'1 in 5' Episode 7: Meet Lori Barr - Ascend at the Aspen Institute

Lori Barr and her son, Anthony Barr are the co-founders of Raise the Barr, a philanthropic organization focused on increasing opportunity and economic mobility for low-income single parents and their children through education in Minneapolis and Los Angeles.

While a young single mother, Lori experienced challenges that have shaped her desire to pursue a more just and equitable system that supports low-income families, and students with dependents who rely on systems to dismantle barriers that lead to thriving individuals, families, and communities.

Lori spent over 20 years in public and private education serving in multiple roles that ultimately led to executive positions overseeing operations and strategic planning/development of programs and Human Resources.

Lori and Anthony founded Raise the Barr in 2016. Lori’s life experiences have included attainment of both post-secondary and post-graduate degrees, while raising her sons alone and working for hourly wages, and ultimately earning a salary with a family-sustaining wage.

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You can read the episode transcript here.

Resources

Raise the Barr, a philanthropic organization focused on increasing opportunity and economic mobility for low-income single parents and their children through education in Minneapolis and Los Angeles.

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund (JRF) provides scholarships and support for low-income women ages thirty-five and older across the US to build better lives through post-secondary education.

Emerge Mothers Academy is a social service providing support services to single mothers across the Twin cities.