Lauren Sanchez Gilbert

Dr. Lauren Sanchez Gilbert is chief executive officer of BellXcel, at the helm of multiple innovative brands, each purpose-built to drive transformative impact and great outcomes for children.

Lauren is a nationally recognized expert, renowned for her leadership roles in youth programming, education and administration, as well as her passionate advocacy to elevate the potential of all children, particularly those in under-resourced communities. She has a deep commitment to studying the preponderance of research and best practices that drive high-quality youth experiences.

Lauren led BellXcel’s development and official launch of its proprietary youth program management software solution, Arly. Leveraging BellXcel’s 30-plus years of experience and evidence of all the ingredients essential for high-quality out of school youth programs, Arly is a true end-to-end solution unlike any available today.

Further, Lauren’s commitment to build the sector’s capacity by turning evidence into action inspired the launch of BellXcel’s independent affiliate, the Sperling Center for Research and Innovation (SCRI) in 2020. The mission of SCRI is to transform the youth services sector by elevating the quality and impact of all organizations serving children.

In addition to more than a decade of leadership at BellXcel, Lauren draws upon a range of past roles from YMCA director of youth programming to special education teacher in her native New Mexico to assistant superintendent for a large school district in Massachusetts.

Lauren holds a Doctorate in Education from Boston College and a Bachelor Degree in Special Education from the University of New Mexico. She attended the highly-selective nonprofit leadership program at Harvard University and is a Results for America Nonprofit Fellow.

Her board service includes the Bridgespan Group’s Knowledge Advisory Board, focused on accelerating impact in the social sector, as well as, Roca’s Board of Directors, focused on engaging young adults to create systemic change in urban environments.