Best and Brightest: Lauren Snipes

Lauren Snipes

Community Relations Liaison

Duke Energy

Pee Dee

Age 34

As community relations liaison for Duke Energy, I am dedicated to building meaningful connections between the organization and the communities we serve throughout the Lower Pee Dee region of South Carolina. I work collaboratively with internal teams, community partners, and stakeholders to strengthen relationships, support outreach initiatives, and advance community engagement efforts.  With a background in not-for-profit health care philanthropy, my heart beats for the Pee Dee region. Whether professionally or personally, I tend to gravitate towards need, hoping to lend a hand to help accomplish a mission. Through board service and membership in numerous nonprofit giving circles, I am grateful to be able to give back to the community that raised me. My husband, Forrest, and I reside in Florence and have one child, Henry, who is 3 years old and is the joy of our lives. 

Favorite Quote and Why: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou. This quote has stayed with me throughout every season of my life because it reflects a value I hold close to my heart: how we treat people matters. Whether an interaction lasts a few moments or a lifetime, we all have the opportunity to leave others feeling seen, valued, and uplifted. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.

Qualities of a Successful Leader: A successful leader is a servant leader who puts people before self. They are steadfast in their principles, loyal to those they serve, and humble enough to admit when they are wrong. Leadership is not about position or authority; it is about setting the example, going first, and being willing to do what is asked of others.

Advice to 18-Year-Old-Self: If I could offer advice to my 18-year-old self, I would tell her: don't compare your journey to anyone else's. Comparison is the thief of joy and distracts you from the good things that God has set before you. Trust his timing, run your own race, and keep your eyes focused ahead.  The best is always yet to come!