Lauren‘s experience in the fields of policy and advocacy has allotted her a career that spans across the areas of political strategy, policy implementation and civic engagement. Throughout the continuation of Lauren’s career, she has made strides in leadership in democracy policy, environmental policy, and economic policy; being one of few Black women to have worked statewide and nationally in multiple policy areas of expertise. Lauren has previously provided policy expertise and helped to bridge the gap between government affairs and advocacy for some of the strongest voices within the political landscape on key issue areas including voting rights, redistricting, reproductive rights, environmental justice, minimum wage increase, paid sick leave and criminal justice reform. Currently, Lauren is the Policy Strategist for Main Street Alliance, where she leads the national work of advancing Main Street Alliance’s policy development at the state and federal level to support championing economic opportunity and advancement for small business owners. In this role, Lauren’s policy portfolio of expertise includes healthcare, trade, paid leave, and universal child care. Lauren’s voice has been included in over 100 media features including CNBC, Forbes, POLITICO, NBC News, Comcast Newsmakers, News One, Scripps News, and Newsweek to name a few. Lauren has also been recognized for her work through awards including 2017 Crain’s Twenty in their 20’s, 2018 National Congress of Black Women of Distinction and Pioneers recipient, 2021 MSU Alumni Grand Awards-Young Alumni Award Recipient, and 2023 Leadership Center for Excellence 40 under 40 honoree. Lauren’s value of service to everyday communities remains a core priority in her personal life as well as an active member of several prestigious organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, and National Women’s Political Caucus VA. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University where she studied Social Relations and Policy from the residential college program James Madison College and holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from The New England College.