics. Lauren continued her career as the Corporate Relations and Events Manager for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, taking her fundraising efforts to the Environmental Policy area of politics. Out of all 29 state leagues nationally, Lauren was the first and only African American in this role. Currently, Lauren is the MI Political Director for America Votes, utilizing strategic planning with coalition partners to impact progressive electoral and policy work.
In February 2015, Lauren was appointed as Commissioner for the City of Southfield's Total Living Commission and was elected First Vice Chair of the Commission. To add to her political accomplishments, Lauren was selected as the Female Young Democrat of the Year through the Oakland County Democratic Party, being the first African American female selected. In August 2016, Lauren was elected as Precinct Delegate of Precinct 19 in the City of Southfield. Lauren was the youngest woman elected to this office. Additionally, Lauren is the Co-Founder for a women-owned non-profit organization by the name of Y.A.B., which is a young entrepreneurial conglomerate for businesses owned by women of color. Through both Y.A.B. and Lauren's political career, Lauren has received over 100 publication features including Crain's Detroit Business, NBC News, Comcast Newsmakers, DBusiness Journal, and HOUR Detroit Magazine. Lauren continues to use her extensive business network as well as political network to be both uplifting and resourceful, as well as provide tools for other young women to use as stepping stones to their own personal success.