In an effort to highlight the NAADD Diversity Working Group, the Association will feature one member from the Working Group on a weekly basis over the next several months. This working group was created back in July 2020 to serve as an advisory group to the NAADD Executive Committee, in addition to cultivating the pipeline for minorities in collegiate athletics development. The NAADD Diversity Working Group aims to be a support network for minorities in the industry through education, advocacy, and awareness.This week, the spotlight turns to Lauren Robinson of the UConn. 

Name: Lauren Robinson
Job Title: Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship
Number of years in your position: 3 years 
Institution: University of Connecticut
Email: lrobinson@foundation.uconn.edu

Tell us about the last two positions you have held.
I started at UConn in 2018 as the Assistant Director of Donor Relations where I managed our athletics donor events and interactions. This included the delivery of stewardship benefits and occasions such as the donor experience during the NCAA Final Four and tournament trips. I was promoted to Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship in January of 2020. Prior to coming to UConn, I was at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in New Haven, CT as the Assistant Director of Special Events. In that role, I managed the five annual fundraising events with an annual revenue of over $4.6 million to benefit the camp and its programs.

When/why did you first become involved in NAADD?
Mike Oblinger who runs our Development shop came to me one day about the minority stipend program to attend the annual NAADD Convention in 2019. Prior to that, I wasn't aware of NAADD or NACDA. Once I researched, applied and was accepted, I was excited about meeting others in the field across many different levels that I could network with and learn from during the Convention. Aside from the Convention, NAADD has offered multiple webinars, including one of which I had the opportunity to sit on a panel with colleagues from other schools to discuss Racism in the Donor Space.

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment to date?
I held an internship with an NBA team out of college, however, all of my previous positions were not centered around athletics or sports. Although I can plan an amazing and successful event, I wasn't well-versed in the world of collegiate athletics development. Coming to UConn quickly allowed me to not only use my existing talents but tap into a whole new world that challenges and allows me to learn and grow my interests and abilities outside of my professional comfort zone.

Provide the membership a few thoughts on how you hope this Working Group can impact NAADD and our members long term?
I joined this working group as an opportunity to not only talk with others within my field that face similar challenges, but also be able to be a resource for newcomers or potential new comers to athletics development. I would like to continue to see this group grow and also be a presence and resource during the annual Convention as well as throughout the year with workshops, scholarships, webinars and/or mentorships. My idea is that diversity in this space becomes so common that it no longer needs a separate group to ensure those marginalized groups need or have a voice as it will be commonplace to see.

Tell us something unique/interesting/special about yourself.
I love to cook and bake! I recently received a pink Kitchen Aid mixer as a gift from my husband and named it Penelope. Penelope is a game changer in the baking world! Sometimes, while cooking, I like to pretend I am filming a show on The Food Network and talk to the "audience." Baking is also a way to relieve stress while also indulging my insatiable sweet tooth.