Lauren Lek – Education – Academy of Our Lady of Peace
As Head of School at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, OLP, my mission is to empower young women to become innovators and leaders. I draw from my background as Principal at Moreau Catholic High School and with a Doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership to champion hands-on learning, finding ways to integrate the latest teaching methods and technology so OLP stays a hub of academic excellence and opportunity for girls. Our STEAM initiatives have led to 40% of grads pursuing STEM in college—double the national average! Beyond my passion for education, I enjoy bringing people together for the greater good. From spearheading OLP’s Women’s Symposium to serving with the Rotary Club, I strive to foster collaboration and service in San Diego. I’m honored by recognition as a local ATHENA Award recipient and “Woman of Accomplishment.” But most rewarding is working with our students to have a positive impact on our community. I’m dedicated to empowering the next generation of confident, compassionate female trailblazers!
About Lauren Lek
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a husband and three children who inspire me daily. I am quite close with my parents, siblings, and extended family as well. My heritage from my parents and grandparents is that of faith, integrity, and fortitude.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about my current role as Head of School at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the broader community. Whether it’s championing initiatives like STEAM education, fostering collaboration among prominent women leaders by serving on the Board of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS), through the OLP Women’s Symposium, or engaging in philanthropic activities with organizations like Downtown San Diego Rotary, I am driven by a profound commitment to service and excellence. Each day presents a new opportunity to inspire and empower others, and that is what fuels my passion for this work.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice to people would be to cultivate resilience as an essential tool in navigating life’s challenges, by embracing authenticity. In doing so we are so often able to experience a multitude of unrealized gifts as we overcome the sorrows alongside others, only then realizing profound joy. As someone who has relied on courage and persistence throughout my own leadership journey, I have seen firsthand its transformative power. As Maria Shriver beautifully said, “I’ve learned that resilience is a muscle. Which means that I can build it.” So, remember to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth, to persevere in the face of obstacles, and to view setbacks as valuable learning experiences. With resilience as your guiding force, surrounded by others to buoy you, we are stronger than often we realize; we can overcome almost any obstacle and emerge more courageous than ever before.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years, I envision embarking on a new adventure with my husband as we transition into the phase of “empty nesters,” eagerly embracing whatever God has in store for us in that chapter of our lives. Professionally, I see myself continuing to broaden the impact of girls’ education in the community and furthering efforts to promote greater participation of women in underrepresented fields. With a steadfast commitment to empowering and equipping the next generation of female leaders and innovators, I aspire to make meaningful contributions towards generating greater traction and opportunities for women today, to become tomorrow’s STEM leaders, not just paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future, but living in this realized space.
Read about Lauren Lek at Faces of San Diego
