Appointed: September 2023
Elected: April 2024
Term Expires: April 2028

Lauren V. Hughes-Leslie is a mother, wife, United States Army Veteran, lawyer, and native of the Antelope Valley. Lauren Hughes-Leslie brings a distinguished background in public service and leadership to her service to the City of Lancaster.

Lauren earned her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School where she served her fellow classmates and professors as a Teacher and Research Assistant.

She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and excelled in various roles as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. 

With an educational background in systems engineering and law, Lauren’s multifaceted experience offers a rich perspective to the Council.

Growing up in the Antelope Valley, Lauren graduated from Quartz Hill High School. Lauren developed a strong connection to her community through involvement with local swim teams and Girl Scouts, through volunteer work at the Antelope Valley Hospital, and in student government groups like the Associated Student Body (ASB) and the California Association of Student Leaders. Being a part of community-based activities, Lauren was able to build strong relationships, self-confidence, and experience firsthand the benefits of a connected community with strong leadership.

Lauren commissioned as a Human Resources Officer in the United States Army in May 2013. She graduated from the Adjutant General’s Basic Officer Leadership Course and was first assigned to the 715th Military Intelligence Battalion, in direct support of the National Security Agency/Central Security Service-Hawaii (NSA/CSS-H) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Following completion of the Adjutant General’s Captain’s Career Course in 2017, Lauren was assigned to the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. Lauren served in several leadership positions including Senior Human Resources Officer, Plans and Operations Officer, Personnel Strength Manager, and the Commanding General’s Command Family Readiness Representative.

Lauren actively contributes to civic leadership serving as a Board Member on the Antelope Valley Fair Authority Joint Powers Agency (2024), California Contract Cities Association (2023), Edwards Air Force Base Restoration Advisory Board (2023), High Desert Corridor Board (2023), and Prison Citizens Advisory Committee (2023). Lauren also serves as an Alternate Board Member on the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (2023), North Los Angeles County Transportation Coalition Board (2023), and Southern California Region Rail Authority - Metrolink (2023).

Lauren is committed to excellence. Her blend of military discipline, analytical skills, and civic engagement equips her to make impactful decisions that benefit the community.

Lauren is a proud wife for 10+ years and a mother of two school-aged children.

Lauren was elected to the City Council in April 2024.