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Lauren Sorkin
Executive Director - Urban Resilience - Climate Finance - Board Member - Holistic Health - Yogi
Professional Background
Lauren Sorkin is a recognized leader in the fields of sustainability, climate change adaptation, and urban resilience. As the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Resilient Cities Network, she plays a pivotal role in empowering cities around the globe to advance urban resilience strategies. With a presence in over 100 cities across 47 countries, the Resilient Cities Network stands as a testament to her commitment to promoting sustainable practices that address the pressing challenges posed by climate change while enhancing community well-being and equity.
Lauren's career spans nearly two decades, during which she has cultivated deep expertise in sustainable finance, international development strategy, and environmental protection. Her experience is not only extensive but also diverse, having worked in various capacities that include developing partnerships, managing projects, and influencing policy at both local and international levels. Prior to her current role, Lauren served as the Managing Director at 100 Resilient Cities, a groundbreaking initiative pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation. Here, she was instrumental in creating frameworks for resilience planning that cities around the world now use to protect themselves from the myriad effects of climate change.
Throughout her illustrious career, Lauren has held various notable positions, including Environment & Climate Change Specialist at the Asian Development Bank, where she contributed to innovative solutions aimed specifically at enhancing the adaptive capacity of developing nations. Her experience also includes significant contributions to organizations like the International Resources Group and the Worldwatch Institute, where she managed projects centered on biofuels and environmental sustainability.
Education and Achievements
Lauren's educational journey laid a strong foundation for her future career in sustainability and international relations. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations with a focus on Environmental Justice from Tufts University, an institution renowned for its commitment to interdisciplinary studies that blend environmental science and social justice. This educational background equipped her with a nuanced understanding of the intersections between environmental issues and global development.
Further enhancing her expertise, Lauren pursued a Master of Science degree in Environment and Development at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a prestigious program recognized for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on policy-related studies. The insights gained during her time at LSE prepared her for strategic decision-making roles that would shape her future contributions to sustainability and resilience-building efforts in urban contexts.
Beyond her formal education, Lauren's holistic approach to well-being is underscored by her certification as a holistic health counselor and her training as a yoga instructor. This unique background allows her to integrate wellness and mindfulness practices into her professional endeavors, ultimately fostering a more balanced and effective approach to tackling complex challenges in the sustainability sphere.
Notable Achievements
Lauren Sorkin's influence extends well beyond her professional roles. She has been an advocate for environmental justice and urban resilience, contributing her expertise to various boards and organizations, such as SmartCitiesWorld, where she holds a seat as a Board Member. Additionally, her former roles with Food Tank and the Asian Development Bank showcase her deep involvement in initiatives that focus on food security and climate resilience, which are vital for creating sustainable urban environments.
Her impactful work has secured her a place in the ranks of leading voices in urban resilience, empowering communities and cities to adapt and thrive in facing climate adversity. Lauren's systems approach, complemented by her commitment to developing deep and lasting partnerships across sectors, has positioned her as a key figure in the global movement towards sustainable urban development. Through innovation, education, and advocacy, she continues to inspire others to actively engage in the fight against climate change and promote a more equitable and resilient future.
