Lauren Grimes

Professor Lauren Grimes is a foreign diplomacy analyst, political science professor, and youth advocate. She attained her Bachelor of Art in Sociology at the University of Maryland and her Master of Public Policy degree at George Mason University. Ms. Grimes serves as a Program Analyst for the U.S. Department of State where she conducts policy and program work for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. As a native of Washington, D.C., Professor Grimes takes pride in dedicating herself to giving back to her community. Locally, she serves as Vice Chair of the Marshall Heights Civic Association and as Founder of “The Community Enrichment Project,” a youth civic engagement organization that focuses on providing community-based solutions to socio-economic issues in Wards 7 and 8 in Washington D.C.

After earning her M.P.P. degree, Mrs. Grimes was inspired to teach and began instructing as a Political Science professor at Trinity Washington University and the University of the District of Columbia. Professor Grimes has taught several courses for UDC in various formats across the institution’s multiple campuses. Her tireless work within her community, as well as her experiences abroad, have helped Mrs. Grimes expand her impact as she inspires others to give back to their local communities. She is a member of numerous other professional and community organizations and programs, including The Wilson Center’s Women in Public Service Project, Young Government Leaders, the Ward 7 D.C. Department of Behavioral Health Prevention Council, and the D.C. Young Democrats Policy Committee.

Professor Grimes regularly speaks at conferences and on panels sharing her impactful community based work to larger audiences. She recently authored and published an academic article “The Effect of the Digital Age on African American Identity and Political Participation” in The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs and is currently working on a forthcoming article “Practicing Democracy in Urban Settings: A Case Study on Increasing Political Participation in Washington D.C.’s Underserved Communities (Re-Imagining a 21st Century Democracy Journal).” Professor Grimes aspires to continue to pursue grassroots efforts and public policy changes to enhance civic awareness—within her community and around the world.