LAUREN EDELMAN | 20 Under 40
Written and compiled by KELLY POTTER and LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by JOHN BURNS
Lauren is the director of the Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement at Washburn University. She oversees Washburn’s offerings in leadership development and community-engaged learning.
Lauren teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels and coordinates faculty and staff support for academic programs. At the Aleshire Center, she teaches students how communities work, as well as the leadership required to eliminate systemic barriers that get in the way of prosperity for all.
Lauren is a member of the Association of Leadership Educators and the International Leadership Association. She serves on the Leadership Greater Topeka Advisory Council and volunteers with United Way of Kaw Valley, Holton Parks and Recreation and Lucky Stars 4-H Club.
What three critical skills have helped you in your work?
Having a vision, because it’s important to know where you want to go and to strategically consider how you will get there. Empathy, because you have to build understanding when working with and serving people from different backgrounds. Finally, critical thinking, because problems come up every day and you have to learn how to tackle them, no matter how large or small.
What motivates you?
My daughters motivate me every day to set the best possible example so they will grow up to be strong, courageous women who are fiercely passionate about pursuing their dreams and finding happiness.
What advice has served you well?
My grandfather often told me to remember to do something nice for someone every day. That advice has never failed me.
