Meet Lauren Underwood! Last Tuesday, she was elected to represent the Illinois 14th congressional district. She’s not your average politician, whose career has been solely driven by social justice. Lauren is STEMpowered.
Lauren is a registered nurse licensed in Illinois, Washington D.C., and Maryland. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan in 2008 graduating magna cum laude. During her clinicals she gained invaluable experience working in pediatric intensive care, medical-surgical units, and more. She continued her studies at Johns Hopkins University where she earned a dual Masters degree in Public Health and Nursing.
Her career kicked-off when she began working as a Senior Advisor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) after being appointed by the Obama administration. “Lauren helped communities across the country prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters, bioterror threats and public health emergencies. As a career public servant at HHS, Lauren helped implement the Affordable Care Act — broadening access for those on Medicare, improving healthcare quality and reforming private insurance.”
At 8-years old, Lauren discovered that she had a heart condition, supraventricular tachycardia, that occasionally causes her heart to beat faster than normal. Her interactions with healthcare professionals as a child inspired her to pursue nursing. Over time, living with a pre-existing medical condition and caring for those in need, she grew a deep understanding for the importance of affordable healthcare for patients.
Now that Lauren is 32-years wise, she’s taking her extensive knowledge and passion for the people to Congress. Not only is she going to make a governmental impact, but she’s inspiring Sistas all over! Lauren is a prime example that you define your career, it does not define you.
Congratulations Lauren!
Source: underwoodforcongress.com
