Lauren Huggett is a dedicated advocate for inclusive leadership, gender equity, creative empowerment, and community-driven policy. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Economics at Duke University. Lauren’s academic interests center on how equitable policy and cultural understanding can shape stronger, more empathetic communities. A lifelong participant in the arts through music, theatre, and dance, Lauren believes deeply in the power of creative expression to foster confidence, belonging, and self-esteem among young people. At Duke, she continues to explore this connection as a choreographer and teacher for Synergy Dance and as a volunteer with Ballet and Books, a dance and literacy mentorship program serving children in the Durham community. Through the Hart Leadership Program, Lauren hopes to deepen her understanding of how leadership and arts policy intersect, continuing to bridge creativity with social impact.