Lauren Holland was a single parent who raised two children while working low-wage jobs. When a construction accident left her permanently disabled, Lauren decided to pursue higher education so that she could contribute to society in a meaningful way. It had been 20 years since she had been in the classroom but that didn’t stop her from finding success.

In 2010, Lauren graduated with honors and distinction from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a minor in philosophy. Today, she is pursuing a master’s degree in sociological practice with an emphasis on pedestrian safety research, education and advocacy at CSU San Marcos. The tragic death of her five-year-old grandnephew, who was killed in a crosswalk accident, inspired her pursuits.

Lauren has been an active volunteer all her life, working with the March of Dimes, Head Start, Zonta International, and now with the Zachery Michael Cruz Foundation on pedestrian safety initiatives at the local and national levels.