Raised in Orinda, Lauren White is The Orinda Association’s newest board member.
Lauren White grew up in Orinda attending local schools that newcomers to Orinda may not be familiar with. She attended Orinda Union School (now the Orinda Community Center), followed by Pine Grove Intermediate (now a housing complex on Altarinda) and, finally, Miramonte High School.
She married and moved to Monterey County where she raised her son Charlie and enjoyed a busy life as a volunteer. Her varied experiences included guide/shift leader at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a board member of a private road association, a board member for a senior housing development and serving on her local Architectural Review/Complaints board.
White moved back to Orinda with her long-time partner Steve Shea at the end of 2019 to help care for her aging father, who is now 98.
“I’m back in the home I grew up in,” White said.
She immediately got involved once again with her hometown by volunteering with the Orinda Starlight Village Players as a costumer, tech person and, basically, whatever the small non-profit needed. Looking for more ways to contribute, she volunteered with The Orinda Association’s (OA) Seniors Around Town program as a driver. It wasn’t long before members of the OA noted what a great asset she would be to the board of directors.
“I love being part of a team and am thrilled there are opportunities to support hyper-local events that I’ve enjoyed for years such as the 4th of July and Classic Car Show,” said White. “I am fortunate to be self-employed as a residential property manager, so I have the flexibility to be part of the OA.”
Residents who attended any of the OA’s Candidates forums in October might remember White as the smiling greeter handing out face masks and question cards to audience members.
Sally Hogarty can be reached at sally@theorindanews.com.
