Lauren joined Media Defence in 2023 as Grants Officer, was promoted to Senior Grants Officer in 2024, and in 2025 became Individual Grants Manager. Prior to joining the organisation, she worked as Development and Fundraising Officer for a Guatemalan NGO. She has a background in research, fundraising, and grant management, and has previously worked with Amref Health Africa’s UK office as well as several NGOs in Guatemala and Rwanda. Lauren holds an MA in Hispanic Studies and International Relations from the University of Aberdeen and an MA in Development Studies from the University of East Anglia. She speaks English and Spanish.