Lauren Dodson
Lauren Dodson joined Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s Connected Youth Initiative in January 2021 as the Assistant Vice President of Trafficking and Violence Prevention. She serves at the helm of the Support for Youth Victims of Human Trafficking in Nebraska project, coordinating statewide community-based efforts and identifying strategies to support children, youth, and families impacted by human trafficking. This project seeks to build and maintain a comprehensive and collaborative response system as well as prevention strategy that enhances well-being and outcomes for child and youth victims of sex and labor trafficking and exploitation.
Lauren has served around issues of violence and crime victimization for over 20 years in roles with focuses on survivor advocacy, program development and enhancement, and prevention initiatives. She earned a master’s in Women’s Studies from Florida Atlantic University and has two undergraduate degrees in Women’s Studies and Crime, Law, Justice from Penn State University. Serving as a leader and subject matter expert, Lauren has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, local government, as well as in higher education. At home, Lauren enjoys nearly daily walks with her family (including dogs!), traveling when and where she can, live concerts, and is nearly always down for a Costco run.
