Lauren Forbes

Lauren graduated from Vassar College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and correlate sequences in Economics and Philosophy.  As one of Vassar’s Community Action coordinators, Lauren facilitated student volunteerism in youth and women’s services for two years.  She also worked for campaign finance reform with Democracy Matters, and was a member of Hunger Action, an organization that coordinates hunger banquets and student involvement with Poughkeepsie’s soup kitchen.  Originally from Tampa, Florida, Lauren studied in London and Washington, D.C., and interned for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and with Co-op America, where she worked on Fair Trade campaigns.

Field placement: Our Children Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Lauren conducted research that documented the link between the high cost of child care and food insecurity in Oregon.  Her project employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including statistical analysis and personal interviews.  During the research process, she collaborated with the Oregon Child Care Research Partnership and the Child Care Improvement Project to glean and summarize data and propose policy solutions.

Policy placement: Share Our Strength

Washington, D.C.

Lauren worked to grow and increase the impact of the Hinges of Hope program, a series of tours built around specific themes to create understanding and inspire action by connecting Share Our Strength’s corporate partners and executives with communities and their leaders in new ways.  She led the research and guiding the design of new trips that focus on childhood hunger in Los Angeles, Appalachia, New Orleans and the Mississippi Delta, Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

Publications