Lauren Leiker

Community Planning Fellow • 2024

University/College The New School

Bio

Lauren Leiker is pursuing a Master’s in Design and Urban Ecology at Parsons School of Design at The New School. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies with minors in Sociology and Education from Vassar College. She is deeply passionate about accessibility and design, equity and social justice, and community building and public space. Before studying at Parsons, Lauren served as an AmeriCorps fellow at the Poughkeepsie City School District in the community schools department, which aims to bridge the gap between home, school, and community. Her projects included organizing a free vision clinic for students, building community partnerships, and supporting families through dedicated efforts and events. Currently, as a graduate research assistant at The New School, Lauren dedicates her efforts to projects aimed at improving educational access for migrant families and advocating for reforms in the child welfare and foster care systems. In her spare time, she enjoys taking walks, and spending time with her pets, and aspires to learn knitting.