STAFF FOCUS: Lauren Thomas

Lauren Thomas, Programming Manager of Common House Charlottesville

Prior to becoming Common House Charlottesville’s Programming Manager in July 2021, Lauren Thomas was a German teacher for five years. She brought with her the ethos that, “learning about different languages and cultures gives you a broader perspective, and makes you a more empathetic person.”

That’s why she hosts our newest Club Within a Club: German Club, which meets every other Tuesday night at the House. “There are people who are fluent in German and people who are just curious and want to learn,” she explains, as she welcomes new members to be a part of “just exploring the German language and culture as a whole,” which she believes creates a more robust and understanding community.

“It opens up the world.”

In this same vein, Lauren was drawn to the opportunity to develop and plan programming for Common House because she wanted to be a part of seeing our Diversity Statement come to life. 

“My vision is to incorporate more partnerships with women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, and to bring people into the House that are doing new and different things,” Lauren concludes, as she envisions how we can welcome members from all cultures, languages, and backgrounds, to help make Common House more and more representative of Charlottesville.