Who Lauren Flynn is……

As a young girl, I was profoundly influenced by two remarkable women: my liberal maternal grandmother, a dedicated volunteer, and my conservative paternal grandmother, who campaigned and ran for local office well into her retirement years. They instilled in me the importance of education and lifelong learning, and most importantly, the value of giving back to and serving our community.

Growing up south of Flint, I began my higher education at Central Michigan University. Life’s unexpected turns led me to put my education on hold, and 20 years ago, my young family and I moved to Traverse City. My late former husband and I faced economic challenges that required us to rely on local and state food assistance programs to provide for our family. The high cost of daycare forced us to work opposite shifts, adding stress that contributed to the breakdown of our marriage. These experiences drove me to join the board of Generations Ahead, a non-profit supporting teen parents in GT County with mentoring, counseling, and essential resources. Ensuring affordable daycare is not just a priority for me—it’s a necessity. Early childhood development is crucial for the future success of our children.

As a single mom in GT County, I’ve worn many hats, working in hospitality, retail, and real estate, sometimes holding three jobs simultaneously to make ends meet. I understand firsthand the support and opportunities working families need, particularly in childcare, affordable housing, and accessible public transportation.

In the past eight years, I completed my Bachelor's in Business Administration, interned and worked on Matt Morgan’s Congressional campaign, and earned my Master’s in Management. At Davenport University’s NMC University Center, I guided NMC transfer students toward four-year degrees, helping them upskill and contribute to our local economy. Currently, as the Director of Operations for the GT Dems, I am dedicated to electing Democrats to local office and increasing voter turnout.

I am committed to addressing critical issues such as protecting our natural resources and ensuring affordable housing. I am ready to represent the diverse values and ideas of GT County on the county board. Together, we can create a community where everyone thrives.

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