(1)Tell us a little about yourself? 

I grew up right outside of the city and currently live in Friendship. I proudly love Pittsburgh through and through.  I work with some wonderful people at The Pittsburgh Promise.  The Promise provides scholarships to students in Pittsburgh Public Schools and is designed to boost student achievement, reverse population declines in the City of Pittsburgh, and make college an attainable reality for all students regardless of their background. I am an avid yoga student and newbie instructor, I love the outdoors, exploring Pittsburgh, and slowly but surely exploring the rest of the world as well.

(2) What caused you to get involved with The Pittsburgh Promise and what is it about it that keeps you coming back?

As the Special Projects Coordinator at The Promise I have the opportunity to participate and influence the organization at many levels.  When I joined the staff in January I was enticed by The Promise’s creative outlook on economic revitalization, its sense of community, and its sense of equality. All of the kids in our communities deserve the ability to pursue their future through postsecondary education regardless of their background.  My current day-to-day is fun too-I’m planning a huge charity concert coming up on June 14^th, Igniting The Promise (Ignitingthepromise.org).  The event will last from sunset to sunrise and feature Ashanti, G. Love and Special Sauce, and amazing local DJs.  We are basically inviting all of Pittsburgh to the best graduation party possible to celebrate our 2012 scholars!

(3) Describe how a mentor or someone you look up to has helped you mold your life?

I’ve had amazing mentors so far in my professional life. I am especially grateful for the strong women that have encouraged, redirected, and mentored me along the way. But I have to say that my grandfather, Pap, has inspired me the most by example.  He lives his life with simplicity, self respect, and kindness.

(4) What makes you happy?

Sunshine- anywhere but particularly when it graces Pittsburgh, yoga, spending time with the people I love, doing my part to work towards a better Pittsburgh/world.

(5) If you had $1million, what would you do with it?

I would buy some acres and a few horses somewhere very near the city, travel obsessively, and donate my time and money to The Pittsburgh Promise, The MS Society, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Off The Mat into The World, etc.

(6) What type of music do you listen to, and what song will make you get up and dance?

I listen to a lot of music!  Marvin Gaye’s Got to Give it Up is one of my solo-dance party favorites.

(7) What are 3 things we would find in your refrigerator?

Berries, salsa, and a veggie tray.  Though that does makes me sound much healthier than I am.

(8) What has made you as successful as you are?

I’ve worked on a lot of projects centered around social, economic, or environmental justice. I work harder when I believe that an organization or project will make the world a little better.  My previous work in the labor movement, my work as a yoga student and instructor, and my present work at The Pittsburgh Promise both inspire and challenge me because they are all labors of love.

(9) How do you define success?

Success to me is doing something that you love, finding contentment with the present moment while continuously striving for challenges personally, spiritually, and professionally, and living a life of marked kindness

(10) Any decisions that you’ve made that you’ve regretted?

I think most of us have a few regrets that we try to put into the more positive “lesson” column.  Being present and letting go are lessons I try to instill in myself.

(11) What do you like to do on the weekend?

Sleep in, yoga, brunch, some nature, some good food, and lots of time with the people I love…

(12) What is your ideal vacation?

I’d like to be somewhere “different enough” that it feels like another world with beautiful landscapes, warm weather, and great food and wine.

(13) What were some of your favorite childhood memories?

Some of my best childhood memories are of the farm I grew up on.  I also loved spending time with my cousins and younger brothers and sister.

(14) Do you have any superstitions?

I prefer wives-tales to superstitions, one I swear by is eating crushed raw garlic to ward off sickness.  It works I promise!

(15) How would your best friend describe you?

I asked my soul-sister, Karryn Lintelman to answer this.  She is an incredible educator who will hopefully be teaching future Promise scholars very soon!

“Lauren is insightful, thoughtful and intuitive. She is self-assured, develops creative ideas, and is an all around positive and encouraging force”.