Lauren Forney 

Why continuing an education is so important to her:

"My mom has always been one of my biggest inspirations. She was the third of four kids, raised by a single mom, and the first in her family to go to college. That wasn’t easy, but she did it. 

And growing up, she made sure I understood just how powerful education can be. She showed me that learning doesn’t just open doors, it can truly change the course of your life.

Because of her, I’ve come to see education as something more than just going to school or earning a degree.

 It’s a way to grow as a person, to discover what I’m passionate about, and to create opportunities for myself and for others. Continuing my education means building on the foundation she laid. It means pushing myself to do more, learn more, and become someone who can give back and make a real difference.

My goal is to become a dermatologist and help increase diversity in the field of dermatology. I want to be a voice for underrepresented communities and help make sure that everyone receives the care and respect they deserve.

Most of all, I want to honor the work and sacrifices my mother has made by using everything she’s taught me to create a future that reflects her strength, her courage, and her belief in the power of education."

Lauren proudly supports:

Spelman Protégé Organization

Spelman College Health Careers Program

Health Careers Opportunity Program Pipeline Partnership (HCOPPP)

Spelman College Ladybugs

Operation Smile Club at Spelman College

National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS)

She Is More Than Enough (Houston, TX)

Lauren's Community Service Academy (Katy, TX)

Collegiate 100 at Spelman College

Atlanta Community Food Bank

Believers Church (Atlanta, GA)

Peer Assistant Leader – New Student Orientation at Spelman College

 Spelbound / Spelman Big Sister Volunteer

Through the Gates Summer Success Initiative – Houston, TX

Break the Cycle – Atlanta, GA

Collegiate 100 at Spelman College

Cardiff Junior High (Katy ISD, TX)

Lauren, what does the term “Golden Women” mean to you?

“During my senior year in high school, I had a stroke. It was one of the hardest moments of my life. Honestly, I did not even think I would make it to college or be able to stand on my own two feet again. But deep down, I knew I had to keep fighting. I could not let that moment define my future.

To me, "Golden Women" are women who push through even when the odds are stacked against them. They are strong, determined, and real. They have been through things that could have broken them, but instead, they came out stronger, like gold that has been tested and polished to shine even brighter.

Being a Golden Woman means choosing resilience. It is about lifting others as you grow, sharing your journey, and creating a space where women support women. When I stepped onto Spelman's campus as a freshman, my confidence had been shattered into a billion pieces because of my medical emergency. But instead of hiding, I chose to pour into others. I became a Spelman Big Sister and an Orientation Leader, mentoring incoming students and helping them feel seen and supported. 

This past year, I continued that work by serving as a Major Meet-Up Guide, supporting sophomore Health Science majors as they found their way. It is not about having it all figured out. It is about showing up, doing the work, and helping others do the same.

For me, being a Golden Woman also means staying committed to my purpose. I am passionate about women’s health and dedicated to becoming a doctor who not only heals but empowers. I want to use my story, my education, and my voice to inspire and uplift others. 

That is why the Golden Women Foundation speaks to me so deeply. It represents sisterhood, strength, purpose, and the power of women standing together to shine even after the fire.

 During my first semester at Spelman, I began failing a class, and all the fears from my stroke came rushing back. I questioned whether I truly belonged and whether I could handle the workload. But I remembered how far I had come and decided I would not give up. I pushed through, used my resources, and kept showing up. Now I stand as a rising senior at Spelman College, proud to have earned a 3.6 GPA for the spring semester while taking a 21-hour science course load. My journey has not been easy, but every step has made me stronger and more determined to make a lasting impact. 

Daily, I am working to be a Golden Woman!.”

Lauren, describe something that is plaguing young women today and explain what can be done to turn it around? What can you do to help?  

"Right now, I am in Milan, Italy, studying women in leadership, and it has helped me see more clearly some of the challenges young women face today. One issue I have noticed is how African American women are often portrayed in movies and media. 

While creators like Shonda Rhimes have brought strong Black women to the screen, I am not always happy with how these characters are shown as just the "strong Black woman" stereotype. For example, characters like Olivia Pope in Scandal or Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder are powerful and determined but often carry the burden of being invincible and emotionally unbreakable.

This portrayal can make it seem like Black women are expected to handle everything without showing vulnerability or asking for help. I believe Black women deserve to be portrayed as fully human, with all the complexities, emotions, and struggles that come with life — not just as unshakable pillars of strength.

That is why I appreciate shows like Insecure, which show Black women in a more real and relatable way, highlighting everyday struggles, friendships, and growth. The main character Issa struggles with self-doubt and questions about her purpose, while her friend Molly deals with career pressures and complicated relationships. The show highlights their flaws, joys, and everyday moments, like Issa’s awkward dating experiences or Molly’s challenges balancing friendship and ambition. These real-life moments make the characters feel relatable and human, not just one-dimensional symbols of strength.

As part of my studies, I completed a report on how African American women are portrayed in film, and it reinforced how important it is to move beyond stereotypes and show real, nuanced stories. To help change this, I am committed to continuing my education and using my voice to support more honest and diverse portrayals. 

I also plan to host educational events and discussions that raise awareness about media representation and celebrate the true, multi-dimensional stories of Black women. By doing this, I hope to inspire young women to see themselves as whole people, leaders, creators, and individuals with unique stories to tell."