Lauren Lee is a fierce advocate, educator, and mom who has dedicated her career to advocating for and partnering with youth who age out of foster care. Lauren Lee started this journey in Miami, FL as a Legal Fellow in the University of Miami Children and Youth Law Clinic; continued to Brooklyn, NY at HeartShare St. Vincent’s Family Services (HSVFS or Agency) (where she continues to work today); and further as the Chair of the Board of LIFE Skills in Durham, NC.

At HSVFS, Lauren Lee first expanded the college scholarship program—the American Dream Program—from being the sole coach for the young people in care to overseeing a team of coaches who provided holistic support and guidance to over 100 youth. She created the model of coaching that is now used in the Fair Futures Program, which is being implemented in the 26 agencies across NYC.

Lauren Lee also served in development, coordinated grants, managed a team, worked across industries, worked with budgets, and established the Junior Board of Directors at HSVS.

Today, Lauren Lee is the Director of Alumni Engagement, and in this role, she partners with anyone who has ever aged of out foster care with the Agency to create the first-ever Foster Care Alumni Association—called Network 66. Launched in 2025, Lauren Lee has helped to create a private social website, managed the budget, supported events, collaborated with celebrity speakers and partners, put together a Homeownership Summit, created an annual Homecoming, connected Alumni with emergency and standard resources, and developed the program.

Lauren Lee is licensed to practice law in New York and North Carolina with specialties in foster care, special education/education, and children’s rights.

Lauren Lee also speaks conversational Spanish and continues to prioritize becoming fluent.

Personal Life

Lauren Lee is a native Louisianan bursting with generosity and joie de vivre. She was an active student leader and NCCA cheerleader who graduated from Newcomb College of Tulane University as part of the “Katrina Class.” After college, she was a teacher through Teach For America. In 2014, she graduated from the University of Miami School of Law. At Miami Law, she was a Miami Scholar, Chair of Iron Arrow, a Clinic Fellow, and a leader in public interest. Also, she was named part of the University’s inaugural class of 30 Under 30.

While in Brooklyn, Lauren Lee conquered the asphalt as a runner, including running through the boroughs in NYC Marathon. She now cheers on her favorite teams and beats the odds as a lupus warrior.

In Durham, Lauren Lee is involved at Immaculate Conception Church as a member of the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee. She is a former member of the Junior League of

Durham and Orange Counties’ (JLDOC), and she has also held leadership positions on the Newcomb Alumnae Board, Lupus Foundation of North Carolina Board, and the Young Alumni Council of the University of Miami.

Lauren Lee has stumbled upon a new “side hustle”—crafting hats, especially cowboy hats under the name LaLa Chapeaus. She has them in her favorite salon and second home, H2O Hair Salon And Spa and also takes custom orders.

She welcomed her greatest joy to the world in June of 2021, Josephine Lee Marie, who at this time in her life, still thinks Mama is her “best friend.”