Lauren Morales

Lauren’s early career experiences as an educator and social worker laid the groundwork for her journey to the Foundation. The deep connections she formed with the children and families she worked with sparked her interest in public policy as a vehicle for social change and as a way to improve people’s day to day lives. That interest brought her to the Colorado Office of Early Childhood, where she strengthened her understanding of the state’s early childhood policy landscape – and public policy’s potential to promote greater equity and justice in society – serving in legislative and policy-focused roles. During her time working in state government, she became even more impassioned about developing sustainable policy initiatives that ensure greater access to health and education for young people and their families. Later, this drive helped her find her place at the Foundation, where she can continue her lifelong journey to understand, appreciate and optimize the relationship between education, health and well-being.

As a Public Policy Officer, Lauren serves as one of the Foundation’s voices in a variety of policy spaces. She recognizes that the best way to help individuals and communities live fuller, healthier lives is to help shape the policy decisions made at the local, state, and even federal level. Additionally, Lauren sees the Foundation’s cultural focus on nimbleness as a gift that allows us to rise to the opportunities presented by the issues we care about and by the communities we serve. At the end of the day, Lauren wants to leave this Earth better than she found it by seeking to bring repair in a world with incredible potential for greater connection and equity.

Lauren is a Colorado native who grew up in the Denver metro area. She finds herself to be the healthiest when she is connecting with people and being intentional about carving out time to visit with friends and family, especially if that quality time takes the form of dinner parties or being in nature. Her favorite season is the fall, when you can catch her hiking, admiring the changing colors of the leaves and dining on a patio “without being scorched.”

Education

BA, Spanish Literature from Reed College

MA, Curriculum and Instruction, Education Leadership from University of Colorado - Denver