Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Pickett.
Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Lauren Pickett. I am a narrative change-maker dedicated to advancing people-centric advocacy. All you need to know about my essence can be described in one photo. When I was around 10, my father, my dog Neo, and I set out on a trail in Castlewood State Park. It was quite the adventure for a little Black girl who grew up in a quiet, predominately white suburb. Midway through the hike, I veered off the path and gazed at an open expanse, where a slim, worm-like trail wiggled across the grass and disappeared into a wall of beautiful, mysterious trees. My father captured a photo of my tiny silhouette as I daydreamed about the endless possibilities of what lay ahead in the world. At a young age, I knew I was meant to follow an unknown path, creating my footsteps to pursue my mission: to use my skills and talents to help others. I’ve always felt out of the ordinary: literally, as an ambitious Black woman navigating racism in white spaces or, figuratively, as an introverted visionary who is driven to help find solutions to deep-rooted inequities for the most marginalized of us all. I was too afraid to take a leap of faith and follow my trail back then. There’s no prewritten job description to become an advocate. Today, I look to my younger self for the courage to make my path.
I’ve adopted my mission into various roles. In high school, I was the only Black student in my journalism program, where I wrote in-depth investigations into racial and social inequities within and beyond my district. I am about to pursue my last year as a Communications and Sociology Major at Maryville University. Also, I am a Multicultural Scholar and founder of the student organization Black Woman Initiative. I’ve had key opportunities in the past two years: working with nonprofits, like The Village PATH and Girls in the Know, as a Communications Fellow in the Office of Mayor Tishaura Jones, and with Undo Bias Consulting. Now, I’m exploring my advocacy through research after receiving a university-based summer research stipend and an opportunity to work with the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I’ve come to understand the road will never be smooth, but the roughness molds me into the person I’m meant to become for myself and others.
Growing up in a high-ranking, predominately white school district, I adopted a mindset that I felt was ingrained in me: “You’re not good enough compared to your peers, so you shouldn’t take the risk.” I was either the only Black student or one of a few Black students in all my accelerated or advanced classes. My identities were rarely mirrored in my faculty, curriculum, or peers, depriving us of diverse representation, perspectives, and sources of empowerment.
As a teen, I was deeply insecure and scared of the unknown. It took years to build a foundation of self-confidence and internal faith. I wasn’t alone. My peers told me similar stories, feeling that some adults were limiting our academic aspirations before we had the chance to realize them, from “dream schools” to advanced class placement. A negative sense of self-worth and internal barriers are impactful and enduring. I am still learning to dispel, deflect, and challenge others’ stereotypical, biased, or limiting beliefs about people who look like me and myself. I have to create my narrative by evolving and trusting myself. I have to have faith in who I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
I don’t specialize in just one area; I specialize in realizing my mission in each role. As a communicator, I’ve explored the possibilities of writing and design, from journalism to poetry to social media, research, and public speaking. I work to create people-centric, accessible communications to support and serve people in marginalized communities. I shifted within sectors like government, nonprofits, and small agencies. Most recently, I created the official brand guidelines for the City of St. Louis. It’s a guideline for the City’s values, visual identity, and style for all digital media communications. The project embodied the core values I attributed to the City: inclusivity, integrity, leadership, and people-centrism. Often, I felt the City struggled to close the loop between the City workers and residents. It’s key to center your audience’s needs, interests, and access in your creations. I appreciated the opportunity to reimagine what being “people-centric” means in my work. I am excited for where the City will go when we amplify the voices of young leaders and empower their visions.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I can’t say I have a favorite memory. However, I have meaningful memories of spending time with my parents and exploring the world around me. I feel like my inner child is making new memories with me every day. I was passionate about the beauty and calamity of the world and still believe I can be a defender of humankind.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/laurenapickett
- Portfolio: https://
xandrapickett06.wixsite.com/ portfolio
