Hello, DJJ!

My name is Lauren (she/her) and I am so pleased to be spending the next eight months at DJJ as a fieldwork intern.

I have just started in the Jewish Communal Leadership Program at University of Michigan’s School of Social Work and moved to Ann Arbor just a few short weeks ago by way of Durham, North Carolina.

Before moving to Michigan, I worked as the Director of Student Leadership at North Carolina Hillel for three years. In 2014, I was a Repair the World fellow in Baltimore working at Baltimore Orchard Project, which plants and harvests fruit trees in the city, and Banner Neighborhoods, an afterschool program. I received my undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University in the mountains of North Carolina where I studied Communication Studies and Leadership Studies.

For the past three years, I have also been a Carolina Jews for Justice (CJJ) volunteer and chapter co-chair. Through CJJ, I discovered my love of organizing in the Jewish community and worked on campaigns with the local Fight for $15 chapter and the local Poor People’s Campaign. I have gained so much from the intergenerational nature of CJJ’s community and look forward to that aspect of DJJ.

This year, I am excited to learn about the great work being done in Detroit, get to know the wonderful folks who are mobilized by DJJ, and build power with the DJJ staff and leaders. I look forward to meeting everyone and hearing your stories.

In solidarity,

Lauren