Lauren Mathena

Lauren Mathena has extensive work experience in various roles and industries. In 2010, they worked as a Healthcare Administrator at Danville Orthopedic & Athletic Rehab until 2018. During their time there, they also became a Co-Founder and Project Manager of IdeaFest Business Pitch Competition in 2013, a role they held until 2017. In 2009, they worked as an Administrative Fellow - Telestroke Network Project Manager at Wake Forest Baptist Health. Prior to that, they were an MHA Program Graduate Assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2007 to 2009. In 2018, they joined Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC) as the Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement, where they focused on expanding their economic development impact and advocating for digital equity. Lauren also took on the role of Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement for the SOVA Innovation Hub, a non-profit organization created by MBC and Microsoft to promote digital skills and entrepreneurship in Southern Virginia. In 2021, they became an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builder for RISE Collaborative, connecting entrepreneurs with capital and resources. Additionally, they have experience as an entrepreneur, starting their own business in 2012. Overall, Lauren Mathena's diverse work experience showcases their expertise in economic development, community engagement, healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, and project management.

Lauren Mathena's education history consists of completing a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a focus on Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Virginia between 2003 and 2007. Following that, they pursued a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from Virginia Commonwealth University from 2007 to 2010.

In addition to their formal education, Lauren has obtained several certifications. Lauren is a CO.STARTERS Certified Facilitator, having completed the program offered by CO.STARTERS in April 2021. Lauren also holds a certification in Basic Economic Development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earned in August 2018.

Furthermore, Lauren has obtained the designation of Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500, CYT-95) from Yoga Alliance in March 2017. Lauren is also a certified practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, obtained from The Myers-Briggs Company in May 2012.

Lauren has pursued further education in entrepreneurship, completing a course in the subject at the University of Virginia in 2011. Currently, they are in progress of obtaining a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, although the specific completion month and year are unavailable.