I’m Lauren Cikara, founder of The Leadership Pipeline Project, where I help nonprofits and mission-driven organizations unlock the full potential of youth as leaders and board members. Over the past 20+ years, I have built and scaled programs in youth mental health, education, and public health, impacting millions of youth and young adults and shaping systems to be more equitable and inclusive. 

My passion lies in youth engagement and leadership development. I have seen firsthand how youth, especially youth of color and LGBTQ+ leaders, bring fresh perspectives, energy, and innovation to the organizations that serve them. Yet, too often, organizations don’t have the capacity to provide the advocacy skills and leadership development, and youth age out of programs without clear pathways to influence decision-making or continue serving their communities. 

That is where I come in. I partner with organizations to create sustainable pipelines that move youth from program participants to community advocates and board-ready leaders, equipping them with governance training, advocacy skills, and mentorship. At the same time, I help boards redesign policies, culture, and systems so that youth and young adults can serve meaningfully, not as token voices, but as full decision-makers. 

I bring a unique combination of strategic leadership, program design expertise, and deep youth advocacy experience, making me the go-to expert for organizations ready to elevate youth leadership. Together, we can cultivate youth leadership, strengthen boards, and keep alumni engaged, and ensure your organization grows alongside the communities it serves.