VTalk with Lauren Hess (OG 2012S)

We where so honoured to be joined by Lauren Hess (OG 2012S) in the Old Georgian Union YouTube Channel, giving an insight into her journey and career in Washington DC, USA.

Lauren was at SGGS from Grade R through to Matric 12, during her time at St George's she was very involved in many areas of school life from the stage to the sports fields. She was a very committed member of the schools Marimba Band which performed at weddings and corporate events.

In 2010 she was one of the narrators in the school production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" as well as in 2012s production of "All You Need Is Love".

She was involved in many service activities including working with the orphans at Sydney Cottage, leading to her achieving the "Kurt Hahn Round Square Medal"

In her Matric year Lauren took to the sports field and the swimming pool placing 3rd in U/19 Freestyle, 2nd Open Breastroke and 3rd in Open Butterfly.

Being appointed Head of the PLN (Portfolio Leadership Network), Lauren stepped into her roll with ease. Also achieving her Gold Award in The Presidents Award programme and a Service Award. Pleasing 3rd in the Grade winning the class prize for LO, Afrikaans, Dramatic Arts and EGD along with being awarded the Elizabeth Rodenwoldt Memorial Prize for Commitment.

Lauren achieved 8 distinctions in her Matric exams.

Consultant, Partnerships & Multilateral Engagements at the IFC (World Bank Group)

Lauren Hess is a Washington, DC-based international relations professional working to bridge the global development financing gap. In her current role as a Partnerships Consultant for the IFC, Lauren manages relationships with external philanthropic donors to ensure that IFC delivers on its strategy to bring private sector solutions to markets where they're needed most. Prior to joining IFC, Lauren worked in Africa-focused commercial diplomacy at the Albright Stonebridge Group and has held roles at the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, the South Africa-Washington International Program, and the South African Research Chairs Initiative. Lauren completed an MSc in Foreign Service at Georgetown University as a South African Fulbright Scholar and holds a BA and BA (Hons) from Stellenbosch University. Lauren is a proud Georgian and completed her entire schooling career at SGGS - a total of fourteen years. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys running (very slowly) on the National Mall; hanging out with her cat, Cesaire; and acting as an unofficial ambassador for the South African winelands.