Variety Welcomes Lauren!
Variety is excited to welcome Lauren Wash to our team as our new Grants Administrator! In this role, she will support Variety’s development and programs teams in securing critical funding that helps provide equipment, therapy, recreation, and performing arts opportunities for local children with disabilities.
Lauren brings a background rooted in service, advocacy, and helping others achieve their goals. Throughout her career, she has been drawn to mission-driven work that allows her to connect with people, understand their needs, and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
A proud graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Lauren began her professional journey supporting North County high school students through a college preparatory program, supporting them as they navigated class schedules, prepared for the ACT, and worked toward their academic goals. She later continued her work in social services at a veterans center, where she found fulfillment in building relationships and supporting individuals through important transitions in their lives.
After graduating, Lauren combined her passion for writing and the arts by joining a nonprofit arts organization as a grant writer. In this role, she strengthened her skills as a storyteller and communicator while helping secure support for creative programming. She also expanded her technical and instructional writing experience through the development of knitting pattern guides, further refining her ability to communicate complex information in clear and accessible ways.
When the opportunity to join Variety arose, Lauren was immediately drawn to the organization’s mission and the impact it has on local families.
“At Variety, we see firsthand what children can accomplish when given a fair chance,” shared Lauren. “It’s a true honor to be part of their journey and to watch them grow into the amazing people they are destined to be.”
Lauren was especially inspired by the way Variety’s staff lives out the mission every day, creating opportunities for children with disabilities to gain access to the equipment, therapies, recreation, and performing arts experiences they need to thrive.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Lauren now resides in Shrewsbury with her long-term partner, Joey, and their golden retriever. Outside of work, she enjoys bird watching, knitting and crafting, and spending time exploring the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market.
We’re thrilled to have her passion for people, storytelling, and mission-driven work as part of the Variety family. Please join us in giving Lauren a warm Variety welcome!
A Few of Lauren’s Favorites:
Cuisine – Indian/Thai
Bird –Bluejay, currently
Coffee Order- A flat white from Comet Coffee
