Lauren M is an aspiring social worker based in New York. A journalist for 25 years, her writing about travel and food has appeared in more than 150 publications, and she has traveled to 60 countries across five continents, including circumnavigating the globe by ship. Originally from Miami, Florida, Lauren has also lived in Beijing and Taipei. In Fall 2026, she will begin graduate studies at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work, pursuing a Master of Social Work degree. Newly blind, Lauren is passionate about educating others about vision loss and hopes to open her own counseling and advocacy practice serving under-resourced communities. She is excited to attend her first ACB Conference and Convention and looks forward to participating in sessions and making new friends.