April 2022

Lauren Shakes joined the SBDC team as program manager in March of 2022. Lauren brings extensive program management and event planning experience to the position. Prior to joining the SBDC, Lauren served as the scholarship program manager for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). In that role, Lauren worked with community partners to create and facilitate workshops for students, focusing largely on providing resources and wrap-around services for first generation and non-traditional students.

Lauren is a dynamic and passionate program manager who has worked across diverse areas of business—from market research and advertising to fundraising and grant management. As the SBDC program manager, Lauren works closely with new and existing businesses in the Pikes Peak region to provide relevant, high-caliber training, resources and assistance to small businesses.

Lauren earned her bachelor of arts degree in history and international affairs from Regis University, and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Lauren has seen the city grow and evolve, and loves that she is able to call the Pikes Peak region home. She is excited to use her strong background in management and community engagement to support small businesses.