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Lauren Gardner
Systems thinker building sustainable platforms around technology, art, and education. Product Manager / Arts Administration
Professional Background
Lauren Gardner is a dynamic and passionate professional with over a decade of experience in building profitable cultural spaces in New York City. As a co-founder and partner of the School for Poetic Computation (SFPC), Lauren played a pivotal role in creating an innovative environment that bridges the realms of art, technology, and education. SFPC serves as a pioneering institution that cultivates creativity and interdisciplinary exploration in the field of poetic computation.
In addition to her impactful work at SFPC, Lauren is the Director of the renowned nonprofit art collective, Babycastles, located on 14th Street. Under her leadership, Babycastles has successfully redefined the traditional arcade by transforming it into a public gallery and social space, where creative technology and independent video game culture thrive. Lauren's ability to curate events and foster community engagement has made Babycastles a cornerstone of New York City's cultural scene, attracting both local residents and visitors eager to connect with contemporary artistic expressions.
Beyond her extensive involvement in the arts, Lauren possesses a robust technical background with over 15 years of experience as a technical product manager in the broadcast news and technology sectors. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her uncanny ability to build corporate-wide, enterprise-level publishing and commerce platforms for industry giants such as Turner/Time Warner, Thomson Reuters, and 24/7 Real Media. Her expertise lies in developing multi-department software platforms, including websites, ad servers, and content management systems (CMS), all while fostering collaboration between various teams to drive growth and enhance revenue.
Education and Achievements
Lauren's educational journey reflects her commitment to both creative and technical pursuits. She studied at the School for Poetic Computation, where she honed her skills in combining artistry with innovative technology. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Radio, Television, and Film with a specialization in Production from Sam Houston State University. This academic background laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors in media production and technology.
To further elevate her skills in leadership and entrepreneurship, Lauren completed Seth Godin's** altMBA**, an intensive program designed to help participants gain the necessary tools to become more effective leaders. This experience has contributed significantly to her professional growth and ability to navigate the complexities of running creative organizations.
Notable Contributions
Lauren's diverse skill set has earned her recognition and respect within the industry. As the Head Of Operations at Open Source Collective, she has been instrumental in managing the operations of various projects that drive the growth of community-oriented initiatives. Her previous role as Director at Babycastles further underscores her dedication to cultivating vibrant cultural spaces that encourage interaction and collaboration among creative thinkers.
With her extensive background in both the artistic and technical arenas, Lauren Gardner exemplifies the essence of a modern leader in the creative technology field. Her unwavering passion for merging art with technology continues to inspire those around her and enhance the cultural fabric of New York City.
