Lauren Maghsoudi

Lauren Maghsoudi began working for Rice University in 2024 as the assistant director for open enrollment programs. She was drawn to Rice by the opportunity to work alongside and meet new interesting, diverse, and intelligent people. She also appreciates Rice’s beautiful campus and welcoming work environment.

Before joining Rice, Lauren built a diverse career spanning distribution, entrepreneurship, sales and business development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial distribution from Texas A&M University in 2006 and became a certified chef in 2011 through the Art Institute. Her entrepreneurial experience includes opening and operating restaurants, as well as selling them. Over the course of her career, she opened two restaurants and sold three, most recently selling her final restaurant in 2024.

Originally from East Texas, Lauren has called Houston home for the past 19 years. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, gardening and pottery, as well as hiking and escaping to the mountains whenever she can. Her varied interests reflect her appreciation for creativity, the outdoors and opportunities to learn something new.