Back when I was managing the Romaine Brooks Gallery at the Capital Pride Center, I met a young volunteer named Lauren Ford who had just started working at the center. She would join us for the 1st Friday art events and we would share stories. A few weeks ago, I was attending the inaugural LGBTQ+ Convening by the Governor’s office, and Lauren was one of the presenters at the session I was in. It was a happy moment seeing someone I met so many years ago doing so well, and I’m honored to name her as the Dazzler of the Day. Here’s a bit more about her:
Lauren Ford is a Licensed Master Social Worker and the External Contracts Training Manager for the Sydney Albert Training and Research Institute (SATRI) within Northern Rivers Family of Services. As a Training Manager, Lauren coordinates, designs, and delivers professional development and continuing education curriculum for nonprofits, schools, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. Lauren pairs her background in psychotherapy and case management with her training in adult learning theory and curriculum design to build interactive courses that reflect evidence-based mental health approaches and techniques. With over a decade of experience as a mental health professional, Lauren has developed a wide and dynamic skillset through experiences working with local community centers, large nonprofits and statewide advocacy organizations. Her areas of expertise include trauma-informed care and resiliency building, verbal de-escalation, affirming care for LGBTQ people and families, and public welfare policy.
Lauren earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work at the University at Albany. In 2012, Lauren joined the Big Brother’s Big Sister’s program and has enjoyed a 10 year long friendship with her “little brother.” She was a 2014 fellow with the Capital District chapter of the New Leaders Council and went on to serve on the chapter’s board in roles such as Selections and Alumni Chair for 6 years. Since 2018, she has also served as a mentor for the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator (ENLA) program through the Institute of Nonprofit Leadership Development at the University at Albany. Currently, Lauren lives in the city of Albany with her partner and enjoys going to the movies – especially super hero and horror films, exploring museums and nature, and volunteering as a cake baker for “Jazzy Sun Birthday’s” a program that supports children and families experiencing homelessness served by St. Catherine’s Center for Children.
