Member Spotlight

Lauren Olsen

Tell us about yourself and your family.

I was raised on the Northshore of New Orleans, in Mandeville, Louisiana, and attended The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). My husband, E.J., is a proud Southwest Louisiana native and attended McNeese. We are both engineers who work in the local chemical industry. 

This past year, we joyfully celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Beyond professional pursuits, we love to travel, enjoy sunny days by the pool, and stay active by walking our Dalmatian, Domino.

How long have you lived in southwest Louisiana? What made you choose the area?

In the summer of 2014, I eagerly returned to my home state for a summer internship at a chemical facility in Lake Charles. This experience provided valuable insights into the career opportunities for chemical engineers within the SWLA industry, ultimately influencing my decision to pursue a career in this field.

Beyond work, my time in Lake Charles allowed me to enjoy Louisiana’s playground. Weekends were spent on the water, enjoying boating and fishing, and attending live music at events such as Party by the Pool. It was during this summer that I also met my now-husband, furthering my connection to the area.

Upon graduating, I enthusiastically returned to Lake Charles, having received a full-time employment offer that aligned with my professional aspirations.

How did you learn about the Community Foundation? What was the spark that made you decide to join the Foundation as an annual member?

Upon moving to Lake Charles, I joined the Junior League and my sorority’s, Pi Beta Phi, alumnae association to actively engage in the community. Through these affiliations, I collaborated with Sara Judson, whose passion for SWLA left a lasting impression. Sara's mentorship introduced me to the Community Foundation, and my awareness deepened after attending the Better Block project in the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District in 2019.

The pivotal moment to become an annual member came after Hurricane Laura. I was impressed by the Foundation's proactive response in establishing the Hurricane Relief and Recovery Fund before the storm even made landfall. The impact of the hurricane shifted my perspective on SWLA, motivating me to transition from a passive observer to an active participant in recovery efforts. As an engineer who appreciates well-thought-out plans, I was inspired by the strategic planning and Just Imagine projects. The foresight and intuition provided me with hope for our city's recovery.

Motivated by a deep sense of responsibility, I joined as an annual member, eager to contribute to the execution of Just Imagine’s catalytic projects and shape a resilient future for our community.

What are ways you like to be plugged into the SWLA community?

Whether supporting non-profits at their fundraising events or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of free music festivals, we find numerous ways to stay connected. 

It has become a tradition for our family and friends from out of town to make special trips to Lake Charles and join us at various events. They look forward to experiencing the unique events in SWLA while enjoying the local food and hospitality.

After attending This is Home Fest in 2021 and witnessing the festival's impact, from featuring unique musical acts to enriching our town, I was drawn to their mission of enhancing the quality of life in SWLA through the festival experience. Inspired by this vision, I joined the festival's board and am honored to serve as president for the 2023 festival year. It's a genuine privilege for me to contribute to the vibrancy and growth of our community.

tell us about your company’s monetary match program.  

I deeply appreciate the opportunity to amplify the impact of my charitable contributions through Sasol’s monetary match program. What makes this program even more special to me is its flexibility; I can direct my support to any registered 501(c)(3), not just the non-profits affiliated with my company.

In addition to supporting the Community Foundation, I have utilized this matching program to contribute to other organizations in which I am actively involved, such as the Junior League of Lake Charles and the This is Home Festival. It's truly rewarding to witness my company's commitment to making a difference, allowing me to play a part in supporting causes that matter to me.