Lauren Runco Bevilacqua

Lauren Runco Bevilacqua is a nationally recognized leader in workforce development, credentialing, and the recognition of military learning. As Vice President of Innovation, Strategy, and Delivery at Solutions for Information Design (SOLID), she leads transformative initiatives that bridge workforce development, credentialing, and military-to-civilian career pathways. Her work empowers service members by aligning military-earned skills with civilian workforce demands.

Lauren joined SOLID in 2020, bringing over a decade of experience addressing military and veteran workforce challenges. Previously, she served as Strategy Officer for Military-Based Learning at Lumina Foundation, where she conceptualized and led initiatives to expand credentialing opportunities for service members and veterans by increasing recognition of military-based learning. From 2015 to 2018, she served as the Director of Education and Employment at the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, collaborating with state and federal agencies, veteran service organizations, employers, and higher education institutions to improve education and workforce outcomes for military families.

Earlier in her career, Lauren was the founding Director of the Office of Military and Veteran Services at Marywood University, where she also served as the Veterans Affairs Certifying Official. She led the national Veteran Knowledge Community for NASPA and received the Army Commander’s Award for Public Service for her dedication to serving the military-connected community. Lauren’s work in these spaces includes a strong focus on promoting opportunities for women and people of color in education and the workforce.

Representing SOLID, Lauren is a Core Partner in the Partnership for Skills Validation with the Competency-Based Education Network (CBEN) and its Center for Skills, driving initiatives to standardize and validate skills-based learning. She collaborates with organizations such as the Task Force Movement, The Manufacturing Institute, and The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to align industry needs with military-connected workforce strategies.

Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Scranton and her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Marywood University. A proud wife and mother of two, she balances her professional achievements with her commitment to family and advancing opportunities for military-connected populations.