Get To Know Lauren Arthur

Lauren is currently serving her first term as State Senator for District 17, which includes Liberty, Kansas City (North), Gladstone, NKC, Pleasant Valley, etc. Elected in the June 5, 2018, special election, Lauren became the youngest woman (and third youngest person) to ever serve in the Missouri Senate. She previously served two terms in the Missouri House.

As a state legislator, Lauren has championed a number of policy issues. She has consistently fought for funding for early literacy programs in both the Missouri House and Senate. Most recently, she passed legislation to expand healthcare access to women at a heightened risk of breast cancer and to provide relief to small businesses and family farms throughout Missouri affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lauren was born and raised in the Northland. After graduating from North Kansas City High School's International Baccalaureate program, Lauren received a scholarship to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. During her time at Smith, Lauren interned at the Smithsonian's American History Museum and the Scottish Parliament. She graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in History.

Lauren returned home to Kansas City to work as a middle school teacher. She taught English Language Arts at Urban Community Leadership Academy, a charter school in the urban core. She earned her Masters in Education from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Later, Lauren served as Regional Director for Urban Leaders Fellowship, a program designed for early- to mid-career professionals who are looking to accelerate their leadership through a seven-week fellowship with a focus on education policy.

Lauren has served on the North Kansas City School District's Strategic Plan Steering Committee. She also sponsored a child abuse prevention training with Synergy Services.

Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband Russell and their dog Odie.