Lauren I. Peterson

As The Mind Trust’s Vice President of Community Engagement, Lauren I. Peterson activates Indianapolis families, civic leaders, and community members to demand and create a more equitable educational landscape so that all students have access to a high-quality education. She works with every functional team to ensure our entire staff are active servants in the community.

Peterson is a dedicated advocate who is passionate about community, education, and women’s issues. With over 25 years of engagement experience, Peterson has earned the trust of stakeholders at all levels. This enables her to utilize her vast network to do what she loves most: help others.

Her work in education long pre-dates The Mind Trust. In 2016, she served as the founding Manager of Community Engagement at Enroll Indy. In that role, Peterson helped families equitably access K-12 schools. She also previously worked at Phalen Leadership Academies, leading enrollment and outreach. Her leadership skills also served her well in a decade-long tenure at the Black Coaches Association as the Director of Administration.

Volunteer efforts include the Latino Leadership Board Initiatives of Marian University, La Plaza Facilities Task Board, Indiana Black Expo Education Conference Committee Member, Far Eastside K-8 Education Task Force Member, and Special Olympics Indiana Board Member.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Marian University and is a recent graduate of the inaugural Black Leaders & Legacies program. When Peterson isn’t serving the community, she finds great joy spending time with her grandchildren and watching a great movie.