Lauren Young

Dr. Lauren C. Young is an Adjunct Lecturer in USC’s Master of Science in Applied Psychology Program. Dr. Young teaches PSYC 517: Group Dynamics & Leadership, a course in which students enhance their understanding of their leadership potential and capabilities, as well as how to direct groups toward collective decision-making and conflict resolution. Dr. Young’s research has focused on various topics related to organizational change, talent development, succession planning, employee engagement, workplace culture, and diversity, psychological safety in various work environments and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. 

In addition to teaching, Dr. Young is the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for Travelers. As an organizational change expert and she has dedicated her career to helping create cultural transformations to strengthen a sense of belonging for all employees.

Dr. Young holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and was recognized by Diversity MBA as one of the Top 100 Under 50 Executive Leaders in Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. Also, Insurance Business America added her to their 2021 Hot 100 List of insurance professionals who took the industry to new heights in 2020. Prior to receiving her doctorate, Dr. Young attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with honors and started her career in brand marketing with The Kraft Heinz Company in Chicago, IL. After authoring two books and starting a business consulting firm, Dr. Young expanded her marketing expertise to build sustainable corporate responsibility strategies to drive global organizational change. While consulting executives at dozens of Fortune 500 companies, she earned her Master of Science in Organizational Psychology from the University of Southern California. Dr. Young also holds the SHRM-CP certification in Human Resources Management.

Dr. Young resides in Chicago, IL and enjoys both visual and performing arts, travel and volunteering for a variety of causes.

• Ed.D. Organizational Change and Leadership, University of Southern California, 2020
• M.S. Applied Psychology, University of Southern California, 2008
• BS , Univ Missouri Columbia, 5/2005