Nice to Meet You. We're CoSpero.

Harold founded CoSpero Consulting in 2017 with the aim of addressing systemic inequities by centering community voice in organizational strategy. At CoSpero, Harold has had the privilege of working with more than a dozen school districts to develop a community engagement strategy that incorporates family perspective. Harold launched his career as a Dallas ISD teacher and football coach across West and South Dallas. His love for improving educational outcomes for young people led him to complete his Master's of Education Leadership from the University of North Texas. Harold’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion stems from his desire to see all people treated with justice and dignity. Harold resides with his wife and his three children in Dallas' Red Bird neighborhood.

Lauren leans on her wealth of experience working and leading in the social sector to help clients achieve stakeholder-centric purpose and clarity in their strategy, programs, and communication. A former teacher, district administrator, director of programs and strategy, and nonprofit founder, she understands the challenges and opportunities facing social innovators. She is passionate about creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and honored by influencing critical decisions. In addition to her role as a Partner at CoSpero, Lauren is a Dallas-based wife, mom to three young kids, and Founding Board Chair of Take Heart an organization equipping teen moms and dads and their children.

What led you to CoSpero?

At my core, I’m driven by work that calls for collaboration. I was drawn to CoSpero because of its mission to help organizations magnify their impact. My professional commitment to social impact started as a bilingual teacher in an under-resourced school. Today, I get to drive integrated strategy and operations across CoSpero in partnership with an incredibly passionate team!

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What aspects of your work do you find most inspiring and motivating? 

I love building relationships with others, and it’s especially energizing to do so with people committed to doing good. My colleagues approach their work with a fire to uphold justice; I enjoy creating our firm’s systems so that they can focus on serving our clients even better.

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Any fun stories from an adventure you’ve taken? 

I had the opportunity to study abroad in Europe, in an era where finding WiFi in a foreign country was not so easy. Due to language barriers (+ naivety) I got lost making my way from Rome, Italy’s city center to the airport. Along the way, a nun saw the panic in my face, called a cab, and escorted me to the airport. She held my hand the whole ride, which I gratefully accepted!

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What are you up to outside of work? 

Exploring playgrounds with my parent-friends, dropping pins on Google Maps to plan future adventures, or photographing everyday moments with family and friends.

What led you to CoSpero?

Every day as a teacher during the pandemic, I observed how my students’ learning was impacted by the situations they each experienced at home. I left teaching to pursue an opportunity to take on some of the challenges that impacted my students outside of my classroom. From working to provide equitable internet access to building community resource hubs at the time, CoSpero stood out as a unique place to work with individuals who had strong values and a passion for serving their community. I was led to the right place at the right time. 

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What aspects of your work do you find most inspiring and motivating? 

Community engagement is my favorite part of our work. Throughout my time at CoSpero, I have been lucky to meet so many people and learn about their lived experiences, struggles, and hopes for the future. I’m most inspired and motivated by the community members I meet and the impact our work has on them and their families. I value the proximity my role offers. 

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Any fun stories from an adventure you’ve taken? 

I recently got engaged in Iceland! That was the best surprise and the entire trip was an adventure I'll always remember. 

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What are you up to outside of work? 

I'm learning to play the guitar! Still very much in the beginner phase, but it's been fun to learn songs my friends and family enjoy.

What led you to CoSpero?

I was deeply drawn to CoSpero's mission, vision and inclusive workplace. The opportunity to contribute to meaningful social change while also being part of a supportive and forward-thinking team was a compelling factor. CoSpero's commitment to innovation, empowerment, and fostering a sense of purpose resonated with me, and I am excited to be a part of this transformative journey to make a difference in the lives of others and in our society as a whole. 

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What aspects of your work do you find most inspiring and motivating?

When I witness my team cohesively collaborating to strategize and execute projects, it instills in me a profound sense of purpose and an unwavering drive to excel. Observing this collective effort not only fuels my aspiration to maximize my own potential but also kindles my motivation to witness the successful implementation of these projects. 

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Any fun hobbies or passions outside of work?

Staying active is my passion and it lights a fire in me to stay healthy! Weight Training, Kickboxing, Running are hobbies I engage in to keep me stress free. Shopping and admiring sunrises and sunsets fulfill me with all the fun! 

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If you could give a TED Talk on anything, what would it be?

Mental resilience. Our mind is an extremely powerful tool and when you learn how to navigate it along with the combination of discipline, your potential in anything you desire is limitless. 

What led you to CoSpero?

I was searching for opportunities with small consulting firms and came across this Together for Tomorrow article. After, I did a deep dive into CoSpero’s website and instantly knew that I wanted in. CoSpero’s ‘personality’ came across well, the team was diverse, and their work aligned with how I desired to serve my community. 

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What aspects of your work do you find most inspiring and motivating?

We are able to give clients a refined vision that is reflective of the heartbeat of their organization and takes into account what their community wants and needs. The journey is not always easy, but clients are left with renewed hope and excitement for what can be. 

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What are you up to when you’re not at work?

You can find me somewhere near a lake taking in the outdoors, at a game cheering on my nieces and nephews, sipping a latte in the Target aisles, or laughing with friends. 

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Got any guilty pleasures when it comes to books, movies, or tunes?

I’m currently into books that show the impact of relationships in a character’s life; psychology is fascinating to me! I’m also a Marvel stan who loves neosoul vibes. I enjoy curating my own playlists and am known by my friends for a dope playlist!

What led you to CoSpero? 

My move to Cospero Consulting felt like a natural progression, driven by my experience, commitment to educational equity, and community engagement. With a background in both education and political engagement, coupled with my passion for transformative public service, I found myself drawn to make an impact at CoSpero. Having spent over a decade working professionally in both the Bay Area, CA, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, TX, I’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge and skills in state and local government affairs, political campaign management, and community organizing.. 

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What aspects of your work do you find most inspiring and motivating?

I am inspired and motivated by my work in successfully transforming underserved communities into thriving environments. This includes improving academic and social outcomes, enhancing community culture, and increasing overall advocacy and engagement. As a strong advocate for marginalized communities, particularly Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, I work tirelessly to ensure that all people have access to high-quality resources regardless of their socioeconomic status.

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If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

I would like to sit down with President Lyndon B. Johnson. I believe the conversation would offer a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of political leadership, civil rights, educational reform, and social justice, all of which are central to his professional and personal mission.

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What are you up to when you’re not at work?

When not at work I enjoy organizing and participating in community service events and projects as a member of Jewel P. Lightfoot Masonic Lodge #1283 in Dallas, Texas.

What led you to CoSpero? 

For the past decade, I've been immersed in both the nonprofit and for-profit worlds, mobilizing teams and forming partnerships to drive meaningful change. Most recently, I had the honor of leading House of Hope in Chicago, a community center where we not only met immediate needs, but also nurtured lasting connections within our community. During my time at House of Hope, I also embarked on a personal journey, pursuing a social impact MBA at Loyola University. This experience wasn't just about academic achievement; it was about honing my skills to better partner with companies and organizations who found themselves at the intersection of profit and purpose. And joining the CoSpero team feels like the most incredibly next step. I'm excited to collaborate with this inspiring team, using my blend of experience, education and genuine care for people to help create positive change in Dallas and beyond. 

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What aspects of your work do you find most inspiring and motivating?

I believe consultants play a key role in helping organizations navigate complex challenges. We bring a fresh perspective that uncovers trends and opportunities, distilling them into clear and actionable strategies. One thing that drives me is seeing organizations struggle or even fail because they overlook existing resources. Instead of reinventing the wheel, my passion lies in developing strategies that harness organizations strengths (that already exist) and community assets that maximize impact. Whether you're a nonprofit, for-profit, foundation, or school, we all have the ability to plan effectively and engage our communities in meaningful ways. This motivates me every day. 

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What’s in your bag right now?

Lara Bar, Loop Earplugs, My daughter's water bottle, Library card, Full Focus planner, Tylenol, Casual slides (because work shoes and socks feel overrated when it's so warm). 

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Any fun stories from an adventure you’ve taken? 

I love to adventure. From scuba diving the great barrier reef in high school, meeting my now husband on the banks of the Nile in Uganda over 10 years ago, taking my daughter to visit where my Nanna got married in Wales, and everything in-between, you will often find me planning what's next on the adventure agenda for our family. I also love adventuring here at home. Being new to Dallas, we are exploring all the things and getting used to more barbecue, warmer weather, and playing at a park in January? As a native midwesterner, this is all an adventure for me.

What led you to CoSpero?

I chose CoSpero because I wanted to do work that mattered. Before joining the firm, I was at a professional crossroads, and I spent a lot of time thinking about the direction of my career. After stumbling into the world of CoSpero through mutual connections, I found values, work-culture characteristics, and a unique client focus that intrinsically aligned with where I saw myself taking my next steps—professionally and personally. I get to show up at work as my whole self and contribute to organizations seeking uncommon results for the common good. It does not get any better than that!

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What aspects of your work do you find most inspiring and motivating?

The more I learn about the client work we contribute to, the more inspired and motivated I feel. As a firm, we get to interact with many organizations of impact who care about their stakeholders, work, and being a part of a solution. Our boutique consulting firm gets to fill strategic gaps for our clients, making their work go further and continuing widespread community investments. Being a self-proclaimed "problem solver," I get to bring my creative, strategic thinking to CoSpero and implement it into the work. 

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If you could give a TED Talk on anything, what would it be?

I am passionate about justice and education, so I would love to teach a course or a TED Talk about the origin of the prison industrial complex and its current impact on individuals involved in the American criminal legal system. 

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What are you up to when you’re not at work?

I always love to spend time with my friends and family. I am as extroverted as they come but also very easy-going, so it does not matter where I am or what I am doing as long as I am in the company of the people I care the most about. In addition to quality time with my loved ones, I am always putting a new outfit together. I have always used clothes as a form of self-expression and think the most creatively when I am shopping or styling myself in my closet.

What led you to CoSpero?

While working at a professional networking organization for educators, Lauren and Harold reached out to ask if I’d consider working for them. I knew anything these two did was bound to have ripples of impact for years to come and wanted to be a part of it from the moment I learned about the opportunity. I jumped in and haven’t regretted it for a second! 

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What aspects of your work do you find most inspiring and motivating?

Anytime I am able to be in the room with the people most affected by a problem, I find it a true honor - to participate in hearing someone’s story or inviting them into their God-given right to co-develop a solution. It feels simple—to address the very people who are personally experiencing inequities and tap into their expertise about their community or the social issue at hand—but it’s unfortunately a practice that is lacking in many spaces. I’m grateful to work for a company that believes in elevating these voices above all else.

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What’s in your bag right now?

My coworkers call my work bag “the mom bag” because I stay prepared! I have anything from Tylenol, snacks, band aids, lotion and gum to a random kid’s sock, a dinosaur toy or some kind of Taylor Swift paraphernalia my daughter left behind. As a mom of 3, you never know what you’re going to find but half the time it’s something helpful to have on hand! 

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Tell us about how you roll in your community?

The relationships I get to build and maintain—specifically through Younglives, an outreach ministry for pregnant and parenting teens—are very important to me. This cause is near and dear to my heart because my brother became a teen father and our family collectively raised my 2 nephews. I’ve been a mentor with Younglives for 6 years and have never known braver women. Walking with them through their day-to-day life is one of my greatest honors and passions.