​Lauren Ponstein

​Fundraising & Development
Lauren Bowman Ponstein earned a Bachelor’s of Psychology and a Minor in Leadership Development from Louisiana State University in 2007. From 2008 through 2010 Lauren served as a Marketing and Sales Coordinator for Strategic Employee Benefits Services (now HUB International). In 2010 she opened LollyCake & Cookie Co. providing baked goods for events nationwide (notably Sylvester Stallone’s birthday cake in 2011). In 2012 Lauren’s history of community involvement and volunteer work led to an internship with The Gleason Initiative Foundation, an ALS-centered not-for-profit founded by former New Orleans Saints’ safety Steve Gleason. As her role with the Foundation expanded she became one of Steve’s primary caretakers; then Care Staff Manager overseeing staffing and training; as well as serving as Steve’s personal assistant. Among her other responsibilities Lauren managed inquiries for assistance from ALS patients across the country, providing counseling and facilitating the Foundation’s direct patient assistance.