Meet Lauren

I grew up just outside of Windsor Heights, attending Art in the Park down at the old shelter in Colby Park, eating snow cones from the Lions Club during Music in the Park, and catching as much candy as possible during the 4th of July Parade.  I'm a graduate of Dowling, and after some time at DMACC and Drake, I began my career in corporate training and human resources while I kept my passion for photography on the back burner.  In 2011, I started my photography business, which would later grow to open a studio here in Windsor Heights. 

When I began the search for my first home at the end of 2012, Windsor Heights was at the top of my list.  My wish list was a brick ranch with easy access to I-235, and my realtor showed me a diamond in the rough - a Colby brick with lots of potential.  In April of 2013, I finally became a resident of Windsor Heights.  

I like the idea of a fixer-upper, a place where I can put in some hard work and make it shine.  My home is still far from perfect as we work through our project list, but I'm determined to make our home the very best we can while sticking to our budget.  I had a similar approach when we signed the lease for my photography studio at 6571 University Avenue.  Colby was fantastic to work with, and they allowed me to improve the space through hard work and a little sweat equity.

In some ways, I view our city as a fixer-upper, and I've never been afraid to roll up my sleeves.  Our council has to work hard to balance the repairs and wants of our city and provide community events for residents, all while working within our budget to be good stewards of tax dollars.  Sometimes, that means we have to take on more do-it-yourself projects - like when the city canceled the 2018 parade, I raised my hand and planned the parade with six weeks' notice to ensure our residents had the best 4th of July possible.  Never mind that I had never planned a parade before, and I was seven months pregnant on the 4th! I'm eager to continue to help Windsor Heights be its best through hard work. 

Volunteering is very important to me - I do my best to give back and support my community.  Here are some of my contributions:

Windsor Heights Chamber of Commerce Board Secretary (2018) and Treasurer (2019-2021)

Windsor Heights 4th of July Parade Chair 2018-Present

Windsor Heights Planning & Zoning Board 2019-December 2021

Windsor Heights Movies in the Park 2020-Present

Junior Achievement Volunteer

Best Buddies Chef Challenge Photographer 2016-2019

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer

IHYC Volunteer 

2017-2018 Media Chair DCHS Bands

Videoed City Council meetings for Facebook Live in 2019

2022 Accomplishments