Welcome back to Mission Control, the podcast spotlighting executive directors and non-profit leaders impacting their communities significantly. Your host, Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist for Introduce Multimedia, is thrilled to introduce a new friend, Lauren, the executive director of Aspire.
Paul begins by welcoming Lhauren and asking about her role at Aspire. Contrary to what some might think, Lhauren clarifies that she isn’t the founder but the executive director, having taken over from her predecessor, Lori Bolin. This sets the stage for a deeper dive into Aspire’s mission and Lauren’s journey to her current role.
As Lhauren passionately explains, Aspire’s mission is to educate, equip, and empower individuals to make positive choices, develop healthy relationships, and become who they aspire to be. This mission is pursued through various means, including sharing resources, guest speaking, and holistic relationship education, which Lauren emphasizes as vital for community empowerment.
Lhauren’s story of joining Aspire is both lucky and inspiring. She became a part of the Aspire Relationship Education organization. While doing contract work across the greater Lansing area, a job description for Aspire came across her desk. Intrigued, she reached out to Lori Bolin, the founder, and discovered that Lori had developed a program that had profoundly impacted Lhauren’s life.
The program, known as the SMART program, had been pivotal for Lhauren during a tumultuous time in her life. It focused on sexual health education, emphasizing not just disease prevention but also broader aspects of sexual risk avoidance and healthy relationship skills. These teachings stayed with Lhauren, guiding her through her formative years and influencing her personal and professional decisions.
Lhauren’s educational journey and career path are equally fascinating. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, she was exposed to business operations at a young age. Her first official job was as a bookkeeper for her family’s Custom Built Designer Remodeling company. This early experience and subsequent roles in insurance and ministry leadership equipped her with a diverse skill set and a strong foundation in organizational management.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic marked her transition to Aspire in January 2020. This unexpected challenge forced Lhauren to rethink and innovate Aspire’s programming. Embracing a future-focused mindset, she spearheaded the development of an online academy to ensure the organization’s resources remained accessible, regardless of physical constraints. This move was crucial in maintaining the continuity and impact of Aspire’s mission during such uncertain times.
The pandemic also highlighted the importance of mental and emotional support. Lhauren and her team launched creative collaborations, such as community painting projects, which provided a therapeutic outlet for participants of all ages. These initiatives underscored the value of artistic expression in fostering mental well-being and community connection.
Lhauren’s support system played a critical role in her leadership journey. Her husband, Nick, her family, her dedicated board members and team, and the collective encouragement and belief in her vision were instrumental. This support extended to community partners and grantors, whose contributions were vital in sustaining Aspire’s operations and outreach efforts.
Reflecting on her experiences, Lhauren acknowledges the profound impact of collaborative efforts and the importance of a supportive network. The pandemic may have posed significant challenges but also brought innovative solutions and strengthened community bonds.
Looking ahead, Lhauren is excited about Aspire’s future. One of her ambitious plans is to launch a capital campaign for a structured creative collaboration program. This multidisciplinary initiative aims to connect generations through art, storytelling, and other creative expressions. The goal is to foster personal growth and community engagement by encouraging participants to explore who they want to become rather than just what they want to do.
As the conversation draws close, all comment on Lhauren’s dedication and innovative approach to leading Aspire. He highlights the podcast’s mission to showcase leaders like Lhauren, who make tangible differences in their communities through resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment.
In summary, Lhauren’s journey with Aspire is a testament to the power of education, community support, and creative innovation. Her leadership during challenging times has sustained the organization and expanded its reach and impact. As Aspire continues to evolve, its mission of empowering individuals to make positive choices and develop healthy relationships remains at the forefront, guided by Lhauren’s visionary leadership.
