Finding Her Niche 

When Lauren left to pursue her undergraduate degree at Emory University, then a law degree from New York Law School, she was not sure she would return to her hometown. That is, until she and her lifelong friend from her days at the McDonogh School, had a revelation. 

“Jonathan and I met in fifth grade and became best friends. We stayed in touch throughout high school and college and talked all the time. Then one day, we looked at each other and said, ‘maybe we should try this dating thing.’” 

It was beshert. This “dating thing” turned into a two-year long-distance relationship that led to marriage and Lauren moved back to Baltimore. Determined to reconnect to old friends and meet some new connections, she became involved with The Associated. 

She joined the event committee of IMPACT, now the Young Adult Division (YAD) of The Associated. She was Chair of IMPACT, became a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America. She traveled to the 9^th Ward in New Orleans on a National Young Leadership trip to help Hurricane Katrina victims.  

And she received the Harry Greenstein Young Leadership Award for her leadership in service to The Associated and its agencies — sharing the award with Doni Greenwald. 

Through it all, Lauren realized that she loved to engage other young adults.  

“I felt like if I could get people in the room to hear about The Associated’s mission and see what we were doing, they would also feel the passion I had about the work, supporting Jews at home and around the world,” she said. 

“At the same time,” she added, “the volunteer work I was doing for The Associated helped me enrich my leadership skills and build professional connections.” Skills that come in handy in her role as Chair of her firm’s Corporate and Real Estate Group. 

Bringing New People into the Jewish Community 

Lauren’s desire to engage – her love of building connections – found her in a new volunteer role. She became a downtown Baltimore Community Connector at the The Associated’s former agency, the Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE). 

 “When I would hold a Havdalah service at the downtown JCC and hear about families who would meet for the first time, then make plans to hold Shabbat dinner at one of their homes or on Federal Hill, I was thrilled. I was building relationships and creating Jewish community.” 

Soon she became a member of the CJE board, and eventually chaired the board during a time of transition. That led to her current role as Chair of the Board of The Associated’s new agency, the Macks Center for Jewish Connections (MCJC). 

Lauren is working closely with Addie Lewis Klein, the new MCJC executive director, to build an agency that reaches Jews who are not currently engaged in Jewish life, and helps them form stronger connections with each other, with Jewish values, and with Jewish life in Baltimore. 

“I see the new Macks Center as an on-ramp for young families to empty nesters… those who may not have been as engaged… to find their Jewish passion. Through our partnership with other Associated agencies, synagogues, preschools and more, we will create the programs that connect them to Jewish community and help them create their personal Jewish journey.” 

Downtime 

Sometimes, it might seem that between work, volunteering and raising a young family, that Lauren wouldn’t have time for herself. But ask her what she does in her “spare time” and she rattles off a long list. 

There’s always time for working out — she’s a big Peloton fan. She loves to relax, watching television after a long day. 

And then there is her passion for cooking. A self-described “gourmet cook,” she is always experimenting. In fact, her beautifully-designed and tasty charcuterie boards are the hit of any party — and always requested wherever she goes. 

From butternut squash soup to baking with her kids, Lauren takes pride in the intricate meals she serves. Here is a simple recipe for her grandmother’s blueberry cake, a family favorite. 

Grandma Blanche’s Blueberry Cake 

Ingredients: 

1 cup of sugar 
1 stick of butter (softened) 
1 cup of flour 
1 tsp baking powder 
Pinch of salt 
2 eggs 
1 pint of blueberries 
Cinnamon sugar 
Lemon 

Directions: (preheat oven to 350 degrees) 

Cream sugar and butter with hand mixer 
Add flour, baking powder, salt and 2 eggs, mix with hand mixer until fully incorporated 
Pour into greased 9-inch springform pan 
Add blueberries (sprinkle with a little flour so they don’t fall to the bottom of the pan) 
Sprinkle top with a little flower, a lot of cinnamon sugar and some lemon juice  
Bake for 1 hour 

* Lauren’s pro-tip, serve with Taharka roasted strawberry ice cream