Hometown: Springfield, Illinois

Undergraduate Institution and Major: Millikin University, Communication 

Graduate Institution and Major: Millikin University, Business Administration - Process Improvement 

Bio:  Lauren has built a career in process improvement and leadership development within higher education, mainly focusing on diverse, equitable and inclusive language implementation at an organizational level. Lauren currently serves as the Digital Alumni Community Manager for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Gies College of Business. In this role, Lauren oversees digital communication and provides ongoing qualitative and quantitative assessments surrounding equity, inclusivity, organizational growth, and digital community development. Lauren has served as a Marketing and Communication Director for nearly a decade, assisting multiple institutions with process analysis and improvement functions across their internal and external communication channels. 

Lauren’s service to the local community has resulted in awards, including the W.J. Darby award, the Helen Moffet Russell award, Millikin University’s employee of the month, representative of LEAD Champaign, ambassador for the Decatur Leadership Institute, volunteer of the year for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership of Illinois, and the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity Distinguished Service Key. 

Relevant Professional Experience: Director of Marketing, Annual Giving Officer, Director of Public Relations, Process Improvement Analyst, Process Development Specialist 

Research Interests:  Organizational Leadership in Communication Development and Curriculum Resourcing, creating diverse, equitable and inclusive language landscapes across educational institutions 

Professional Affiliations: LEAD Champaign County, Decatur Leadership Institute 

Volunteer Activities: Alpha Phi Omega Advisor, St. Baldrick’s Childhood Cancer Research Fund site volunteer, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Fields youth volunteer, YSF Middle School program director