We’re thrilled to welcome Lauren Hudson to the Alaska World Affairs Council as our new Community Engagement Coordinator!

Lauren grew up in Northern California and earned a degree in International Relations. During undergrad, she studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic and was an active participant in Model United Nations. Throughout college, Lauren gained hands-on experience through internships, volunteer roles, and employment at a variety of organizations, including the California Chamber of Commerce, Girl Scouts Summer Camp, the American Center, University of the Pacific’s School of International Studies, and the International Rescue Committee.

After graduation, Lauren relocated to Reno, Nevada, where she helped college students embark on their study abroad journey from Italy to Sweden to Spain and Portugal. Her passion for community and adventure led her to the Alaska Fellows Program in Anchorage. There, she fell in love with the Alaskan outdoors and tight-knit community and chose to stay beyond the program’s conclusion. She began a position at the University of Alaska Anchorage, serving international students, before transitioning to the Department of Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Alaska Southeast. In addition, Lauren serves part-time as a Coordinator for the Alaska Fellows Program, helping new participants embrace life in Alaska and connect with new communities. Since moving to Alaska, she has taken up cross‑country skiing, ice skating, contra dancing, learning to drive in the snow, knitting and has made close friends with many Alaskans along the way.