Finance Director
Lauren spent her childhood in a small suburb in central New Jersey before making her way down to Charlottesville for college. Lauren graduated from the University of Virginia (2019 NCAA Champions – go Hoos!) with a degree in commerce, concentration in accounting and minor in environmental science.
Lauren loves running the numbers. A CPA by training, she started her career in public accounting before serving as an accountant, financial reporter and partner in operations at &pizza, a pizza company based in DC. While Lauren loved being part of an expanding company, she felt drawn to more mission-driven work and wanted to focus on kids and families. At 50CAN, Lauren serves at the Director of Finance, where she owns the numbers and provides financial support to the network’s state and affiliate campaigns.
In her free time, Lauren likes to explore new fitness classes, whip up vegan recipes and continue her personal expedition to find a book better than Americanah or The Power. She also volunteers on the weekends at the Washington English Center.
I aspire to be like Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Here’s why:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s story is incredible. Growing up in Brooklyn, she excelled at school and always understood the importance of education, even at a time when it was expected for women to solely be homemakers. In her first year of law school, RBG’s husband was diagnosed with cancer and she still managed to raise her two-year-old, take her husband to his appointments and attend all of his law school classes so he would not fall behind – in addition to studying for her own classes to graduate top of her class! This resiliency became common for RBG, and she has paved the way for gender equality.
RBG’s strength, inquisitive mind, unyielding work ethic, commitment to equality and even robust workout routine inspire me. I hope to always drive towards my passions and goals with the same tenacity.
Why I love my job:
I am an accounting nerd who loves Excel. I am also an individual who loves feeling connected to work and others. At 50CAN, I get to do what I love for a cause that I am passionate about!
My connection to public schools:
I am the product of public schools – from kindergarten to my fourth year of college. I was fortunate to have parents who recognized the enormous value and opportunity that comes along with a great education. My parents made sacrifices so my sister and I could attend high-quality schools. I am fortunate to have had the upbringing I did and I hope to work toward the goal of providing it for all kids in the United States.
What I’m bad at:
Staying away from Taco Bell. I used to go once a week, but I am trying to cut that number down. One of my biggest complaints about DC is that there are only three Taco Bell locations in the city!
This image represents why I work at 50CAN:
My parents are Vietnamese refugees. After the war ended, they were left with no home, little money, limited contact with their families, but fortunately, a strong education. With their knowledge, they worked tirelessly to create a new, prosperous life here for my family.
My parents are proof that education has the power to transform lives. The opportunities I received growing up are the result of their hard work and sacrifices. Their journey humbles and motivates me every day to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.