An Inspired Chat with Lauren O’Connor of Dallas

Lauren O’Connor shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Lauren, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Spending time in nature, giving myself permission to just be, and remembering what it feels like to be a kid again. Painting, traveling, laughing with my kiddo, and doing the little things that bring me joy—those are the moments where I feel most alive and most connected to myself.

Life moves fast. There will always be deadlines, responsibilities, and the pressure to keep up or make everyone else happy. But when we forget to pause, we forget ourselves.

For me, grounding comes from choosing joy. From leaning into laughter, creativity, and presence. From reminding myself that the most important work I can do is reconnecting with who I truly am inside.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lauren O’Connor, and I am the President of Amplified Minds, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free mental health services to the community—with a special focus on supporting creatives.

My journey started in the world of music. I studied recording arts, which opened the door to a lifelong passion for creativity, connection, and giving back. That path eventually led me into nonprofit work, where I’ve spent more than 15 years helping to build and lead organizations that serve and uplift others. Amplified Minds combines my love of music and my dedication to mental health—two worlds that deeply need each other.

What makes our organization unique is the way we bring together creativity, compassion, and accessibility. We believe mental health care shouldn’t be a privilege, and we’re passionate about removing barriers so that artists, musicians, and community members can get the support they need. A big part of our impact also comes from collaborating with other nonprofits and businesses—working together allows us to extend our reach, build stronger communities, and create innovative ways to support mental health.

Outside of my work with Amplified Minds, I’m also proud to serve in leadership with the newly formed Women in Music Dallas chapter, where we’re working to amplify the voices of women in the industry. Music has always been at the heart of who I am, and I truly believe in its power to heal, inspire, and unite.

At the end of the day, my greatest joy comes from connecting with people, sharing stories, and creating impact together. Whether through music, mental health advocacy, community partnerships, or nonprofit leadership, my mission is simple: to create opportunities for those to live their best lives.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I first moved to Dallas and experienced the strength of community. I had never lived anywhere with such a rich presence of art and music, and seeing how creativity and people came together was unforgettable. That moment showed me just how powerful connection and support can be—and it’s what ultimately inspired me to step into nonprofit work.

I witnessed firsthand how much community is needed, how critical it is, and how beautiful it can be when people come together with a shared purpose. Along the way, I built lasting friendships and connected with incredible people doing meaningful work. But at the very beginning, what struck me most was the power in simply bringing people together—and how transformative that can be.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—there have absolutely been times when I felt like giving up. The nonprofit world is beautiful, but it can also be incredibly hard. Doing something you love fills you up, but it also stretches you—balancing endless priorities, managing people, navigating public expectations, and knowing deep down that you’ll never be able to make everyone happy.

I’ve had moments where I felt completely worn down, ready to throw in the towel. But what always pulls me back is the people—the ones I work alongside every day, and the community I serve. I love them deeply, and I’ve seen firsthand how much this work matters. That love makes it impossible to walk away.

It’s not easy—far from it—but when you believe in something with your whole heart, you find a way to keep going. For me, that means showing up even on the hardest days, because I know the impact is real, and the community we’re building is worth every ounce of effort.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—the public version of me really is who I am. I’ve always been an open book. Of course, I have my private moments, but what you see is truly me at my core. I’ve never been good at putting on a mask or being anything other than myself, and I think that authenticity is what allows me to connect with people in an honest way.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell after I’m gone is that I tried. That I worked tirelessly—not for recognition or personal gain—but to serve the community and, in whatever small way, the world. Every effort, every late night, every challenge I faced was rooted in a desire to help others heal, to help them find themselves, to create spaces where people could come together and feel seen, supported, and loved.

Sometimes I forget the ripple effect of this work—the lives touched, the moments of hope sparked, the small victories that mean so much to someone else. I hope my legacy is that it was never about ego or accolades. It was never about me. It was always about the people around me, the community I chose to surround myself with, and the love that guided even the hardest moments.

If my life can be remembered as a series of attempts to lift others up, to make someone feel a little less alone, a little more understood, then I will have succeeded. I want people to know that even when things were messy, even when the work felt impossible, it was always done with intention, compassion, and heart. That, in the end, love—persistent, imperfect, unwavering love—was the reason for everything I did.

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