Lauren DeVera is a dancer, choreographer, curator, certified life coach, and host of the Thrive + Thread, a wellness and entrepreneurial podcast. Known for her warmth, infectious energy, and ability to curate healing spaces, she’s been invited to speak and lead experiences for the Asian Mental Health Project, PCOS Awareness Association, LA Family Housing, NPR, and Women in Tech to name a few. A proud dance alumnus of Old Dominion University, Lauren has been teaching and performing professionally for 13 years. Her credits include The Kennedy Center, Howard Theatre, Dance Place, Culture Shock DC, World of Dance, BET, CW Network, and various universities. She continues her work as an educator and community organizer as the proud founder of The Lion’s Den, an inclusive community connecting people through dance, wellness, and self-expression. In May 2022, she debuted her choreographic work “Nanay” (about the mother wound) at Joe’s Movement Emporium as the 2021-2022 Arts Incubator Resident Artist. Currently, she is creating a new work centering the Asian experience as the 2022-2023 NextLook Resident Artist, in partnership with The CLARICE at UMD. To learn more about Lauren and her work, visit Lauren-DeVera.com.