Board Members
Ronald L. Book P.A. – President
Ronald L. Book is a specialist in government affairs and administration law, with a Juris Doctoral degree from Tulane University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida International University. An active participant in South Florida’s professional arena, Book is a trustee of the Council of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Legislative Affairs and State Affairs committees. In addition to serving more than 20 community organizations, Book is a founding member of Lauren’s Kids. Mr. Book currently operates his own lobbying practice in Aventura and Tallahassee.
Lauren Book, M.S. Ed – Chief Executive Officer, Survivor
Lauren Book was a victim and is now survivor of child sexual abuse. Because of her experience, Book founded Lauren’s Kids along with her father, Ronald Book, in 2007. Under Ms. Book’s leadership, the non-profit organization works to create a world where the exploitation of children is not tolerated. Over her years of service to victims of abuse, Lauren and her father have passed numerous Florida laws to protect victims and end the cycle of future abuse included the nation’s toughest mandatory reporting laws, child safety zones and ending the Statute of Limitations for prosecution of sexual crimes committed against children. Every year, Book walks the state of Florida to raise awareness about sexual abuse and to allow survivors an outlet to speak out about their experiences.
In addition to her advocacy work, Book is committed to empowering children to protect themselves against abuse by teaching an in-school curriculum that provides children with the necessary tools to act as the first line of defense against abuse. This year, the Safer, Smarter Kids curriculum was distributed to every public school kindergarten class in Florida thanks to an appropriation from the Florida Legislature.
Book is also an accomplished author, chronicling her years of abuse in her memoir, It’s OK to Tell, which sheds light on the truth about abuse and the healing journey that a victim goes through to become a survivor.
As a nationally renowned spokesperson, Book is an advocate for change and regularly comments on breaking national news. Book has been featured on hundreds of news outlets including Our America with Lisa Ling on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, the Associated Press, ABC News, Al Jazeera, NPR, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell on CNN’s HLN and Maria Shriver Architects of Change.
Book was born and raised in South Florida where she currently resides and directs Lauren’s Kids. Lauren graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Creative Writing; and a Master’s Degree in Community Psychology and Social Change. Lauren has been recognized for her outstanding contribution to education relating to sexual abuse and for her work within Florida and nationally.
Cathy Schroeder – Executive Director
Cathy Schroeder has a diverse communications background delivering high-profile results for private, public and non-profit clients throughout Florida. She received her B.S. in Marketing from Florida State University. Ms. Schroeder feels both a passion and commitment to eliminate sexual abuse. Through education and prevention, she believes we can eliminate the toll sexual abuse takes on human capital. She lives in Tallahassee and owns her own public relations firm, Schroeder Communications.
Board Members
Randal R. Perkins
Manny Kadre
Charlie Fernandes
Jennifer Levin