Lauren Footman '14 was an English major and political science and Africana studies minor at ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï and is now the director of outreach and equity at
Lauren will be a panelist and hold meetings with current students as part of the Career & Civic Engagement Office’s remote Alumnae/i in Residence program. For a current list of guests, dates, and registration, log into .
In the below Q&A, Lauren talks about finding her career passion, the value of attending a women's college, and more.
How did you get involved in your current field?
I became involved in my current field by attending a summit for millennial advocates working to address gun violence in Chicago, Ill., hosted by Generation Progress in 2015. At this summit I met activists from across the country who were looking to redefine and achieve safety for their communities. Through this experience, I was able to stay connected with summit participants, gain experience as a volunteer organizer in the gun violence prevention space, and develop relationships with professionals in the violence prevention space. Last year when I wanted to make a career shift I leveraged my network, and began to apply for roles and eventually landed at my current organization.
What part of your ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï experience has been most important to your professional development?
I have been able to leverage my liberal arts education, as it has allowed me to be agile and adapt to multiple work environments and sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals, financial services, and nonprofit. In addition, my ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï experience taught me the importance of building a robust network, to remain curious, and never limit my aspirations. Lastly, I discovered my passion for advocacy at ±¬ÁϹÏ. Establishing the College’s NAACP chapter exposed me to causes I could commit myself to and build a career around.
What career advice do you have for current ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï students?
Never limit yourself; have a plan but never be so rigid you miss out on great opportunities. Also, it’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out. Remain open-minded, seek out great mentors, and be sure to lift others as you climb
What made you choose to attend ±¬ÁϹÏ?
I selected ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï because of the personal touch I felt during my campus visit, the small class sizes, the academic rigor, and the fact the College encourages curiosity and leadership. I was very shy when I came to ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï and I needed an environment that would help develop me into a leader.