Founder + Lead Strategist

Lauren is a writer, strategist, storyteller, and above all, a believer in the power of connecting. She believes when we are deeply connected to our own stories – all that makes us who we are – we can authentically connect with the people, ideas, and environment around us. This leads to meaningful work and meaningful lives.

For nearly 20 years, Lauren has worked at the intersection of public policy, advocacy, storytelling, and research to lead communications on essential social issues. Prior to founding Connecting Our Stories, Lauren worked for over a decade as a strategist for the Charles Butt Foundation and Raise Your Hand Texas. Lauren is a two-time graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, with a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in Spanish. 

But her greatest resume “accomplishments” are her connections. Lauren’s strongest ties are with her husband, an inspiring and too-hard-working public school teacher, her kind and fun kids, 13 and nine years old, her dog River (who always wants to connect), and her cat Trixie (who connects only on her terms). A more recent and powerful connection is her leadership of a small group of women in their 20s and 30s who meet weekly to explore and deepen their faith (associated with First United Methodist Church, Austin). She also very much values the connections made at COS Gatherings, an initiative that brings people together in-person to reflect, learn, and grow in community. And Lauren is always grateful for the connections that sustain her – walks with dear friends, nature time, meditation, and dark chocolate.

As a result of connections with her neighborhood’s more senior residents, Lauren self-published Domino’s Dots in late 2023, a children’s book about the value of community. It was inspired by a bell hooks quote: “The love we make in community stays with us wherever we go.”

Lauren’s life wish is for people she encounters to feel more valued and connected as a result, so they may take that love with them wherever they go.

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