Lauren Schrero Levy

Most peoples' lives change when they become a parent; Lauren Schrero's entire mission changed. When her daughter, Nora, was born prematurely in 2014 and developed short bowel syndrome that led to further complications, Lauren recognized that parents of children with medically complex and/or special needs needed a chance to connect.

In partnership with jBaby Chicago, Lauren created Nora and Friends, a group for parents of children under five with cognitive and/or physical impairments impacting early childhood development. Concurrently, Lauren's cousin developed The Nora Project, a curriculum that teaches kids about understanding and inclusion around special needs. Lauren and her husband, Adam, are working to expand The Nora Project nationally.

Lauren gives herself fully to those she loves and the causes she cares about. Beyond special needs advocacy, she helped create a major fundraising event for Twist Out Cancer, and while living in Minnesota helped arrange cross-country rides to place sheltered pets in homes.

Age:

33

Primary gig:

Judicial law clerk, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

On the side:

Amateur special needs advocate. Contributor, Complex Child magazine

Relationship status:

Married

How do you give back?

Right now, I’m focused on developing resources for families with children who have complex medical and developmental needs. My superhero of a daughter, bravely battling short bowel syndrome and intractable epilepsy, has opened my eyes and my heart to an incredible community of advocates and fighters. I hope to make a mark on that community.

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:

The most grateful mother, wife, daughter, sister, lawyer and friend.

Celebrity doppelganger/who would play you in a movie:

I’ve been told I look like Rosanna Arquette. Of all the Arquettes, I suppose she’s best suited to play me in a movie. For a younger, prettier movie-me, Emma Watson please!