To Be Like Me Appoints Lauren Rowe as Executive Director
To Be Like Me Appoints Lauren Rowe as Executive Director
First-of-its-kind disability awareness nonprofit is positioned for rapid growth
Richardson, Texas — [May 4, 2026] — To Be Like Me today announced the appointment of Lauren Rowe as Executive Director.
Rowe replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as Executive Director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last year.
“I started To Be Like Me while working as a physical therapist for people with disabilities,” Owens said. “My tiny idea to foster understanding and empathy has grown beyond all my expectations. It became clear that we needed to find a leader with the executive experience to manage the exciting growth ahead. I have tremendous confidence in Lauren.”
Rowe brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Lone Star CASA, where she led strategic growth that more than doubled the organization’s size and increased net resources by 257%, generating an additional $1.2 million to support advocacy for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
In her new role, Rowe will lead To Be Like Me’s strategic vision, operations, and community engagement efforts, with a focus on expanding education programs in Texas schools, strengthening partnerships, and increasing awareness and understanding of individuals with disabilities.
“Lauren is an inspiring and results-driven leader whose passion for advocacy and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Tom Erickson, Board Chair of To Be Like Me. “Her experience in building out infrastructure for rapidly growing organizations is what really made her stand out in our search.”
During her tenure at Lone Star CASA, Rowe spearheaded innovative fundraising initiatives, expanded programming to serve more children and families, and led a team that developed a statewide model to improve outcomes for vulnerable youth. She also modernized organizational infrastructure, strengthened governance practices, and built strategic partnerships across nonprofit, government, and community sectors.
Prior to her role at Lone Star CASA, Rowe served as Director of Child & Club Safety for Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Southwest Region, where she advised more than 200 organizations across eight states. She also held national leadership roles at Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), overseeing victim services strategy, program development, and nationwide training initiatives.
“I am honored to join To Be Like Me and advance a mission that fosters empathy, engagement, and understanding,” said Rowe. “I think this organization is poised for tremendous growth in the coming years, and I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and community partners to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities. As a long-time Richardson resident and parent to two elementary students, I am especially thrilled to join an organization doing such inspiring work with schools in our local community.”
Rowe holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Texas A&M University.
About To Be Like Me
To Be Like Me is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building empathy, kindness, and compassion through disability awareness education. Through interactive, student-centered experiences led by individuals with disabilities, the organization helps students better understand and appreciate the diverse ways people move through the world. By centering real stories and lived experiences, To Be Like Me fosters meaningful connections that positively impact classrooms and communities. Visit www.tobelikeme.org for more information.