Makeover for YouthServe Director before DNC

Lauren Banks, executive director of YouthServe, received a makeover from Belk before jetting off to serve as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention.

For the 2002 Hoover High School graduate, who has a long history of championing charitable causes, youth empowerment is more than a job – it is her life’s work. She said she loves to positively influence teens with respect to community voluntarism.

“YouthServe is a great, local non-profit for teenagers in the greater Birmingham area,” Banks said. “There are no requirements to be a part of YouthServe, other than being 13-18 years old. At our camps this past summer, 46 area schools were represented. We bring together a diverse crosssection of young people to learn from each other, while serving in the community.”

The company selected her for a lavish, preconventionmakeover in observance of her leadership and community impact and because YouthServe is headquartered in Charlotte, which hosted the convention this fall.

“Lauren’s work with local at-risk youth through YouthServe and her commitment to education align well with Belk’s long-standing commitment to benefit youth in our community,” said Ken Crow, general manager at Belk Riverchase.

Banks said the experience was incredible.

“Everyone was so personable and helpful,” she said. “My favorite aspect was getting to keep all the wonderful clothes, bags and jewelry. Belk really spoiled me. I am so appreciative!”

Arlene Goldstein, VP of Fashion at Belk, flew in to be Banks’ personal fashion assistant for the day. They picked out her clothes selection (one casual outfit, one business and one dressy) first. They went to Richard Joseph Salon for hair, then Mac for makeup before she got dressed for a photo shoot.

Freshly styled and coiffed, Banks then flew to Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention where she served as an at-large delegate for the state of Alabama’s Democratic party.

She attended caucus meetings, panel discussions, receptions and helped nominate President Barack Obama for a second term as the Democratic Presidential Candidate.

Following the convention, as far as Banks was concerned, it was back to business. And she’s already looking forward to YouthServe’s next series of camps.

“We’ve seen success in our program delivery,” she said. “More people are a part of our programs, especially our camps. For our last session of summer camp, we had a waiting list. It is a joy to watch young people grow up in our programs. Watching our teens mature and become leaders in their community is the coolest thing of all.”