Gerald Brighton Young Alumni Award

Lauren Haynes is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois. As a student she was involved in Alternative Seasonal Breaks, going on 7 trips in 5 years and serving on its Governing Board, as well as on the Student Board and the Board of Governors of the University YMCA. In 2014 she joined the Board of Trustees as its youngest ever member, and is currently serving as its Chair.

As a professional, Lauren’s career has harnessed the power of data science and technology to address complex social challenges. Working as a Product Manager at Code for America and as Associate Director at the Center for Data Science and Public Policy at UCHicago, she has managed interdisciplinary civic tech teams, working to improve government service delivery across the social safety net, criminal justice, public safety, environment, education, and more. In 2020, she was the Product Manager for Pandemic EBT, delivering a digital application that served 1.6M families in California and Minnesota, distributing $619M in food benefits for children in under 3 months, while also providing technical assistance for many additional states to stand up P-EBT programs while the federal government developed guidance for the new program.Today she is Fellow Experience Director for the U.S. Digital Corps, supporting 120 early career technologists in roles throughout the Federal Government. She has retained a commitment to volunteerism and community engagement, serving in the past as the Chair of Break Away, an organization committed to developing student leadership, and participating in Chiditarod, raising over $200,000 dollars to address food insecurity in Chicago.

Throughout her career Lauren has shown a dedication to social impact, an ability to lead and innovate, and made substantial contributions to her professional field and communities. She continues to exemplify the leadership qualities and attributes that the University YMCA works to instill in its students, and the values of Gerry Brighton.