SPEAKER TOPICS & TAGS
When professionals told her she “couldn’t” or “wouldn’t,” she worked harder. Barriers and limitations put before her became a personal challenge to let people know she is worthy of high ideals and capable of great expectations. Lauren loves the quote, “diversity is being invited to the party, but inclusion is being asked to dance” or better yet, inclusion is being part of the planning committee!
Lauren danced before she could walk. She began classes at the age of three and has been doing ballet, tap, jazz and even hip-hop ever since.
She made her acting debut in the movie “Mr. Blue Sky,” where her impressive performance caught the attention of the producers of the hit FOX television series, “Glee,” on which she played the spunky character ‘Becky Jackson’ for six seasons. She was nominated for a SAG Award in the category of “Ensemble in a Comedy Series” for her work on “Glee.” Lauren was also honored with the SAG/AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the Media Access Awards for this series.
Lauren is thrilled to be using her public “voice” that “Glee” has given her to speak out for other people with and without disabilities who may not have the same opportunities.
She was an Ambassador for Special Olympics World Games and was also appointed to President Obama’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Lauren served for three years on the International Board of Best Buddies and continues to support them. She has also worked with the non-profit in conjunction with Special Olympics’ “R Word: Spread the Word to End the Word” anti-bullying campaign.
Lauren has since starred in and executive produced the indie drama “Guest Room,” which made its debut at the SXSW Film Festival. Most recently Lauren guest-starred on HBO’s “Veep,” Freeform’s “Switched at Birth”, Comedy Central’s “Drunk History, and Chicago Med.” She also starred in a PSA for World Down Syndrome Day humorously redefining what ‘special needs’ are.
You can follow Lauren on Twitter @TheLaurenPotter, on Instagram @thelaurenpotter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelaurenpotter
VIDEOS
book this speaker
Speaker Request
Related Speakers
Tiffany Yu
Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, author, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Guardian, USA Today, Marie Claire, and Forbes.
Dr. Jokima Hiller-Lewis
Award-winning educator and disability advocate Dr. Jokima Hiller-Lewis inspires audiences by demonstrating the power of leading with care, purpose, and resilience.
Josh Blue
Comedian Josh Blue uses humor and his experience with cerebral palsy to challenge stereotypes, delivering unforgettable performances that drive disability awareness.
Gabriel Cordell
After a devastating car crash at 22, Gabriel Cordell turned tragedy into purpose. His keynotes inspire audiences to overcome limits and resilience.
Tracy Schmitt
TV Host Unstoppable Tracy #1 International MegaSuccess TedX Speaker is sharing the stage with Jane Fonda, Dr. Phil, Michael Douglas, John Travolta, Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Robbins and more!
Becky Jackson Curran
Born with dwarfism, Becky Johnson Curran transforms disability inclusion through authentic storytelling, challenging bias and driving organizations from awareness to action.
Catarina Rivera
Living with Usher Syndrome, Catarina Rivera shares powerful perspectives on intersectionality, helping organizations challenge assumptions and embrace accessibility as human connection.
Davi Kallman, PhD
As a dyslexic, Mexican, and Jewish woman, Dr. Davi Kallman empowers organizations to build inclusive systems, challenge bias, and cultivate belonging.
Dr. Jaipreet Virdi
After losing her hearing at four, historian Dr. Jaipreet Virdi delivers keynotes that challenge audiences to rethink disability, innovation, and accessibility.
Dr. Jose Rosario
Living with cerebral palsy, therapist Jose Rosario helps organizations challenge mental health stigma and create safer, more inclusive environments for all.
Tiffany Yu
Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, author, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Guardian, USA Today, Marie Claire, and Forbes.
Dr. Jokima Hiller-Lewis
Award-winning educator and disability advocate Dr. Jokima Hiller-Lewis inspires audiences by demonstrating the power of leading with care, purpose, and resilience.
Josh Blue
Comedian Josh Blue uses humor and his experience with cerebral palsy to challenge stereotypes, delivering unforgettable performances that drive disability awareness.
Gabriel Cordell
After a devastating car crash at 22, Gabriel Cordell turned tragedy into purpose. His keynotes inspire audiences to overcome limits and resilience.
Tracy Schmitt
TV Host Unstoppable Tracy #1 International MegaSuccess TedX Speaker is sharing the stage with Jane Fonda, Dr. Phil, Michael Douglas, John Travolta, Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Robbins and more!
Becky Jackson Curran
Born with dwarfism, Becky Johnson Curran transforms disability inclusion through authentic storytelling, challenging bias and driving organizations from awareness to action.
Related Speakers
Dr. Jokima Hiller-Lewis
Award-winning educator and disability advocate Dr. Jokima Hiller-Lewis inspires audiences by demonstrating the power of leading with care, purpose, and resilience.
Josh Blue
Comedian Josh Blue uses humor and his experience with cerebral palsy to challenge stereotypes, delivering unforgettable performances that drive disability awareness.
Gabriel Cordell
After a devastating car crash at 22, Gabriel Cordell turned tragedy into purpose. His keynotes inspire audiences to overcome limits and resilience.
Tracy Schmitt
TV Host Unstoppable Tracy #1 International MegaSuccess TedX Speaker is sharing the stage with Jane Fonda, Dr. Phil, Michael Douglas, John Travolta, Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Robbins and more!
Becky Jackson Curran
Born with dwarfism, Becky Johnson Curran transforms disability inclusion through authentic storytelling, challenging bias and driving organizations from awareness to action.
Catarina Rivera
Living with Usher Syndrome, Catarina Rivera shares powerful perspectives on intersectionality, helping organizations challenge assumptions and embrace accessibility as human connection.
Davi Kallman, PhD
As a dyslexic, Mexican, and Jewish woman, Dr. Davi Kallman empowers organizations to build inclusive systems, challenge bias, and cultivate belonging.
Dr. Jaipreet Virdi
After losing her hearing at four, historian Dr. Jaipreet Virdi delivers keynotes that challenge audiences to rethink disability, innovation, and accessibility.
Dr. Jose Rosario
Living with cerebral palsy, therapist Jose Rosario helps organizations challenge mental health stigma and create safer, more inclusive environments for all.
Kathy Buckley
Born deaf into a hearing family, Kathy Buckley uses comedy and storytelling to inspire resilience, blending humor, heart, and disability awareness.
Josh Blue
Comedian Josh Blue uses humor and his experience with cerebral palsy to challenge stereotypes, delivering unforgettable performances that drive disability awareness.
Gabriel Cordell
After a devastating car crash at 22, Gabriel Cordell turned tragedy into purpose. His keynotes inspire audiences to overcome limits and resilience.
Tracy Schmitt
TV Host Unstoppable Tracy #1 International MegaSuccess TedX Speaker is sharing the stage with Jane Fonda, Dr. Phil, Michael Douglas, John Travolta, Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Robbins and more!
Becky Jackson Curran
Born with dwarfism, Becky Johnson Curran transforms disability inclusion through authentic storytelling, challenging bias and driving organizations from awareness to action.
Catarina Rivera
Living with Usher Syndrome, Catarina Rivera shares powerful perspectives on intersectionality, helping organizations challenge assumptions and embrace accessibility as human connection.
Davi Kallman, PhD
As a dyslexic, Mexican, and Jewish woman, Dr. Davi Kallman empowers organizations to build inclusive systems, challenge bias, and cultivate belonging.