Dr. Lauren Pinkston
PhD, International Community Development
Dr. Lauren Pinkston is a public academic, teaching through published writing, executive coaching, facilitated workshops, and multiple online platforms. She holds a PhD in International Community Development from Clemson University.
Before serving in a university appointment, Lauren lived in Southeast Asia researching the human trafficking crisis and starting businesses designed to employ survivors of exploitation. She now consults for anti-trafficking organizations, corporate businesses, and government officials, helping them design policies that promote physical and psychological safety in the mainstream workforce.
Apart from her board appointments and academic contributions, Lauren is actively involved in community-based education around ethical government reform. She has served on the Forward Party’s Leadership Circle, has testified against Tennessee legislation aimed at restricting voter access or lawfully placing weapons in public schools, and has volunteered for a number of campaigns to place more women in public office.
Lauren enjoys traveling with her husband and four kids, and holds them at the center of her motivation for her work. She holds a stubborn hope for what she calls the “mindful middle” bloc of American voters, and considers it an act of righteous justice to disrupt the current political landscape with competitive, intelligent, and practical ideas that will preserve our democracy and protect our future.