Lauren stands in front of a wooden background. She is a white woman with short black hair and stands with her arms crossed. She is wearing a bright teal, double-layered necklace, black glasses, and a black top.

Lauren Welke

United Way of Metro Chicago
She/her/hers
Fellow
2024

Lauren joined United Way in early 2019 after 12 years as a producer and casting director in the entertainment industry. While a significant career change, storytelling is at the heart and where Lauren's passion continues. With a focus on equity, Lauren is an alumna of the Responsible Business Leaders D.E.I. program at Loyola Baumhart and Dimensions of Diversity at The Graham School at the University of Chicago. Lauren is a trained practitioner of Racial Healing Circles with Truth Racial Healing and Transformation. When not at work, you'll find Lauren in the South Loop with her husband and their six-year-old daughter, Dottie.

Interests
Arts, Civil Rights, Philanthropy
Expertise
Health and Human Services, Administration Management, Arts and Culture