Strengthening Collective Power: A Discourse on Community Solidarity
Lauren Sands '24, a former volleyball player at Oberlin College, has embarked on an inspiring journey from the athletic fields of Oberlin to the policy halls of Columbus, Ohio.
After contributing to Oberlin's first-ever winning volleyball season in her senior year, Sands found herself drawn to the impact of the Ninde Scholars program on local students. This led her to take up a paid role as a mentor within the program, supporting students in Oberlin City Schools.
Upon graduating with a Sociology major and Africana Studies minor, Sands pursued a career focused on public policy and community service. She began as a Democracy Fellow at the Human Service Chamber (HSC) of Franklin County in Columbus, engaging in voter engagement work. This was followed by a role as a Policy Associate, where she continues her work in public policy, emphasising community service and engagement.
Sands' current role as a Policy Associate involves writing updates on policy developments, creating advocacy tools, and spreading awareness about public policy developments. She credits her academic background for providing a solid foundation for understanding social issues in a big city like Columbus.
Sands' journey shows a clear progression from collegiate athletics and mentorship to dedicated work in public policy and community advocacy. After growing up near the Oberlin College athletic complex, Sands found a sense of community in the nonprofit sector of Columbus, which she finds similar to the closeness she grew up with in Oberlin.
Sands attended Oberlin College because of its close-knit community and spent a summer helping students gain real-world skills, including cooking. The experience of supporting her community has been rewarding for Sands, and she believes that her experiences at Oberlin have prepared her for her future career in service and policy.
Kristen Evans, a culture writer and critic who has written for various publications including BuzzFeed, The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, NYLON, and The New Republic, has highlighted Sands' journey in her articles.
Today, Sands is working with nonprofits that address various social issues in Columbus, continuing her commitment to community service and policy work. Understanding why social issues exist has been rewarding for Sands in her current role, as she strives to make a difference in the lives of those around her.
