A voice for her hometown

Despite being a talented singer and having successfully auditioned to be on American Idol twice, Lauren Mink, a third-generation Winchester resident, never once considered raising her family elsewhere.

Lauren’s love for music has been consistent throughout her life. She sang in musicals in high school and played shows around town while in college. Around that same time, in 2011 and 2012, she auditioned for American Idol.

The first year she was eliminated fairly early, but the second time she made it to the Top 24 in the women’s category. Soon after, when she learned she and her husband at the time were expecting their first child, she wanted to focus on her family. And she knew exactly where she wanted to do that.

“I am Winchester’s biggest fan,” said Lauren, 40. She also might be the busiest.

Today, Lauren is a single mother of two boys: Wilson, 11, and Sam, 9. She works as an agent at her father’s insurance company. She is also a board member for the Leeds Center for the Arts as well as Legacy Grove Park. She assists with fundraising for the local nonprofit STRIDE (Supporting Therapeutic Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities Everyday) and is the graphic designer and social media manager for a local radio station, WWKY, 102.9 FM. Mink’s list of community involvement is extensive.

The drive to help those around her began at a young age. Her father, Richard Mink, became agency manager of the local Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance company office when she was a child and he chose to connect with his neighbors through acts of service.

“Part of the job is being in, and being a part of, the community,” said Richard.

Lauren, his eldest daughter, took that to heart. Her calendar is full of work meetings, sports practices, community events, and much more, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’m a fixer. I surround myself with positive people and ones that want to keep Winchester beautiful,” she said.

At the heart of it all, Lauren’s best efforts are put toward raising her children. Erin Smith, Lauren’s best friend, admires her parental prowess. “The way she mothers those boys is incredible to watch,” Erin said. “She doing all the right things.”

Lauren still performs locally as an outlet for her music. But her real passion is bettering the future by caring for her children and community.