Lauren Segal-Avenna
Co-Founder/Director of NextAid
Imagining the potential of the international dance community to create social change, Lauren spearheaded the inception of NextAid in 2002 with her partner Craig Keys. With an educational background in political sociology, Lauren has felt driven since her teenage years to find a clear path of engagement and to maximize her influence to provide for children around the world.
In 2002, Lauren embarked on her first journey to South Africa where she was part of a delegation from Southern California to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. This experience served as the foundation for identifying the work NextAid would be committed to for the years to come.
Lauren has since worked to establish the link between environmental, social and economic sustainable development, thereby curbing the devastation affects of HIV/AIDS on children while creating an outlet for a niche demographic of global youth to make a positive and tangible difference on the ground in Africa.
Over the last few years, Lauren has rallied the support of thousands of people - djs, promoters, artists, dance music enthusiasts, architects, and natural builders, who have come together inspired by her vision. To date, her dedication and grass-roots efforts have resulted in strong partnerships with local organizations and the construction of 13 buildings, utilizing ecological building practices.
NextAid
NextAid channels the positive energy of the dance floor to Africa, providing opportunities for concerned individuals to make a difference in the lives of African children. NextAid Using the beats of our generation to provide hope for the next. www.nextaid.org