In her professional life and volunteer activities Lauren Czeshinski tries to embody the motto of the company she loves: “Better every day.”

The 27-year-old is a senior market consultant at Cottingham & Butler, a major insurance broker based in Dubuque.

“I start every day with the mindset of ‘Today is a big day’ — every day matters,” Czeshinski said. “Your attitude, your work ethic, how you treat yourself, your team and your clients — matters. I get energy from the people around me and the challenges of the day that are presented. Finding innovative and creative solutions to problems our clients and teammates face motivates me to get better, think differently and work harder. If you can find a way to become a part of something bigger than yourself, you will wake up every day motivated and inspired, willing to work hard.”

Czeshinski studied marketing and public relations as an undergraduate student.

“I was actually part of the mock interview competition at Loras College my freshman year when I first encountered C&B,” she said. “We did it for class credit, but ended up winning the dang thing. The (Cottingham & Butler) representative wanted to hire me that next summer, but after realizing I was only 18 and in my first year of college, told me to call them the following summer for an official spot in their program.”

Czeshinski was hired on as a sales intern in the employee benefits section of Cottingham & Butler. She spent two summers there and worked part time throughout the rest of her years at Loras, learning the business and building relationships. She was hired on full time in June 2019.

“I am surrounded by very passionate, driven and innovative teammates who are constantly pushing the industry and market forward to better serve our clients every day,” she said.

In time Czeshinski has gathered a group of friends and co-workers around her that cultivate adventure and community spirit.

“(Lauren) exudes Cottingham & Butler’s mission of being ‘better every day’ in both the internal work she does there and within the community work she is a part of,” said Danielle Leibfried, president and CEO of United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States, a nonprofit organization with which Czeshinski regularly volunteers.

Czeshinski was a major force behind the Barriers Project, part of an annual holiday drive that also supports Opening doors and Toys for Tots. She also supports United Way’s clothes closet program. The main closet is at Northeast Iowa Community College and there are closets at some of the schools, as well. The main goal is to break down barriers for children that keep them from going to school and being successful in the classroom.

“We’re giving them access to the food, clean clothes that fit and bus passes,” Czeshinski said.

One of the boldest activities Czeshinski has thrown herself into is to strategically build up Cottingham & Butler’s “Over the Edge” team for the United Way’s major fundraiser. Teams from around the area rappel down buildings in Dubuque to raise money for the United Way. This year’s event will take place Friday, Sept. 13, at the Midwest One Bank Building.

Going from year one where Czeshinski fundraised and rappelled, to year five, where their goal is to raise more than $40,000 with 26 new, cross-departmental staff is the goal, according to Leibfried.

Czeshinski has been on the United Way marketing committee for about eight years and served on the executive committee as marketing committee chair for the past three years.

“Outside of the staff and board being some of the most genuine, passionate and high energy people, I love the work they do,” Czeshinski said about her work with United Way. “I love that the mission connects to all people in need as well as all donors looking to support a cause they’re passionate about.”

She also served on the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools board, most recently as the board chair.

“I see Lauren supporting so many of our local charities by attending their galas, their open houses and their fundraising events, and bringing friends with her to support them and their missions,” Leibfried said. “Lauren is an active community leader and all who know her, adore her and admire her energy. We would be lost without her support and the connections she helps us make.”

Czeshinski is committed to giving back to the community for the long haul.

“My mom (Sue Hafkemeyer) has always been involved in the Dubuque community and taught us at a young age how important it is to be part of the solution to making our community stronger not just for today, but into the future for the next generation,” Czeshinski said. “I try to fulfill this by working hard for Cottingham & Butler and supporting the nonprofit community financially, giving back my time and most importantly bringing others along to teach the philanthropic spirit and provide opportunities for them to be part of something bigger than themselves.”