Have you ever made a bold decision that changed your life? Well, Lauren Grosz did just that on her 44th birthday. She quit her job without having another lined up and decided to invest in herself by launching LG: philanthropy, a consulting agency specializing in nonprofit organizations.

Lauren Grosz is a Startup Stories woman, and we proudly shout her story to the world about taking the leap.

About StartUp Stories

Startup Stories is a photography project by women in business for women in business! We are a fierce team on a mission to ensure fellow female bosses shine bright and get the visibility they deserve. Audrey Tappan of Hued and Angela Acosta of Angela Atelier are on a mission to capture the essence of 100 kick-ass entrepreneurs through their lenses to create a visual feast of empowerment and success.

Ally Berthiaume, of The Write Place, Right Time writes their article for Moondust Magazine, featured by Carina Dietz, boosting visibility and credibility.

This project is not just about photos; it’s about building a community where we lift each other. A shoutout goes to Melanie Cunningham of Melanie Cunningham Law, who supports us on the backend with strategic advice.

About Lauren and taking the leap.

Lauren is no stranger to the nonprofit sector, having worked as Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Development Officer at Girl Scouts of the USA, Executive Director at the American Diabetes Association, VP of Development for the American Heart Association, and Senior Director of Development at the National MS Society. With her extensive experience, Lauren observed the ever-evolving landscape of development and realized the critical need for expert consultants to share the responsibilities of organizations.

But starting her own business wasn’t an easy decision for Lauren. She questioned herself, “WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING? HOW AM I GOING TO ACTUALLY DO THIS? AM I GOING CRAZY?” But she trusted her gut and decided to breathe in courage and exhale fear.

Over the past four months, Lauren has been hustling and trusting her instincts. She’s joined networking groups, connected with old colleagues, made new connections, designed a logo, and even booked her first two clients. Lauren is ready to put the FUN back in FUNdraising and has big visions for the future.

Lauren’s most significant compromise was stepping away from the security of a full-time job with benefits and a reliable salary. But she’s confident she can recover quickly if she fails, learn from her mistakes, and try again. She’s a firm believer in progress over perfection.

In five years, Lauren sees LG. Philanthropy as a transformative force in the nonprofit sector, serving as the go-to partner for organizations striving to create lasting, positive impacts in their communities. They will be at the forefront of philanthropic innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fundraising, strategic planning, and nonprofit management.

Lauren’s story reminds us that sometimes, we need to take risks and invest in ourselves to achieve our goals. It may be scary, but it’s worth it. So take that leap of faith – who knows where it might take you.

Stay tuned for our upcoming articles as we embark on this exciting journey together. You can learn more about Startup Stories and our mission.

About Angela Acosta & the Atelier

Based in New Jersey, Angela Acosta specializes in personal branding and portrait photography for women business owners and professionals in New York and the tri-state area. She expertly channels brand narratives through tailored images, offering insights on wardrobe and styling to ensure authenticity. With a deep commitment to capturing the essence of each client, Angela transforms branding with impactful photographs that resonate and inspire. Contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation.