Lauren Strayer is an Executive Advisor to the President at Democracy Fund. In this role, Lauren collaborates with peer foundations, donors, and grantees to build resilience and solidarity in civil society and the philanthropic sector. She is also Democracy Fund’s government affairs lead and focuses on efforts that advance grantee work and the non-profit sector overall.
Lauren has more than 20 years of experience in social change and external affairs. She previously served as Managing Director for Communications and Network at Democracy Fund, where she oversaw communications, philanthropic partnerships, and research.
Before Democracy Fund, Lauren was an independent consultant specializing in campaigns, brand, and strategy for non-profit and philanthropic enterprises. Her clients have included the UAW, Inside Philanthropy, the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, and Free Press, among others. She also held leadership roles in communications and partnerships at Demos and The American Prospect.
Prior to Demos, Lauren was a producer at Air America Radio, a political fundraiser, and the executive director of a small think tank. She is a co-editor of Change For America: A Progressive Blueprint for the 44th President, which was published in collaboration with the Center for American Progress and SourceBooks. She is also co-author of the Newmarket Press anthology Defend Yourself! How to Protect Your Money, Your Health, and Your Rights in 10 Key Areas of Your Life.
Lauren earned an MBA from Georgetown University and holds a B.A. in political science and economics from the University of Michigan.