For Lauren Sykes, purpose has never been something she searched for—it has been something she followed.
Looking back across decades of service, Lauren can trace a common thread through every chapter of her life. “I remember asking God, ‘What is my purpose?’ What I heard in my spirit
was, ‘Save the children.’”
That calling would guide her through a career dedicated to helping others. A Valencia College alumna, Lauren graduated in 1981 before continuing her education and later earning a degree in Criminal Justice from UCF. Along the way, she built a career dedicated to helping others through criminal justice, youth mentorship, and community service.
“When I took a juvenile delinquency class, it just clicked,” she says. “I knew I wanted to help people who had made mistakes.” For more than 40 years, she worked to support, mentor, and advocate for others. Whether serving in criminal justice, volunteering with youth programs, or participating in community initiatives, Lauren remained committed to helping people find opportunities for growth and success.
In 2015, her journey brought her back to Valencia College—this time as an educator and leader in the Criminal Justice program. Returning to Valencia felt especially meaningful because it allowed her to give back to the institution that had first helped shape her own journey.
It was there that she first encountered the Peace and Justice Institute (PJI). “I didn’t know about PJI until I came back to Valencia,” she says. “But once I started attending their events and discussions, I fell in love with the work.”
What resonated most with Lauren were PJI’s Principles for How We Treat Each Other. The principles encourage participants to suspend judgment, listen deeply, welcome all voices, and approach others with curiosity and compassion.
For Lauren, the principles became more than discussion guidelines—they became a lens through which she viewed her students, colleagues, and community.
“If somebody was acting out, I would stop and turn to wonder, ‘Why is thestudent doing that?’” she says.
Through PJI, Lauren was introduced to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which deepened her understanding of how life experiences shape behavior.
“Everybody has a journey,” she says. “Everybody is carrying something.” The concepts reinforced values she had long carried throughout her career: empathy, compassion, and respect. Former students often tell her that while she maintained high expectations, they always felt respected and supported. “They said, ‘You keep the rules, but you do it in a loving way,’” she recalls.
Today, retirement has not ended her connection to PJI. In many ways, it has strengthened it. Lauren continues to attend conferences, facilitate trainings, and teach workshops focused on emotional intelligence, resilience, ACEs, and the
principles that have become central to her life and work.
“I’ve never gone to anything and not felt better about the world,” she says. “You walk into a PJI workshop and you’re walking out with a nugget.”
For her, PJI represents the power of connection and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. As she reflects on her journey, Lauren sees a life shaped by faith, service, and meaningful relationships.
“I look back now, and every piece seems to fit together,” she says. “I’m grateful for the people, the experiences, and the opportunities I was given to make a difference.” Through her continued involvement with PJI, Lauren remains committed
to the calling that has guided her for decades. Whether working with students, educators, public safety professionals, or community members, she continues to invest in people and their potential.
Her story is a reminder that when we choose compassion, listen deeply, and invest in one another, we help build stronger communities for everyone.
This impact story was written by Stuart Bogue, PJI friend and volunteer.
