Lauren Ennis: Seeing Possibility Beyond Sight
“My eye disease is degenerative, so there is a good chance I can become permanently blind someday.”
Imagine being faced with that unimaginable possibility—being unable to see. The discovery is heartbreaking, cruel, and unaccepting. For Lauren Ennis, a former Center for Women in Government & Civil Society Fellow and current consultant specializing in disability advocacy and workforce equity, this is her lived reality.
During her fellowship, Lauren’s eyesight challenges became a defining test of resilience and resolve.
“In the beginning of the fellowship I was suffering complications from an eye surgery I had a month prior. As someone who is already visually impaired, these added barriers rendered me, essentially, legally blind. I temporarily lost my ability to drive and had to use accessibility tools to get my work done.”
Yet even in her darkest moments, she felt she was exactly where she needed to be.
Despite the challenges she faced early on, Lauren describes the fellowship as a place of profound support and understanding. Surrounded by an encouraging network that included Executive Director Dina Refki, her supervisor Juie, and her fellow participants, she found herself in an environment that allowed her to persevere and heal. Their collective compassion, she says, reminded her of her own strength and reaffirmed that she could overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead.
From Adversity to Advocacy
Balancing her health with the demands of a fast-paced fellowship was no small feat, yet Lauren never allowed it to define or diminish her purpose. She approached each obstacle with openness and self-awareness—advocating for her own needs, embracing necessary accommodations, and recognizing that resilience sometimes means knowing when to rest.
What began as a period marked by physical limitations ultimately became a journey of empowerment. Through the process, Lauren discovered the depth of her own voice and the power it holds to shape meaningful change at the state level.
A Shift in Perspective
Before the fellowship, Lauren often saw herself as an outsider to policymaking. That changed once she experienced the power of working inside government.
“It shifted me from thinking of myself as an ‘advocate on the outside’ to seeing myself as a policymaker. I now believe I belong in spaces where decisions are made, not just commenting on them from afar. I no longer feel like an imposter.”
Building Bridges Through Policy
Today, Lauren continues her advocacy for rare disease awareness, drawing from her background in public health and the policy training she gained through the fellowship.
“The fellowship gave me the tools and confidence to pursue initiatives that elevate marginalized voices.”
For her, every policy conversation begins and ends with people.
“That policy is deeply personal. Behind every policy movement is a story and good policy means centering them in the process.”
Belonging to a Legacy
Beyond the professional growth, Lauren says the emotional bond she formed with her cohort remains one of her greatest takeaways.
For Lauren, being part of the fellowship felt like joining a legacy of strong, visionary women determined to reshape systems and redefine leadership. The experience was both empowering and humbling, offering a sense of belonging that was deeply healing for someone who had often felt underestimated. The camaraderie she found among the fellows and alumnae left a lasting imprint—one she continues to cherish as a source of strength and solidarity.
Speaking Up, Even While Still Learning
Lauren has learned that sometimes, breaking the rules is what leads to breakthroughs.
“I stopped following the ‘rule’ of staying quiet until you’re an expert. Speaking up, even while still learning, led to relationships, opportunities, and projects that wouldn’t have happened if I had stayed silent. In my opinion, the key is to always have a sense of humility that even when you achieve expert status in a particular field, there is always something new to be learned.”
A Message to Future Changemakers
Lauren’s advice to aspiring Fellows is both encouraging and deeply human.
“Apply, even if you think you’re not ready. You’ll never feel ‘perfectly’ qualified, but the fellowship is about growth, not perfection. Bring your whole self, because that’s where your power lies. Everyone here wants to help you and see you flourish.”
Her vision for the next generation is hopeful and forward-looking:
“That they won’t have to fight so hard for a seat at the table, will not feel so pressured to conform to societal norms, and that they’ll inherit systems already built on truth, compassion, and courage.”
Why Her Work Matters
As the nation grapples with issues of equity and access, Lauren’s mission remains urgent.
“We’re at a critical moment where equity, access, and workforce inclusion is being threatened in the United States. My work matters because we cannot build a just economy or public health system without addressing systemic barriers, and we cannot back down just because things are scary right now.”
Enduring Lessons in Resilience
Though many see her as bold and outspoken, Lauren admits that her journey has also been marked by self-doubt and quiet perseverance.
“A lot of people see me as a very opinionated and passionate person, and I am, but I often grapple with internal conflict of whether I am doing too little or too much. I realized that that feeling may never go away, and doing the right thing may not always result in instant gratification, but if you stick to what you believe in you will never let yourself down.”
Through setbacks, reflection, and courage, Lauren Ennis has learned to transform vulnerability into vision. Her story is not just about overcoming blindness—it’s about seeing more clearly than ever the power of persistence, purpose, and belonging.