At an early age, Lauren became a reading buddy for younger children at her local bookstore and noticed the lack of books the children had at home. In response to this, she co-founded First Book – Greater Green Bay in 2007, a volunteer organization that provides books to children in need. Through fundraising and donations, Lauren has successfully donated 22,000 new books to children in need through libraries, schools, and the Little Free Library she manages in her community. These efforts earned Lauren recognition as a 2014 Champion for Change.

Lauren currently studies neuroscience and biochemistry at Lawrence University, and plans to attend a doctoral program in neuroscience after graduation. She is a U.S. Dept. of Education McNair Scholar, a program that strives to prepare accomplished students from underrepresented demographic groups for doctoral studies through involvement in research.

In her spare time, she enjoys working as a tutor, is the President of the Lawrence University Native American Organization, and chairs the Lawrence University Community Council Committee on Diversity Affairs.