Lauren Weingarten (she/her) is a credentialed Victim Advocate (NACP) and Certified Trauma Support Specialist. She is the voice and founder of the MTV Community Support Network, one of the first online-based support communities established for survivors & supporters of survivors. Before MTMV, Weingarten had a successful, decades-long career working behind the scenes in TV/Film production. She has since found purpose in understanding trauma and leading conversations surrounding abuse and sexual violence to build and foster a community amongst survivors and their supporters. With years of advocacy training and trauma education, Lauren has focused on developing survivor-led peer support groups, workshops, and virtual community events, bridging local and global communities alike. She also works as a consultant helping research teams and professional organizations strengthen their survivor-informed care. Her best friend is a pup named Tofu and she loves pizza, falafel, and tending to her plants.