International Coalition of Girls Schools

In 2014, under Dr. Lek’s leadership, OLP for the first time in their 135 year history, joined what was then the National Coalition of Girls’ School (NCGS), and began taking advantage of the wealth of opportunities the coalition had to offer. Quickly gaining the reputation as a school that would show up with the largest group of faculty and staff at national conferences, OLP jumped in to partake in professional development opportunities, spearhead Headways Conversations with professionals around the world, and lead groundbreaking sessions at conferences. In July of 2019, Dr. Lauren Lek was invited to join the Board of Directors for the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools. In 2020-2021, OLP was the recipient of the Moulton Student Global Citizenship Grant for the annual Hackathon. NCGS co-founder Meg Moulton established this annual prize in honor of the Coalition’s 25th anniversary for a faculty-led team of NCGS member school students. The grant helps girls engage in leadership, fortify their strategic thinking, and enhance their global mindfulness by developing empathy and respect for others. As NCGS transitioned to the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, OLP was proud to be named a Founding Member of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools in February 2023.

Megan K. Murphy Global Executive Director, International Coalition of Girls’ Schools

Joyfully optimistic. This state of mind does more than shape who Lauren Lek is as a teacher, a role model, a forward-thinker, and a leader. It’s a feeling that she embodies and exudes. It’s a sense that overtakes you whenever you’re around her. It’s what animates her very soul.

Lauren loves what she does, and you can tell. She is a fierce advocate for girls and for girls’ education. The entire International Coalition of Girls’ Schools community is better for Lauren’s thoughtful advocacy efforts on behalf of all students and faculty around the world. Lauren has played a vital role with ICGS as a member of our Governing Board of Directors since 2019. With nearly 400 member schools, ICGS is a richly diverse network of educators and students who are part of independent, public, charter, and religiously affiliated schools in 18 countries. Lauren is committed to helping our Coalition find ways to lift and celebrate the voices of all of our members, and she sees the power and potential in bringing together schools and students across the globe. As a member of the ICGS Board Resource & Allocation Committee and Investment Policy Task Force, she also helps us to find real, sustainable, and concrete ways to support and enhance the work of all of our Coalition schools.

At the height of the pandemic, Lauren stepped forward to facilitate five different robust discussions among ICGS educators, leading important conversations with Heads of School about the impact on daily operations, and leading colleagues through conversations about celebrating their graduating classes and preparing for the year ahead.

It’s a special pleasure to see how energized and inspired Lauren is by being part of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace community as well. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend time with Lauren on campus, where she enthusiastically, gracefully, and lovingly talked about the history and culture of OLP, springing forth from the legacy and values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. I was inspired by Lauren’s lessons about the tradition of lacemaking among the founding sisters as well as the background for The Butterfly Project with its interfaith teachings. I was impressed by the diversity of OLP students and graduates and deeply appreciated how this diversity was reflected in every aspect of the school’s mission, curriculum, and campus for all to take inspiration from.

Lauren is a quintessential leader. Her tenure at OLP has been transformative, and I am proud to witness her joyfully optimistic (and powerful) impact on the world.

Danielle Heard President of the ICGS Governing Board

It has been an honor to work with Dr. Lauren Lek in our shared commitment as trustees for the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. Lauren has served in this capacity during a pivotal time for the organization, as we have moved from national to international in our focus and scope. Lauren’s keen wisdom, insightful questions, and unfaltering optimism have provided important perspective for our work. It has been a joy to work with Lauren, to watch her lead, and to be inspired by her vision. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of her