Lauren Crain

Lauren Crain has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries. Lauren is currently serving as the Director of U.S. Programs and Strategy at World Education Services, where they oversee grantmaking for the Mariam Assefa Fund. Prior to this role, they were the Associate Director of U.S. Strategy and Programs at the same organization, leading grantmaking strategy and supporting efforts to build inclusive economies and communities for immigrants and refugees. Lauren also has experience in the nonprofit sector, having worked at Scholars at Risk as the Director of Research and Learning, where they established a new program area and led workshops on academic freedom. Lauren also held roles as a Senior Program Officer and Program Officer at the same organization. In addition, Lauren worked as a Consultant at the International Center for Research on Women and as a Justice and Society Program Coordinator at The Aspen Institute. In their early career, they served as a Steering Committee Co-Chair at the Emerging Leaders Network and gained experience as a Research and Programs Intern at The National Council for Research on Women. Lauren's work experience also includes internships at the International Center for Transitional Justice, The Fund for Peace, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP, and Furnari Scher LLP.

Lauren Crain earned an M.A. in Middle East and Asian Languages and Cultures from Columbia University between 2007 and 2009. Prior to that, they obtained a B.A. in Politics from New York University from 2002 to 2006. Lauren also completed their IB Diploma from Lincoln International School from 2000 to 2002.