Staff Spotlight -
Lauren Crenshaw
“As a woman leading a nonprofit organization, I carry the legacy of the women who opened doors before me. My role isn’t just to guide our organization forward, but to ensure more women see leadership as a place where they belong.”
During Women's History Month, we celebrate women whose leadership, compassion, and commitment strengthen our communities. At CASA of Atlantic, Cape May & Camden Counties, one of those women is Executive Director, Lauren Crenshaw, whose career journey and dedication to children and families continue to shape the organization’s impact. A graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in communications, she began her career working in marketing in the for-profit sector. After attending a workshop that introduced the idea of transitioning from for-profit work to the nonprofit world, she felt a pull toward mission-driven work. That pull led her to the Jewish Federation of Delaware, where she spent more than six years in fundraising. She later served another seven years in Development at Gilda’s Club South Jersey, continuing to build experience connecting people with causes that matter. Her desire to make an even deeper impact grew after becoming a mother. Lauren knew she wanted to work for an organization that directly supported children. That calling eventually brought her to CASA ACC, where she has now served for more than eight years—five of them as Executive Director.
Giving back was always part of her life. Lauren credits her parents with instilling a strong commitment to community service from an early age. As a child, she often accompanied them to volunteer opportunities, learning firsthand the importance of helping others. Annual charitable giving and acts of service were simply part of life at home, and her connection to her Jewish identity further reinforced the value of community responsibility.
Those early lessons are closely aligned with one of CASA ACC’s core values: volunteerism. The organization recognizes that volunteers are truly the heart and soul of its mission. Volunteerism is more than a program element—it’s a shared belief that giving time and energy strengthens both communities and the individuals who serve them.
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While Lauren now leads the organization, one of the most meaningful moments of her career came when she stepped directly into the role of a CASA volunteer. She advocated for two brothers whose path to reunification with their mother was uncertain. For the first six months of the case, reunification didn’t seem possible. The process was long and complicated—made even more difficult by the disruptions of the pandemic. But over time, she witnessed the mother’s recovery and progress. Ultimately, the boys were reunified with their mother. “Getting to witness exactly what the goal is come to fruition was really special,” she shared. “Seeing their mom recover and being confident they were where they were supposed to be was incredibly meaningful.” Moments like that remind her why the work matters.
The greatest reward of working for this organization is knowing that our team is making a difference. Hearing firsthand about the impact we’re having on children and families who need our support is what keeps us going. But the work also comes with challenges. Hearing story after story about the trauma children have experienced can weigh heavily on those dedicated to helping them. Knowing that many children in the system still do not have a CASA advocate can be difficult. As a leader, you don’t want to feel like we’re failing anyone, not the children, and not the families. Still, the positive outcomes—and the volunteers who make them possible—continue to motivate her, even on the hardest days. Volunteers give their time, commitment, and devotion with no obligation other than the promise they made to advocate for a child.
In reflecting on leadership during Women’s History Month, Lauren also recognizes the women who paved the way before her. “As a woman leading a nonprofit organization, I carry the legacy of the women who opened doors before me. My role isn’t just to guide our organization forward, but to ensure more women see leadership as a place where they belong.”
For people considering becoming involved with CASA, Lauren believes honesty is important. She doesn’t like to sugarcoat the volunteer experience, it’s hard work. However, she believes that if someone feels drawn to the mission—even if they’re unsure—it may be worth exploring. If you’re on the fence, something is pulling you toward it. And if you’re interested, we can set you up for success. Our staff and experienced volunteers provide the support you need to advocate for the kids we serve. Her message is simple: anyone with compassion and a desire to help can become a CASA volunteer. It really comes down to timing, and if you’re worried about getting attached or being affected by the work, try to push those feelings aside. This work is much bigger than us. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, leaders like Lauren Crenshaw remind us how one person’s commitment to service—and the power of volunteers—can ripple outward, creating hope, stability, and brighter futures for children who need it most.