Speaker's Profile

Lauren Carson is the Founder and Executive Director of Black Girls Smile Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to mental health education, resources, and support for Black women, girls, and minority communities. A mental health advocate and speaker with over 15 years of experience, Lauren's work is rooted in lived experience and a deep commitment to making behavioral health accessible and culturally relevant for those most often left out of the conversation.Lauren holds a BA from the University of Virginia and a Master's in Social Innovation from Agnes Scott College. Her advocacy has taken her to stages including SXSW, the Clinton Global Initiative University, and the American Psychiatric Association, and her work has been featured in Refinery29, Redbook, and HERS Magazine. She was named to the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network 30 Under 30.At BHT2026, Lauren brings a community-centered, equity-driven perspective on what it actually takes to reach and support Black women and girls in behavioral health — drawing on real-world program experience and the power of lived experience to move the needle on access, engagement, and trust.