Lauren Himiak

Lauren Himiak. Graduate student. Freelance Writer. Vegan. Yogi. Camping lover.

I am currently pursuing my Masters in Environmental Policy at the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy in New York City. With my continuing education and passion for the environment, I am eager to work for a more sustainable future. That means promoting environmental and reproductive justice, fighting for animal welfare, and learning about sustainable agriculture. I am also working as a freelance writer and editor, serving as About.com’s Guide to National & State Parks. My previous experience include writing for a talk radio program, a popular metropolitan newspaper, and numerous magazines.

Recently, I co-founded a New York City outreach organization called Kind Connections. This film and lecture series was inspired by the movements for animal welfare, environmental protection, social justice, and health. We advocate that these connections be used as a guide for living a kinder, happier, and more fulfilling life. This is meant to both foster a community for those versed in these issues as well as for those individuals seeking to learn more.

My passion for helping others has transformed my life and led me to graduate school. During the summer of 2009, I had the privilege of volunteering in Uganda at an AIDS orphanage. Teaching and giving love and support to 120 children was truly a life-changing experience, and one I will carry with me always. My focus was teaching children English as well as increasing their health and fitness levels through daily exercise and games. The experience led me down a path of volunteer work and I was even featured on lemondrop.com, sharing how I transitioned from journalism to working in Africa.

In 2011, I traveled to Haiti to support Let Haiti Live, a non-profit investing in Haitian-led initiatives that strengthen the people’s ability to become more self-sufficient economically, socially and environmentally. Our team worked with 40 youth that are part of the JADPE program (Youth in Action for Development and Protection of the Environment) in a Summer Camp teaching children English language skills and leadership development. We also worked on a construction project that will support the expansion of the group’s tree nursery and reforestation efforts in the community. Our work helped empower youth leaders, help families grow food and support Haiti’s environment.

I continue to volunteer locally, whether in soup kitchens, animal shelters, women’s shelters, or simply by helping the homeless on the streets of New York. I look forward to a future of helping others and working towards building a more sustainable future for all.