As Head of School at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, OLP, my mission is to empower young women to become innovators and leaders. I draw from my background as Principal at Moreau Catholic High School and with a Doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership to champion hands-on learning, finding ways to integrate the latest teaching methods and technology so OLP stays a hub of academic excellence and opportunity for girls. Our STEAM initiatives have led to 40% of grads pursuing STEM in college—double the national average! Beyond my passion for education, I enjoy bringing people together for the greater good. From spearheading OLP’s Women’s Symposium to serving with the Rotary Club, I strive to foster collaboration and service in San Diego. I’m honored by recognition as a local ATHENA Award recipient and “Woman of Accomplishment.” But most rewarding is working with our students to have a positive impact on our community. I’m dedicated to empowering the next generation of confident, compassionate female trailblazers!
About Lauren Lek
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a husband and three children who inspire me daily. I am quite close with my parents, siblings, and extended family as well. My heritage from my parents and grandparents is that of faith, integrity, and fortitude.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about my current role as Head of School at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the broader community. Whether it’s championing initiatives like STEAM education, fostering collaboration among prominent women leaders by serving on the Board of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS), through the OLP Women’s Symposium, or engaging in philanthropic activities with organizations like Downtown San Diego Rotary, I am driven by a profound commitment to service and excellence. Each day presents a new opportunity to inspire and empower others, and that is what fuels my passion for this work.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice to people would be to cultivate resilience as an essential tool in navigating life’s challenges, by embracing authenticity. In doing so we are so often able to experience a multitude of unrealized gifts as we overcome the sorrows alongside others, only then realizing profound joy. As someone who has relied on courage and persistence throughout my own leadership journey, I have seen firsthand its transformative power. As Maria Shriver beautifully said, “I’ve learned that resilience is a muscle. Which means that I can build it.” So, remember to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth, to persevere in the face of obstacles, and to view setbacks as valuable learning experiences. With resilience as your guiding force, surrounded by others to buoy you, we are stronger than often we realize; we can overcome almost any obstacle and emerge more courageous than ever before.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years, I envision embarking on a new adventure with my husband as we transition into the phase of “empty nesters,” eagerly embracing whatever God has in store for us in that chapter of our lives. Professionally, I see myself continuing to broaden the impact of girls’ education in the community and furthering efforts to promote greater participation of women in underrepresented fields. With a steadfast commitment to empowering and equipping the next generation of female leaders and innovators, I aspire to make meaningful contributions towards generating greater traction and opportunities for women today, to become tomorrow’s STEM leaders, not just paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future, but living in this realized space.
Lauren Lek & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The French Gourmet is my absolute favorite and we are fortunate to have them on our OLP campus serving our community daily. I also really enjoy Gold Finch Modern Delicatessen which is woman-owned!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived and worked in the community for 11 years, though I attended UCSD prior.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Darlene Shiley because of her diverse background, incredible love story, and passionate investment in building the future of others. When in her company, she exudes warmth, sincerity, and relatability. She was also a speaker with our Architects of Change program here on our campus. I’ve learned a lot from her personally and the lessons from her own life journey continue to inspire me forward.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I feel nostalgic when I visit the San Diego Zoo on many levels. My father grew up in San Diego and visited the zoo with his parents. I have fond memories of visiting my grandma here in San Diego and feeling that same connection to her and my dad’s special places. Now as a San Diegan myself, taking my children for visits to the zoo is a part of our joyful family outings. Of course once on the grounds I can’t help but feel the connection back to OLP as the incredible artwork sculptures from OLP alumna, Sandra Brue, greet all guests throughout the park. It truly is a magical place.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A unique aspect of the OLP campus is not just the historical campus on which our school resides but in the richness of our religious art installations herein. We have put a great deal of intentionality into showcasing diverse works of art with a multicultural inclusive approach. We story-tell through these works the uniqueness and beauty of the world in which we are all connected, some of which include mosaics, paintings, murals, and a beautiful 1:1 cast replica of Michelangelo’s famous Pieta.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Dr. Christine Carter, a fellow at the Greater Good Science Center, is known for her work redesigning the way we work to lead more joyful, productive, and fulfilling lives. We would have lunch at the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum in Carlsbad.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
“Xanadu” holds a special place in my heart. It is a movie that always brings me joy. Furthermore, I am thrilled that our Performing Arts Department will be showcasing Xanadu this April, and having the privilege of hearing rehearsals echoing throughout campus brings me such joy! As we prepare to bring this beloved story to life on stage in April, I find myself drawn to its themes of creativity, following one’s dreams, and embracing the unexpected. It’s a reminder that magic can be found in the most unexpected places!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a passion for cooking. I love to explore new and challenging recipes. Recently I challenged myself by making pasta rosettes with béchamel sauce, which turned out delicious! I also enjoy returning to our simple family favorites such as crunchy cod and brussel sprouts. I am never afraid to try new things even if I am the only one in the family enjoying them. Our kitchen is very much the heart of our home, where all of us plan, prep, and enjoy our meals together. In our family, nightly meals are expected. We have an evening ritual where everyone has to share a “hi point” from the day. Although we don’t always make it with crazy athletic schedules, we aim to get in as many as we can.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
An OLP Education, hands down!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband, my family, our OLP faculty, staff, leadership team, and our OLP Board of Trustees. Each in their own right has had a tremendous impact on me and I feel I am a better leader and person because of their influence.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
International Coalition of Girls Schools, Girl Scouts, Rady Children’s Hospital,
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Community, OLP
