In addition to my freelance work, I have worked as a senior communications specialist at the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions research initiative and an award-winning journalist at daily newspapers-turned-news websites in Michigan and Indiana.
My reporting has been published by Crain’s Detroit, MLive and The Ann Arbor News, Associated Press, Kokomo Tribune, and Big Rapids Pioneer. I have helped develop and place op-eds in The Hill, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Bridge Detroit, Blavity, and other publications. My creative writing has been published in Flyover Country Literary Magazine and Great Lakes Review.
I have a journalism degree from Grand Valley State University and a creative writing certificate from Wesleyan University.
I volunteer as co-chair of the “Big View” advocacy committee for Circles of Washtenaw County, where I have guided grassroots advocacy strategies that center the priorities of people working to move out of poverty in voter engagement outreach, efforts to lower the cost of child care, and campaigns to direct local governments’ spending of American Rescue Plan Act funds. I previously served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care.
Want to work together?
I’m currently accepting new clients, so let’s set up a time to get to know each other and discuss your content marketing needs and communications goals. Email me at bylaurenslagter@gmail.com.
I’m especially interested in working with organizations that serve marginalized groups, and I aim to create content and develop messaging that emphasizes individuals’ strengths and agency while pointing to the systems that deny certain groups equal access to opportunity.
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