For Lauren Seymour, education and caring about others has always been her core interest. Attending the University of Cincinnati with a major in city planning, Lauren was driven by an early interest in improving living conditions. She recalls cultivating this passion from the age of nine, from reading National Geographic magazines. “I knew I wanted to become somebody who could help people live better. Both on a national and community level,” she recalls. This passion led her to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she earned her master’s degree in city planning. During her time at MIT, Lauren’s curiosity about the financial parts of urban development grew, steering her toward a career in finance. She went on to spend a decade as a director of investments, managing financial portfolios and bringing her expertise to the world of financial management. 

While Lauren truly enjoyed her work in finance, she felt a deeper calling to make a direct impact in education. This passion led her to pursue her second masters degree in education from Ursaline College. Lauren applied her skills in various educational roles, including directing learning resource programs, coaching teachers and even serving as a principal in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). Her commitment to expanding educational opportunities eventually brought her to College Now Greater Cleveland, where she now serves as the senior director of advising programs and services. “[College Now’s] mission is focused on what my personal mission is, which is increasing opportunities for more individuals and doing that through postsecondary education,” she says. In this role, Lauren combines her background in planning, finance and education to guide students toward successful futures. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Lauren takes pride in her family, particularly her three sons, whose character and compassion reflect the values she holds dear. “When thinking about contributions that an individual can make to the world, I think children are contributions. And I’m very proud of having three sons who are kind and care about the world,” she says. Lauren emphasizes that her passion for education is in her blood, noting that she represents the third generation in her family to attend college. “The fifth generation in my family is currently attending college. So when it comes to education, it’s always been a core value in my family,” she says. Lauren’s journey through education proves that one can turn their knowledge and expertise into an opportunity to help others.