“5’0 fashion and Instagram giveaway enthusiast who loves to boogie and adds cayenne pepper to everything!”
Fun fact about yourself: I was a backup dancer in a Matty B music video when I was 17!
Hometown: Milton, Georgia
High School: Cambridge High School
Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing
Minor: Engineering and Business minor through the Steven A. Denning Technology and Management Program
Favorite Business Course: Strategic Brand Management with Professor Aaron Hackett
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work, and Leadership Roles During College:
Extracurricular Activities/Leadership Roles:
- Society of Women in Business (2020 – Present): Membership Project Manager (2021 -2022) and Marketing and Recruitment Vice President (2022 – 2023)
- Scheller Business Ambassador (2021 – Present): Vice President of Administration
- Alpha Gamma Delta (2021 – Present): Director of Special Events
- Excel Mentorship Program (2020 – 2021): Mentor and Coach
- Denning Technology and Management Program (2021 – Present)
School Awards/Honors:
- Judy D. & Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund Recipient
- Faculty Honors every year since the Fall 2019 (awarded to undergraduate students who have a 4.0 academic average for the semester)
Where have you interned during your college career?
- Abercrombie and Fitch (Columbus, Ohio): Merchandising Intern
- Inspire Brands (Atlanta, Georgia): Recruitment Marketing Intern
- One Page Thinking (Atlanta, Georgia): Innovation and Visual Content Intern
Where will you be working after graduation? Upon graduating from Georgia Tech, I am super excited to be returning to Abercrombie and Fitch Co. as an assistant merchant in Columbus, Ohio!
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Be authentically you. The business world is filled with many talented, intelligent, and driven individuals, and it can be easy to fall into the trap of comparison and trying to fit into a mold. Don’t feel pressured to do something simply because it seems like what you “should” be doing. Stay true to yourself, don’t be afraid to chart your own course, and go at your own pace. Explore your passions by getting involved in organizations that spark your interest, seeking out mentorship opportunities, and continually expanding your knowledge and skills through informational sessions, events, and networking. There are so many opportunities out there that you may not even know exist, so always remain intellectually curious and push yourself to continue to learn and grow.
What has surprised you most about majoring in business? There is only one constant in business: change. Coming into college, I initially believed that transforming a unique idea into a marketable product or service was the key to sustained success in business. However, I have learned that this could not be further from the truth. The business world is in a state of constant flux, with new technologies and innovations constantly emerging, consumer trends and preferences evolving, and economic conditions shifting. To succeed and thrive in this dynamic environment, a business must be flexible, embrace change, and incorporate a culture of innovation.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Reflecting on my time in business school, one thing I would do differently is to pursue a language minor in Spanish. Growing up in a Jamaican household has instilled in me strong values of embracing and encouraging diversity and an appreciation for different cultures, traditions, and norms. As a future business leader, I aim to bring value and make a positive impact in everything I do. I believe that a language minor would have enhanced my global competencies and innately made me a stronger communicator which is vital in the business world. Beyond the business contexts, I love meeting new people who come from diverse backgrounds or perspectives as these interactions expand my depth of knowledge and help me be more well-rounded and grow as a human being.
Which academic, extracurricular, or personal achievement are you most proud of? As the Membership Project Manager of the Society of Women in Business (SWIB), I am proud to have made a significant impact on an organization that has played a pivotal role in my college journey. My role allowed me to give back to the supportive community that has helped me throughout my college years.
I successfully organized and spearheaded the mentorship program, with a focus on creating meaningful mentorship pairings for the 78 participants. I carefully paired participants based on their interests and career aspirations, receiving enthusiastic feedback from those who felt their pairing was a great match. Additionally, I planned social events, including a mentorship social where pairs created vision boards together, and a new member social where new members could connect with one another and the executive leadership board. This position marked a full-circle moment for me, as I was able to offer the same support and opportunities that the SWIB mentorship program had provided for me. I was thrilled to not only create that experience for others, but also to contribute to building a stronger sense of community within the organization.
Which classmate do you most admire? The classmate I admire most is Meah Konstanzer. When it comes to extracurriculars and on-campus involvements, Meah is my doppelganger as we are both involved with the Society of Women in Business, Scheller Business Ambassadors, and the Denning Technology and Management Program. Through our shared involvement in these organizations and working on group projects in our minor program classes, Meah and I have built a close friendship. Meah embodies the essence of a girl boss in both her professional and personal life. Her sincere kindness, exceptional work ethic, and passionate spirit are qualities that inspire and push me to be the best version of myself. She is constantly seeking new ways to learn and grow through experiential learning, while also serving as a mentor and source of guidance to others. All in all, Meah’s passion for making an impact on others and in everything she does is what I admire most about her. Not only is she a great teammate, but she is also an extraordinary friend.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My dad, role model, and biggest cheerleader, Damian Gordon. He is a constant source of love, support, encouragement, and wisdom in my life. His vast knowledge and versatility never cease to amaze me, as he can tackle everything from restoring old cars to crafting a professional email. He sets an inspiring example of selflessness and generosity, always going the extra mile for others. I know that no matter what, he will always be there for me, with open arms and a listening ear. I will never forget the time he drove all the way to Georgia Tech just to take me shopping for business attire, so I could feel confident at my first professional school event. He has taught me the power of small acts of kindness and their profound impact on others. I constantly strive to embody this in my own life by showing kindness and compassion toward those around me. Above all, I admire my dad’s unwavering work ethic, creativity, and innovative mindset. He always encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, inspiring me to reach for the stars and achieve my full potential. There will never be enough words to express how much gratitude I have for him.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
- My first professional bucket list item is to launch my own fashion brand. Fashion serves as a source of confidence for me and allows me to be my most authentic self. As a firm believer in women empowerment, I would love to create a brand that empowers women to embrace their unique qualities and feels confident in their own skin.
- I would love to fund a scholarship at Georgia Tech or the Scheller College of Business, where I have received invaluable education and support. By doing so, I hope to provide future students with the opportunity to follow their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities. My desire to give back is a testament to the deep appreciation I have for the education and opportunities I have received and would be my way of supporting the next generation of leaders.
What are your hobbies? As a passionate foodie, I love trying new restaurants around Atlanta and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Reading, especially romance novels, is one of my favorite pastimes, and I could spend hours browsing through Barnes and Noble or local book sales. My love for new experiences extends to my passion for travel in which I enjoy learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and learning about history. I am an Instagram giveaway fanatic and my many hours spent entering them have proven to be a worthwhile investment, as I have won over 20 to date! I find joy in being in the sunlight and taking long walks, especially when accompanied by friends, family, or an iced caramel latte. Lastly, I am extremely passionate about dance, as I danced competitively for 15 years before college and love taking dance classes whenever the opportunity arises.
What made Lauren such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2023?
“Lauren is the kind of student that professors love having in our classes. Her presence meaningfully contributed to the classroom experience. She sat towards the front, so there was no questioning her focus. Lauren was quick to participate; both in making comments and asking insightful questions. She would make points that encouraged discussion and was collaborative when addressing thoughts from classmates. Beyond Lauren’s contribution to the classroom experience, she delivered exceptional results in every one of her assignments. She was consistently strong across multiple facets. I have no question that Lauren will find a way to succeed in any future challenge.”
Aaron Hackett
Professor of the Practice, Marketing
Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business
Reprinted from Poets&Quants 2023 Best & Brightest Business Major: Lauren Gordon, Georgia Tech (Scheller)