Lauren Marks-Strass
Detroit,MI
Summary
Public health and policy leader with a focus on equity-centered systems change through advocacy and grant-making. Expertise in managing advocacy portfolios and overseeing philanthropic investments to support community-led health equity initiatives. Based in Michigan, dedicated to enhancing equitable systems that improve health and well-being in Southeastern Michigan.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Advocacy & Government Relations
United Way for Southeastern MI
Detroit, MI
2025 - Current
- Lead the organization’s policy, advocacy, and advocacy grant-making portfolio, overseeing staff, strategy, and external partnerships to advance equity-centered systems change across health care access, food security, workforce development, and community safety.
- Built and stewarded relationships with local, state, and federal policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and funders to influence legislation and advance community-informed policy priorities.
- Designed and managed advocacy grant portfolios, investing over $300K across six organizations to advance ALICE-aligned policy initiatives, including Paid Family Leave, Medicaid and childcare access, SNAP/WIC funding and federal benefits protections.
- Directed Michigan State initiatives for National Skills Coalition’s SkillSPAN Initiative, organizing and managing 30+ partner coalition to tackle systemic barriers to education and workforce success.
- Leveraged ALICE data, community insight, and storytelling to support policy campaigns, resulting in enacted policies and secured funding.
Manager, Advocacy & Government Relations
United Way for Southeastern MI
Detroit, Michigan
2024 - 2025
- Stewarded Advocacy Grant, distributing $200,000 to five organizations, resulting in key legislative victories, including barrier removal for Medicaid, housing, and energy assistance. Secured funding for Universal School Meals, Kids Count, and $1 million for Michigan 2-1-1.
- Developed cross-functional strategy leveraging Advocacy Grant success, resulting in $100 thousand for 2025 advocacy initiatives.
- Secured $50,000 in funding for workforce advocacy and voter engagement, facilitating grant renewals and ongoing program support.
- Managed extensive network of nonprofit partners, fostering collaboration that resulted in record advocacy actions and community impact.
- Delivered tailored training programs and resources, strengthening advocacy capacity for grassroots organizations and enhancing their effectiveness.
- Oversaw Policy Fellowship Program, mentoring three fellows to produce priority-aligned research reports and advocacy campaigns.
- Applied effective project management across multiple initiatives, including stewardship of seven advocacy projects.
- Executed grant writing, development, and financial management for incoming and outgoing grants.
Policy & Advocacy Specialist
United Way for Southeastern MI
Detroit, Michigan
2023 - 2024
- Conducted policy analysis on food, housing, and healthcare legislation, influencing advocacy efforts on RX Kids and tobacco restrictions.
- Collaborated with coalitions to mobilize stakeholders for initiatives improving Medicaid access, Paid Family Leave, and Universal School Meals
- Developed and disseminated toolkits and marketing materials, enhancing outreach for community health initiatives.
Public Health Intern
The Youth Connection
Detroit, Michigan
2022 - 2023
- Engaged community stakeholders to promote public health initiatives on Narcan and tobacco use, increasing awareness and participation.
- Organized public health education workshops for housing-insecure audiences, enhancing access to vital health information.
- Conducted community health assessments to evaluate child tobacco access, informing targeted intervention strategies.
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Henry Ford Health
Detroit, MI
2021 - 2023
- Coordinated patient recruitment and informed consent processes to enhance participant enrollment in trials.
- Executed regulatory submissions to uphold compliance with industry standards, facilitating trial progression.
- Conducted training sessions for new staff on trial procedures and protocols to ensure adherence and consistency.
Customer Experience Banker
Huntington National Bank
Dayton, OH
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Guided clients through loan applications and account openings, ensuring thorough understanding of processes.
- Evaluated customer financial information to identify and recommend tailored banking products.
- Instructed customers on mobile applications and online banking features to enhance their banking experience.
Intern
Licking County Juvenile Court
Newark, Ohio
2019 - 2020
- Collaborated with social services to gather critical case information, enhancing service delivery.
- Developed comprehensive reports that summarized case activities and provided actionable recommendations for review.
Social Media Marketing Director
Marks-Strauss Real Estate Llc.
Indianapolis, IN
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Oversaw content creation for multiple social media platforms, resulting in increased engagement rates.
- Formulated social media strategies for real estate marketing campaigns, achieving targeted audience reach.
Education
Master of Public Health - Public Health Practice
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - History
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH05.2021
Skills
- Grant stewardship and management
- Project management
- Verbal and written communication
- Training development
- Lobbying
- Strategic planning
Hobbies and Interests
- Travel
- Art
- Books
- My two very poorly behaved dogs
Timeline
Customer Experience Banker
Huntington National Bank
01.2020 - 01.2021
Social Media Marketing Director
Marks-Strauss Real Estate Llc.
01.2017 - 01.2019
Director, Advocacy & Government Relations
United Way for Southeastern MI
2025 - Current
Manager, Advocacy & Government Relations
United Way for Southeastern MI
2024 - 2025
Policy & Advocacy Specialist
United Way for Southeastern MI
2023 - 2024
Public Health Intern
The Youth Connection
2022 - 2023
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Henry Ford Health
2021 - 2023
Intern
Licking County Juvenile Court
2019 - 2020
Master of Public Health - Public Health Practice
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Arts - History
The Ohio State University