LAUREN a.K. DARNELL

NEW ORLEANS TRIP LEADER
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, USA

Meet Lauren D. - our powerful Trip Leader for our New Orleans Group Trips. A native of New Orleans, Lauren is a seasoned traveler, with a passport adorned by stamps from over 18 countries. Her transatlantic journey included nearly four years in London, UK, and six years in bustling New York City, before returning home to make a lasting impact on New Orleans.

As the Executive Director of the Made in New Orleans (MiNO) Foundation, Lauren is on the forefront, tirelessly working to enhance opportunities for BIPOC hospitality professionals and reshape the industry for greater equity. Her dedication to equity extends beyond her professional life.

Lauren has been unwavering in her commitment to nurturing relationships, promoting well-being, and fostering personal growth. Since becoming a certified yoga teacher in 2009, she has dedicated herself to creating transformative experiences and dialogues that inspire wellness in every aspect of life, drawing from diverse studies, including those at the Concorde Institute in the UK and mentorship with Bodymind Consultant Christiane Piano in Como, Italy.

When not guiding the MiNO Foundation's mission or leading Wild Terrains x New Orleans trips, you can find Lauren perfecting pasta dishes and exploring the world alongside her adventurous 9-year-old son, Tenzin.