Member Monday - Lauren Tilghman
Posted by tmadison on Mar. 20, 2026 / Subscribe 0
Where do you work, and what does your current role entail?
I work for Inglis, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities and older adults across Pennsylvania. I'm the Director of Strategic Communication and lead the creation of all of Inglis' marketing materials and collateral (internally and externally) across roughly 12 departments and programs; manage our public relations initiatives; and provide logistics and communications support for our signature events and campaigns.
Share a recent win (e.g. Major media placement, merger, expansion).
In January we had two really nice media stories about Inglis House's Therapeutic Education program and supporting several residents going back to school at Community College of Philadelphia. The story garnered placement on CBS3 with Stephanie Stahl and in The Inquirer with Susan Snyder. Inquirer: https://www.inquirer.com/education/inglis-house-philadelphia-students-disabilities-community-college-20260116.html#loaded CBS3: https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/community-college-of-philadelphia-physical-disabilities/
Beyond your professional role, are you active in any volunteer organizations or community initiatives that inspire your work?
Outside of my "9-5" I serve on the Philadelphia Public Relations Association board as secretary along with the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporation and the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia boards. I also volunteer with the League of United Latin American Citizens Philadelphia chapter, and my church. I genuinely love helping people, and I think that's a driving force in both my personal and professional life; I'm also very passionate about advocacy initiatives for people with disabilities and creating more equitable communities that recognize and value everyone regardless of their ability.
Given your path and background, what’s one piece of practical advice you would offer to someone early in their career?
Seek out opportunities that bring out the best in you and give you a sense of connection to something bigger than yourself; don't chase after a salary you'll never be truly fulfilled (just temporarily satisfied).
Inglis is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and chronic conditions, how does that mission shape your approach to communications strategy?
It makes me highly sensitive to perception. I try very hard to ensure that when someone is reading a blog about someone we've supported or watching a news segment about Inglis that they don't see the people in those stories as someone to pity but someone they should aspire to become—resilient. Ultimately that's how I view every person I've had the pleasure of connecting with that has benefitted from Inglis' programs and services; they experienced or were born with a significant debilitating disease, diagnosis, or injury but consciously decided not to allow that experience, disease, diagnosis, or injury define them.
0 Comments