Evan's Background

Hello! I'm Evan or Dr. Lawrence if you must, a passionate Woman, Mother, Wife and Academic with a multifaceted life. 

 

I grew up in Illinois USA on a big corn farm where there were more tractors than people for 100's of miles. I began my working life in Washington DC working for the US House of Representatives and went on to work on several democratic political campaigns. While pursuing my Masters Degree I worked on reforming the criminal justice legislation in Illinois around the death penalty and worked with the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project to secure the release of several wrongfully convicted people in Illinois. 

 

I hopped across the pond to England to earn my Ph.D. in International Relations and Politics while making significant contributions to the field of preventing violent radicalization and the public policy of terrorism and security. I often comment on current events on a variety of News Programs and consult with Parliament and Whitehall on various PVE and Security policy initiatives.

 

In the midst of my academic career, I'm a dedicated mom to two young kiddos. My days are filled with the delightful chaos of parenting, from fighting germs, yelling not to hulk smash your sister, to venturing into soft play centers and playgrounds galore on weekends. As much as I love my academic endeavors, there's nothing more rewarding than being a mom, cherishing every moment with my little ones. Additionally, my heart belongs to my grumpy old mini-schnauzer Kaia, who brings joy and ear ruffles to my life every day.

 

Aside from my academic pursuits and motherhood, I find great passion and empowerment in the world of roller derby. Representing Rainy City Roller Derby in NW England internationally before COVID, where I experienced the thrill of competition, the camaraderie of teamwork, and the strength of powerful women coming together. Roller derby allowed me to make lifelong friends from around the world, and it brought out the spirited, determined, and confident side of me that believes in conquering challenges.

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Beyond roller derby, my dedication to making positive changes extends to my involvement in the Labour Party. As a committed member, you'll often find me actively supporting various candidates and advocating for a safer and better neighborhood for everyone. Within the party, I hold the role of Political Education Officer for my ward, ensuring that our members are well-informed and empowered to make a difference. Additionally, when it comes to community gatherings, I take on the role of the chief BBQ master, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for all.

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Thank you for taking the time to get to know the many facets of my life. As we journey together, I hope you find inspiration in my passions.