“MOM TOOK US TO SOUP KITCHENS AND HOMELESS SHELTERS.” –Lauren

banister. She even had a birthday pool party at the ‘big white house.’ “We would all pick at the Christmastime gingerbread house every year until the house chef started making cookies for us, which he would hide behind the house he made so that we wouldn’t ruin his work of art. The staff was always so nice, and the butlers and ushers were amazing with us and had been through many administrations. I’m sure they have seen a lot in their day and were always so warm and welcoming. I mean, I might have slept in the Lincoln Bedroom one night, but to us, it was just like going to our grandparents’ house, and this is where they happened to live.”

Creating New Traditions Through Philanthropy

To relive that special time, she took her now seven-year-old son, James, for an Easter Egg Roll when Obama was in office, when he was around one or two years old. They left with plenty of pictures to show him as he grows older. Being able to pass on some of her own childhood memories while creating new traditions has been one of Lauren’s favorite things to experience as a mom.

Though she found her own unique way to help others by founding FEED, Lauren was inspired by her philanthropic family’s efforts throughout her life. “Mom took us to soup kitchens and homeless shelters and had a charity when I was little called the Karitas Foundation that helped homeless women and abused children, so I got to be a part of going to some of the women’s shelters. There was this universal connection when playing games with these kids living in the shelter, and it was really impactful to understand that they’re in this shelter because of the circumstances they were born into. It was shocking to be presented with realities that were so different from my own everyday reality, and I realized how lucky I was to never have to worry about food or shelter and to have access to education. My mom also helped to give grants, and I watched her working in terms of raising money and throwing fundraisers, and I am just really grateful for that exposure. I think it was an early influence for me and what started me down the path I’m on now with FEED.”

The mother of three boys, aged seven, four, and one, Lauren is now leading by example when it comes to educating her children on the realities of the world and how they can make a difference in their own way. She currently serves on the local board of the Food Bank of New York City and has taken the boys to various volunteer opportunities around the city. She is also involved in the service learning projects that their school partakes in.

“The amount of love and energy you put into your kids to know that they are happy and heathy and thriving and eating enough just gives you even more empathy when you travel and visit certain global communities. It’s also important for kids to know that they can make a difference because even though world issues are massive and overwhelming, we can all feel empowered to make someone’s life a little easier. It doesn’t have to be through big gestures or donations, and I just want my kids to realize that we are lucky, so let’s give back. Anyone is able to host a FEED dinner, and we have had some amazing and creative moms step up to make it kidfriendly and engaging.”

She might look like a model right out of a Ralph Lauren ad, but Lauren has found her place on the creative side of the fashion world these days. She does, however, still credit her early modeling days with exposing her to the fashion industry and getting to work in photography, which she studied in school. “My modeling story was all a fluke. I was visiting New York with mom for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and our family friends introduced us to their friend who worked at a modeling agency, and one thing led to another. I started modeling part time during school but pulled back when I realized it was time to get on a real career path. I am definitely grateful for the experience, which exposed me to the place I live and love.”

Interned at the TV Show Friends

She even rubbed elbows with the cast of Friends during a high school internship, where she wound up having a cameo appearance, but would soon find a way to embark on her true passions: sustainability, fashion with philanthropy.

UN Food Program to FEED Bag

It was when she began studying anthropology at Princeton that this future giving-back-focused FEED bag founder realized she was able to combine her love of travel and studying different cultures and ways of living and values with her passion for fashion. This became even more pronounced

Lisa Nik stud earrings. 18 Kt. white gold with aquamarine and diamonds. Sugg. retail $ 3,780. www.lisanik. com

Lisa Nik pendant. 18 Kt. white gold with aquamarine and diamonds. Sugg. retail $ 1,995. www.lisanik. com