Director of the Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program and associate professor of sociology at Robert Morris University, Lauren Rauscher is a champion of gender equity who has devoted her career to supporting women and girls. Lauren is passionate about equity and social justice in higher education and the nonprofit sector and has served in leadership positions at Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County and Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse. Lauren and her wife, Kerrie, moved to Pittsburgh after living in Southern California where they both taught at Cal State University – Long Beach. Kerrie grew up in the South Hills—and was ready to move back after 20 years away—while Lauren, a native of Memphis, has “learned about winter and the great people and spaces in Pittsburgh.”
Monday, August 14
I have a super exciting week ahead doing things that I love! It’s jam packed with events focused on gender equity, preparing college women for leadership, and celebrating girls and women who are doing amazing things in Pittsburgh.
I’ll kick off the day with an early bird run in Frick Park with my faithful running partner, Kona, our golden retriever. My wife, Kerrie, and I chose Regent Square for its proximity to this gorgeous park and its 644 acres of trails.
The rest of the day will be with my fabulous Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program (WLMP) team at RMU finalizing details for our five-day orientation that launches on Friday.
Tuesday, August 15
This morning starts with a four-mile walk through East End neighborhoods and historic cemeteries as the sun rises with my friend, Deb, and our pups.
The WLMP partnered with The United Way of Southwestern PA to support women in Pittsburgh who have been displaced. Today, we’ll finalize our donations for the dignity kits and the meal we’re preparing for women and kids at the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
Given that my work schedule is bursting at the seams this week, Cara Friedham, owner of Mookshi Wellness Center, will work her magic on me with a deep tissue massage.
Wednesday, August 16
My grandmother used to say that I “had more energy than I was entitled to,” and she was right. For more balance, I’ll be at Haley Pearlman’s 6 a.m. yoga class at Yoga Flow in Shadyside.
Wednesday nights are $6 dog and fries at D’s Six Pax and Dogz, which is where you will find Kerrie and me for dinner. We love the neighborhood and family vibe, their craft beers, and that they offer turkey and vegan dogs too.
Thursday, August 17
Today is my colleague and friend, Dr. Daria Crawley’s, birthday. Daria is the head of RMU’s Department of Management, and we’ll be writing an article on the gender wage gap while eating cupcakes from one of my favorite bakeries in the city, Gluuteny, the experts in vegan treats.
Friday, August 18
The big day is here to kick off the 2017-18 Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program! We’ll help students move in and hear about their summer internships and study abroad trips while eating ice cream from Rolling Cones food truck.
I’ll start my day Downtown at the Strong Awards, hosted by one of my favorite girl mentoring programs, Strong Women Strong Girls.
Friday nights are low-key at our house. We will either grab fresh dough from Park Pizza and Cream to grill up with our favorite toppings while watching a movie, or we’ll walk over to Summer Fridays at the Frick for food trucks and local music.
Saturday, August 19
I get to spend the day with 120-plus WLMP students, mentors, and supporters. I’m thrilled that Sabrina Saunders Mosby, president and CEO of Coro Pittsburgh, is our keynote speaker; she has so much wisdom to share on mentorship, leadership and young women’s empowerment.
We’re also heading out on a Just Ducky Tour to showcase our city’s business and cultural districts and learn fun facts about the Burgh!
Sunday, August 20
No alarm clock today. I’m sleeping late and enjoying coffee with Kerrie and the dogs. I’ll join the WLMP students for afternoon yoga with Kate Ruemler, owner of the new Soul Shine Yoga studio in Moon Township, followed by a cookout and games of cornhole. Game of Thrones starts at 9 p.m.—I hope I can stay awake for it.
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