Lauren Mendez

Lauren Mendez is a member of the CSEC Action Team Advisory Board whose lived experience has given her the perspective to relate to individuals affected by commercial sexual exploitation.

Lauren is a Youth Shelter Specialist at the Youth Navigation Center in Modesto, California, a temporary shelter for youth ages 13-24. She is also a mentor for youth in the Ambassadors for the Child and Family Policy Institute of California's Youth Engagement Project. Lauren previously served as co-chair of the California Youth Connection advisory board. Lauren is an experienced trainer, having previously served as a trainer with the California Youth Connection's Y.O.U.T.H Training Project and as an independent contractor. She has trained California Department of Social Services staff, county child welfare staff, judges, probation officers and community members on topics surrounding children and youth in foster care.

Lauren was born and raised in California's Central Valley. She loves to spend time with her husband, three children and two bonus children. In her free time she travels and plans family outings. One of her personal goals is to visit all of the Disney parks.