Des Moines Mom Movers & Shakers is an annual series celebrating local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in the community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved in, and the work they do. Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.
Lauren Kollauf is the director of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, a Drake Bulldog, and mom to a son.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
Hello! My name is Lauren and I live in the North of Grand neighborhood of Des Moines with my husband, Nick, our 1-year-old son Heath and our rescue pup Franklin. I grew up in a small town in eastern Iowa but came to Des Moines to attend Drake University in 2009. My husband and I are both Bulldogs – we met when we were assigned to live on the same floor of our freshman dorm. I can’t believe we’ve known each other for 15 years! I worked in journalism for several years, including a short stint in Washington, D.C. after college, but eventually landed in nonprofit work. I have also been teaching yoga classes at Power Life studios since 2017.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? Biggest joy?
As a working mom, there is rarely a day that I feel I perfectly divided my attention and time between all of the areas that need it. It seems impossible to strike the perfect balance. There also isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t wonder “Am I doing this right?” I still can’t believe they don’t send you home from the hospital with a Baby Manual. The biggest joy is the way your child’s face lights up when they see you walk in a room. I also like to step back and just observe him play and figure things out – it’s so fun to witness the world through their eyes and watch them learn new things.
How long have you worked for The Avenues?
I joined the Avenues in January 2022. In my role, I oversee the day-to-day operation and goals of The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand, including economic development, marketing and promotion, public art initiatives, beautification efforts, and the streetscape project. Plus, I plan the district’s signature events – Ingersoll LIVE and The Peppermint Trail!
What’s the best part about your job?
It’s always rewarding to see a big project or event come together, but the best part of my job is all of the relationships I have formed along the way. I have gotten to know the incredible business owners on Ingersoll & Grand and work with them to activate our district in new ways. I am always impressed with their creativity and passion. I have also gotten to partner with other neighbors, city leaders and organizations who are doing incredible work to make our community a cooler, better place.
What have you learned since starting your job?
Umm, everything! I’ve learned things I never thought I wanted to know about – like construction materials and municipal code. I’ve also learned more “fun” things like how to execute a public art project and the rich history within our district. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work in my job, too, so I’ve had to learn how to wear the hats of accountant, grant writer, and gardener, among other roles. I am grateful for everyone who has been patient with me as I learned new skills.
What do you love about raising a family in Des Moines?
We have many great “big city” amenities, but we also have abundant access to outdoor recreation, quality schools, and a sense of community. It’s the best of all worlds.
Quick Takes:
Favorite local restaurant Lucky Lotus
Best place to take kids JouJou
Favorite summer activity Des Moines Farmers Market
How/where do you relax? In my backyard with a book in one hand and a glass of rosé in the other
If your life had a hashtag, what would it be? #WhatAreWeDoingThisWeekend
Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.
