Lauren B. Weems is the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement's Student Leader of the Week for March 6-12.

Lauren is from Little Rock, AR and is double majoring in transportation and logistics and African American studies.

Lauren is the Young Generations Need L.O.V.E. (Let’s Offer Valuable Education) founder and president, national member from National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), assistant secretary from the University of Arkansas chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), volunteer chair/coordinator from the Connections Mentoring Program, mentor at the University of Arkansas Bridge Scholarship and the Connections Mentoring Program. Lauren is also involved with Walton College Dean’s Student Advisory Board, Leadership Walton, Black Students Association (BSA), Students Advocating Stronger Sisterhood (SASS), Student Support Services (SSS), and a member of the St. James Baptist Church Collegiate and Young Adult Choir.

Lauren sees selflessness as one of the key characteristics of a leader. “Leaders have to put others first. There will always be a person that will try to discourage a leader but leaders must be strong minded enough to keep moving forward. This is important because leaders are always being looked up to. True leaders teach others to lead, and the leadership qualities mentioned is what is needed to do so.” Lauren explained. "Strive for what YOU believe is right. Do not be easily influenced. If someone tells you something, don’t be afraid to disagree and find out for yourself. Always remember that sometimes the right thing to do is not the easiest thing to do”

Lauren's most memorable Razorback moment was when she saw the Arkansas versus Alabama football game this season, as she enjoyed the atmosphere.

Her favorite quote is: “Everybody says that you have to live with the cards you have been dealt. I say reshuffle the deck!”

The Student Leader of the Week award recognizes a University of Arkansas undergraduate student for excellence in leadership through campus involvement leadership activities or through volunteer and community service programs.

The criteria for nominated students are:

• Good academic and disciplinary standing with the University of Arkansas
• Exemplifies leadership through personal development, organizational leadership, citizenship and community building.

The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement invites the campus community to nominate students who fit the qualifications. All nomination forms should be submitted to Adrain Smith, Assistant Director of Leadership in the Center for leadership and Community Engagement, Arkansas Union room A665, or via e-mail at atsmith@uark.edu by the first Friday of each month. All nominations will be kept on file and considered for future weeks.