Meet Lauren Matthews - A Civic Leader Pushing For Lasting Change!

Say hello to Lauren Matthews—a powerhouse volunteer and community champion who's showing up and showing out for Atlanta! Whether she's mentoring students, organizing community events, or raising her voice for equity, Lauren is all in when it comes to creating a better, more inclusive city for everyone.

Not only does she share her time (and is a Civic Leadership Alum) with us, she lends her talents to amazing organizations like SCORE, Homeless Pets Foundation, and Black Voters Matter. From tackling education equity, and pushing for housing stability, Lauren is driven by a deep commitment to real, lasting change.

She’s not just making a difference—she’s building a stronger Atlanta, one act of service at a time!

Learn more about Lauren’s service journey in our interview below!

---

Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

Hands On Atlanta, SCORE, Homeless Pets Foundation, Black Voters Matter

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

Atlanta is a city with so much opportunity, but also some deep challenges that need real solutions. The areas I care about most are education equity, economic mobility, and housing stability.

Education is the foundation for everything. Too many students, especially in under-resourced communities, don’t have access to the same quality of education as others. That affects their future opportunities, their earning potential, and ultimately the economic health of the city. I’ve worked with nonprofits focused on education and have seen firsthand how the right support, whether it’s better funding, mentorship, or access to technology, can change the trajectory of a student’s life.

Economic mobility ties into that. Atlanta has one of the lowest rates of economic upward mobility in the country. If you’re born into poverty here, it’s incredibly hard to break out of it. That’s why I care about workforce development programs, small business support, and financial literacy initiatives that help people build sustainable careers and wealth.

And then there’s housing. A city can’t thrive if its residents can’t afford to live in it. The rising cost of living is pushing people out of their own communities, and affordable housing solutions aren’t keeping up. I care about policies and programs that protect longtime residents, prevent displacement, and create more opportunities for people to stay in the city they call home.

All of these issues are connected, and that’s why I believe in supporting organizations that address them holistically. I want to be part of work that doesn’t just treat symptoms but actually creates lasting change.

What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

One organization I’ve volunteered with that I absolutely love is Black Voters Matter. What I love most about them is their commitment to empowering marginalized communities through grassroots organizing and voter engagement. They don’t just focus on getting people to vote. They focus on making sure people understand their power and how to use it to influence change in their communities. That approach really resonates with me because it’s about more than just one election; it’s about creating long-term, sustainable impact.

I volunteer with them because I believe in their mission to increase voter participation, especially in communities where people’s voices are often underrepresented. The work they do is incredibly important to building a more inclusive and just society, and I want to be part of that. They also give me the opportunity to directly contribute to community-building and advocacy, which is personally fulfilling. It feels like I’m not just helping out; I’m part of something bigger, something that’s actively changing lives and shaping the future of my city.

“Whether it’s mentoring young people, hosting community events, or working to raise awareness for critical social issues, my commitment is always focused on creating a positive, sustainable impact. I’m passionate about using my skills, experiences, and network to support causes that matter, and I hope to inspire others to join in and contribute to doing something good.”

— Lauren Matthews

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering has had a significant impact on both my personal and professional life. Personally, it has deepened my sense of purpose and connection to the community around me. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but volunteering reminds me of the bigger picture and the importance of giving back. Whether it’s working with nonprofits or engaging in community initiatives, I’ve learned to appreciate diverse perspectives and the power of collective action. It's humbling and motivating to see how a group of dedicated people can drive meaningful change, and that fuels my own drive to contribute.

Professionally, volunteering has helped me develop stronger leadership skills and enhanced my ability to work in diverse teams. I've been in situations where I had to manage projects, work with people from different backgrounds, and find creative solutions under pressure. These are all skills that translate directly into my professional life. Volunteering has also expanded my network, connecting me with like-minded individuals and organizations that align with my values. The relationships I’ve built through volunteering have sometimes led to professional opportunities and collaborations, and those connections have enriched my career in ways I hadn’t expected.

Overall, volunteering has made me a more empathetic, proactive, and purpose-driven individual, both in my personal life and my professional endeavors.

What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?

Volunteering has taught me a lot about leadership, problem-solving, and communication. Whether leading a team or working with diverse groups, I’ve learned how to collaborate effectively and adapt quickly to challenges. It’s also improved my ability to prioritize tasks and manage my time efficiently, especially when balancing other commitments. Most importantly, volunteering has deepened my empathy and cultural awareness, helping me understand different perspectives and work better with people from all backgrounds. These experiences have made me a more organized, adaptable, and compassionate individual, both personally and professionally.

“I believe strongly in the power of community-driven change and have always been committed to supporting causes that help create a more just and inclusive society. My volunteer work is deeply rooted in helping others find their voice and build a future where everyone has access to opportunity, whether through educational programs, civic engagement, or social justice initiatives. ”

— Lauren Matthews

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

One of the most memorable highlights from my volunteering experience was my time in the Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program. I had the chance to lead STEAM education programs for urban youth, working with K-5 students who had limited access to such opportunities. The moment that stands out the most was seeing their faces light up when they figured out how to solve a problem or complete a project. It was such a rewarding feeling to know that I was not only helping them learn but also inspiring curiosity and confidence in areas they hadn’t explored before. That experience reinforced the power of volunteering—seeing firsthand how small moments of support and encouragement can make a lasting impact on young minds. It’s a reminder that volunteering isn’t just about giving your time; it’s about creating meaningful connections that can spark change and open new doors for others.

Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.

Atlanta holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. It’s a city full of energy, innovation, and a unique mix of history and progress. I love how diverse and dynamic it is. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together, creating a vibrant culture and endless opportunities for connection and collaboration.

One of my favorite things about Atlanta is the food scene. Whether it’s enjoying Southern comfort food or exploring new international flavors, there’s always something delicious to discover. Ponce City Market is a favorite spot, not just for food but for its community vibe. It’s a great place to shop, grab a bite, or even enjoy a rooftop view of the city.

I also really appreciate the city’s green spaces. Places like Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine are perfect for getting outside and enjoying nature, especially when the weather’s nice. I’m always up for a good walk, and it’s amazing how accessible those areas are for everyone, from families to professionals.

What really makes Atlanta stand out to me, though, is its sense of community. The people here are welcoming, passionate, and dedicated to making the city better. Whether it’s through nonprofit work, local businesses, or civic involvement, there’s a real spirit of collaboration and support. I love that about this city.

In short, I love Atlanta because it’s a place where people are always working to improve and grow both as individuals and as a community, and I’m proud to be a part of that.

“I also believe in the importance of building relationships within the communities I serve. Volunteering is about more than just giving time; it’s about creating lasting bonds, fostering mutual understanding, and empowering others to make their own impact. I’ve seen firsthand how volunteering can open doors for people and communities, and I am dedicated to being part of that process.”

— Lauren Matthews

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?

My advice to anyone interested in volunteering is to start with what you’re passionate about. Volunteering is most rewarding when it aligns with your interests and values. Whether it’s supporting a cause you care deeply about or learning a new skill, choose something that excites you.

Don’t be afraid to start small. Many people hesitate to volunteer because they think they need to commit to huge projects, but even small contributions can make a big impact. You can learn a lot from taking on smaller roles before jumping into larger ones.

Also, be open to exploring new areas. Sometimes, the best experiences come from stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new. Volunteering is a great way to broaden your horizons, meet diverse people, and grow both personally and professionally.

Lastly, remember that volunteering isn’t just about giving. It’s about learning and connecting. It can lead to unexpected opportunities, build relationships, and offer new perspectives that you might not have considered before. Go into it with an open heart and a willingness to learn, and you’ll find the experience rewarding in ways you didn’t expect.

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

In April, I will be hosting a special event for the Black Voters Matter book club. Our focus will be on exploring what it means to be Black in America from the perspective of Black immigrants. We will read and discuss articles that highlight the unique challenges Black immigrants face today, and reflect on the crucial role of unity in our current moment.

To bring this conversation to life, I will be moderating an in-person panel at MOCADA, featuring a diverse group of voices from across the Black diaspora. If you are in the New York area, I would love for you to join us in person. If you are not, you can still be a part of the discussion by tuning into the live stream hosted by Black Voters Matter.

I encourage everyone to get involved in any way they can, whether in person or virtually, and help us amplify these important voices and conversations.

---