Lauren K.

About Lauren K.

Before titles or credentials, this is the real “about me.” It’s the part that informs every aspect of my work, my values, and how I move through the world.I’ve always believed the world speaks - through the rustling of trees, the wisdom of animals, and the quiet strength of people whose stories often go unheard. My work, and my life, begins with listening.I’m an empath by nature, drawn to the quiet spaces where emotions run deep and change takes root slowly. A lifelong lover of nature and animals, I’ve always felt most at home where the earth feels alive - whether wandering forest paths, tending to plants, or sharing a still moment with creatures who ask for nothing but presence.That same sense of connection guides my work in sustainable development - blending program management, research, policy analysis, and partnership-building. In Cameroon, I’ve walked alongside cocoa farmers learning from their deep knowledge of the land. In Morocco, I’ve worked with women fighting for land rights in the face of longstanding barriers. And in South Africa, I’ve partnered with women entrepreneurs [smallholder farmers and microfinance clients] navigating the complex path toward land titles and greater economic freedom.I specialize in environmental security, food systems, and land rights; fields where the personal and global overlap in profound ways. With a Ph.D. in Global Affairs and experience spanning Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, I’ve contributed to projects in Senegal, Ethiopia, Nepal, and elsewhere - always guided by one question: How can we build a kinder, more sustainable world, together?Most days, you’ll find me outdoors, immersed in the beauty of the natural world, with a book and a cup of coffee nearby - drawn to quiet moments, reflection, and connection with others who believe in the quiet power of compassion.

Experience

1. Programs Analyst

   International Monetary Fund

   Jan 2026 — Present

Education

• The College of New Jersey

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Sociology & Women's and Gender Studies

  2011 — 2014

• Rutgers University

  Master of Science - MS, Global Affairs

  2015 — 2017

• Rutgers University

  Doctor of Philosophy - Ph.D., Global Affairs

  2017