Meet Lauren O’connor | President of Amplified Minds

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren O’connor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey with Amplified Minds is deeply personal. I’ve lost numerous friends to suicide and substance use, and that kind of loss changes you. It pushes you to take action, to create real support systems that can save lives. When I joined Amplified Minds (formally Foundation 45) in 2016, I saw an opportunity to help build something truly impactful—an organization that provides free, high-quality mental health care to those who need it most.

From the beginning, we focused on listening to our community and meeting people where they are. That’s why we’ve become such a trusted and safe space. We’ve grown our programming to reach over 4,000 individuals, all at no cost to them. To me, that’s incredible. It shows just how necessary and life-changing these services are.

Leading this organization isn’t just about running programs; it’s about making sure people feel heard, valued, and supported. Amplified Minds has helped so many people access the care they deserve, and that’s what keeps me going. Seeing firsthand how our services have changed lives reminds me every day why this work is so important. We plan to continue to grow our organization so that even more people can access the help they need when they need it. This work is truly my passion, and it’s been an honor to be part of something that is making such a difference.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been deeply passionate about music—it’s what brought me to Dallas in 2004 to study Recording Arts. I immersed myself in audio engineering and the business of music, connecting with incredible people and gaining experiences that shaped my career. Music has always been a driving force in my life, but over time, I realized my love for it extended beyond just creating—it was about using it as a tool for empowerment and healing.
That realization led me to the nonprofit world, where I started working with Girls Rock Dallas, an organization that empowers girls through music. I helped develop their Recording Arts program, taught drum instruction, and took on multiple roles to inspire and educate kids through music. Seeing firsthand how impactful nonprofit work could be, I knew I wanted to do more to help others.
This path eventually led me to Amplified Minds. After losing many friends to suicide and other mental health struggles, I felt compelled to be part of something that could truly make a difference. The work we do at Amplified Minds is deeply personal to me, and I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. It hasn’t been easy—nonprofit work comes with its challenges—but the reward is immeasurable.

What truly makes this journey possible is having an amazing team of individuals who share the same passion and vision. Our leadership team and counseling team have been instrumental in our success, bringing dedication, expertise, and heart to everything we do. Having the right people around you is so important—it’s what allows us to grow, support our community, and make a real impact. Hearing from individuals who say our organization has helped them, even saved their lives, is what keeps me going every day.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my story, it’s that passion and purpose can lead you to places you never expected. My love for music opened doors to a greater calling—one that allows me to help people find support, healing, and community. Amplified Minds is more than just an organization; it’s a movement to ensure no one struggles alone, and I am honored to be part of it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Great question! I’d make sure they experienced the best of what the city has to offer—great music, food, art, and culture. We’d start in Deep Ellum, exploring the vibrant murals, local shops, and catching live music at Three Links before grabbing tacos at Velvet Taco. For a dose of arts and culture, we’d visit the Dallas Museum of Art, followed by dinner at Uchi Dallas. To enjoy the outdoors, we’d spend a morning at White Rock Lake before heading to Bishop Arts District for shopping, brunch at Oddfellows, and a stop at Emporium Pies for dessert. I am sure I am missing more- but those are some of my favorite spots.
Dallas has such a vibrant energy, and I’d make sure they experienced the full range of what makes this city so special!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible Deep Ellum community—a place that has been the heart and soul of our journey from the very beginning. When we started as a small suicide prevention group ten years ago, we had a mission, but we needed the strength of a community to turn that vision into real impact. Thanks to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who believed in our cause, we’ve been able to grow, expand our reach, and help thousands of people access free mental health support. Their unwavering support has truly been the backbone of our organization.

On a personal level, Deep Ellum is where I truly fell in love with the music and arts scene. Coming from a small town in Delaware, I had never experienced anything like it before. It’s where I built lasting friendships, had unforgettable experiences, and found a community that embraces creativity and gives back in so many ways. Community is everything—it gives you a sense of belonging, a place to call your own, and the support to keep pushing forward. I’m beyond grateful to be part of it.

Website: https://www.amplifedminds.org

Instagram: https://amplified.minds

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-o-connor-a3aa2458/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplifiedmindshelp