Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Lauren attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She relocated to Charlotte, NC with her husband just before the birth of their daughter. While working as a human resources professional, Lauren quickly realized she wanted to do more than just push paperwork. With a strong desire to help those less fortunate, she zeroed in on projects that would make an impact on her community. As the founder & co-director of the VermilliRUN, a community 5K & kids fun run fitness event, Lauren led a team of volunteers in raising $85,000 for local nonprofits in just 3 years before the Covid lockdown canceled their April 2020 race. Most recently, Lauren was Operations Manager for Claire's Army, a Charlotte based nonprofit offering support programs for families recently diagnosed with pediatric cancer at both Novant Health Hemby & Levine Children’s hospitals in Charlotte. Lauren has also served in countless volunteer capacities including chair of the Social Committee for the Vermillion Homeowners Association & as chair of the family events committee at Bonnie Cone Classical Academy. She currently serves on the RAISE Committee at Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy fulfilling school fundraising & other volunteer needs, as a docent & store manager at the historic Hugh Torance House & Store, and on the Voices From The Past event planning committee for Historic Elmwood Pinewood Inc. With over a decade of volunteer experience, Lauren fully understands & appreciates the benefits of social responsibility & community involvement in fulfilling community needs. Working alongside dedicated nonprofit leaders & staff members has given Lauren an inside look at the needs of organizations that serve the community, which compelled Lauren to create FundPulse & fill the void of local nonprofit fundraising professionals. When she's not volunteering, you'll find Lauren at the gym, paddle boarding, hiking, hosting social gatherings, traveling to the NC mountains for a breath of fresh air or relaxing on a beach chair in the surf somewhere along the coast.