Spotlight on Women in Leadership: Lauren Hunter-Dyson

A Conversation with Lauren Hunter-Dyson, Chief People Experience Officer, Safe Horizon

As part of Everly Talent’s Spotlight on Women in Leadership series, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Lauren Hunter-Dyson, the Chief People Experience Officer at Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest victim services nonprofit organization. Lauren’s journey from workforce development to executive leadership is one marked by empathy, resilience, and a commitment to building workplaces where people feel truly valued.

A Mission with Meaning

Safe Horizon’s mission — “safety is a human right” — resonates deeply with Lauren. The organization serves survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of trauma across New York City’s five boroughs. Lauren’s role centers on creating an inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed workplace for the thousands of employees who support these vital programs.

“We care for our employees the way we care for our clients,” she said. “That’s why people stay — some for 40 years. It’s a testament to the type of organization we are.”

From Workforce Development to People Experience

Lauren began her career helping unemployed and underemployed individuals find dignity through work — an experience that revealed the gaps in how organizations support their employees. That realization led her into human resources, where she reimagined HR as “people experience,” focusing on connection, belonging, and purpose.

“We spend so much of our lives at work,” she explained. “People should feel valued, heard, and supported throughout that journey.”

Leadership, Values, and the Power of ‘No’

When asked about advice for women aspiring to leadership, Lauren didn’t hesitate:

“No is a complete sentence.”

She spoke about the pressure many women feel to justify their boundaries — and the importance of protecting one’s time and energy.

“You don’t have to explain your no. Saying no to someone else is saying yes to yourself.”

Lauren also urged young professionals to stay grounded in their principles:

“Be uncompromising in your values. It might feel like you have to say yes to everything to move ahead, but opportunities that align with who you are will come.”

Lessons from Every Generation

Lauren credits both the generations before her and those after her for shaping her perspective on leadership. From her mother, she learned dedication and work ethic; from her teenage daughter, she’s reminded to stay open-minded.

“Sometimes adults feel like they can’t learn from children — but actually, we learn the most from them. They have no bias and no filter,” she laughed.

It’s that blend of wisdom and humor that makes Lauren’s leadership style so authentic — self-aware, compassionate, and refreshingly human.

On Balance, Presence, and Joy

Outside of work, Lauren finds balance in simple pleasures: Pilates, family trips to Disney World, and Harry Potter marathons. Her love for Halloween and Broadway shows (particularly The Great Gatsby and Hamilton) reflects her belief that imagination and joy are essential, even in high-pressure roles.

“I’m learning to celebrate where I am instead of always asking, ‘What’s next?’ Sometimes you have to stop and realize — this is what I hoped for five years ago.”

A Final Reflection

Lauren’s story is one of purpose and perseverance — a reminder that leadership isn’t just about titles or career milestones but about staying true to yourself and lifting others along the way.

Her philosophy, much like her leadership, is simple and powerful: “If it doesn’t serve you, don’t do it.”