As the VP, Stakeholder Engagement for TechPoint, Lauren is driven by her team’s purposeful mission to promote and accelerate the growth of Indiana’s tech community, create a respected and beloved local brand, and become a model for innovative economic development nationally. She’s been committed over the past nine years to creating an inclusive, vibrant and thriving tech ecosystem through her roles at ExactTarget, Salesforce, and now at TechPoint.
Lauren graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ball State University in 2011 where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning and Development and was named the American Institute of Certified Planners Outstanding Student and the John R. Emens Outstanding Senior Scholar of her graduating class. Upon graduation, she received a Fulbright Scholarship to Poland and served as a cultural ambassador and English Teaching Assistant at Wrocław University. Lauren was named the 2018 Ball State University Graduate of the Last Decade and the 2020 College of Architecture and Planning Graduate of the Last Decade in recognition of her outstanding community accomplishments and professional endeavors.
Presently, Lauren’s passion for making Indiana a great place to live, work and play extend to her position as a Board Member for Ball State University’s Discovery Fund, the Indiana Repertory Theatre, and United Way of Central Indiana where she serves as co-chair for the 2021 Community Engagement Campaign and a member of the Executive Committee. Lauren also serves on Ball State’s Urban Planning Alumni Advisory Board and is a Women’s Fund of Central Indiana Engagement Committee Member. She also serves on the 2022 College Football Championship Host Committee and is the Vice-Chair of Event Experience for Indiana University Health Foundation’s annual fundraising event, Rev.
In honor of her philanthropic commitment and volunteerism, Lauren has been selected as a 2013 IMPACT Award recipient, 2013 Indiana Emerging Leader, 2017 Junior Achievement of Central Indiana – Best & Brightest Finalist, 2017 inaugural Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation Fellow and was appointed to participate in the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series Class XLIII in 2018. In 2019, Lauren was named United Way of Central Indiana’s ELEVATE Award Winner for Board Member of the Year through for her work with Partners in Housing. Lauren has served as a Wish Granter for 18 Indiana Make-A-Wish children since 2008 and was selected as a 2017 Women Inspiring Strength and Hope Honoree. Lauren lives in Westfield with her fiancé, Dr. Luke James, and their 12-year-old miniature poodle, Lambeau.
Fun facts:
- I’m an identical twin
- I’m a thrill seeker – I’ve rappelled from a 23-story building, cliff jumped into the ocean, rode 180 MPH in an IndyCar two-seater, swam with sharks and stingrays, and went scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef
Favorite book:
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Pets:
A 12-and-a-half-year-old miniature poodle named Lambeau, who is named after the Green Bay’s Packer’s Lambeau Field. Football Sundays have an entirely different meaning now with him in my life!
What have you been doing more during the pandemic that you’ve come to enjoy:
I started keeping a gratitude journal and every morning I wake up, write down three things for which I’m grateful. This daily practice is like writing a simple thank you note to the universe and is such a peaceful way to start the day with a grateful heart and reflecting on miracle moments.
Empowering advice:
Discover that one problem you are uniquely qualified to solve. You’ll get there by asking questions like What gives me joy and energy? Who do I want to invest in and serve? What comes naturally and what am I passionate about?
Power piece:
Truthfully, I love a good pair of cozy slippers. I feel most comfortable, chill, and confident when I’m in them
