“I see my life’s mission and my career calling are one in the same: Life is people; find a way to be useful and to be of service.”

Lauren James is the Executive Director for the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation (MDLF), an Indiana based non-profit with a mission to “Enable leaders. Drive change.” The vision for MDLF is to develop a statewide network of change agents, actively working to make Indiana the best place to build a future.

Lauren graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ball State University in 2011 where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning & Development and was named the American Institute of Certified Planners Outstanding Student and the John R. Emens Outstanding Senior Scholar. Upon graduation, she received a Fulbright Scholarship to Poland, serving as a cultural ambassador and teaching English at the University of Wrocław. Lauren was named the 2018 Graduate of the Last Decade and the 2020 College of Architecture and Planning Graduate of the Last Decade in recognition of her outstanding community accomplishments and professional endeavors.

Presently, Lauren’s priority focus areas three-fold: building a pipeline of Hoosier leaders, making a positive place impact and solving for poverty. These passions extend to her board positions including United Way of Central and the Orr Fellowship, as well as serving on IU Health Foundation’s Rev Local Organizing Committee.

In honor of her philanthropic commitment and volunteerism, Lauren has been recognized by the Indianapolis Business Journal in 2023 as a Woman of Influence and in 2021 as a 40 Under 40 Honoree. Additionally, she has been recognized as the 2019 Elevate Award Winner for Board Member of the Year, 2017 Make-A-Wish Women Inspiring Strength and Hope Honoree and 2017 Junior Achievement of Central Indiana Best & Brightest Finalist. Lauren has also participated in multiple leadership development programs including being selected as an inaugural MDLF Fellow in 2016 and a 2018 Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series Participant and hold a certificate in Non-Profit Executive Leadership.

Lauren is a proud resident of Noblesville where her and her husband, Dr. Luke James, enjoy raising their golden-doodle, Champ, supporting new local spots, spending time on the lake and playing mediocre golf.