New York, NY (February 24, 2026) — Urban Resource Institute (URI), the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leading provider of housing and support for families experiencing homelessness, today announced the promotions of Lauren Schuster, Esq. to Chief External Affairs Officer and Lydia Fan Wong, Esq. to General Counsel. Both are longtime members of URI’s senior leadership team and bring deep expertise, steady leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing safety, dignity, and justice.
Since joining URI in 2022, Lauren Schuster has led the organization’s Government Affairs strategy, strengthening partnerships across city, state, and federal government and advancing policies that remove barriers for survivors and families. With more than a decade of legislative experience in the New York State Assembly, Schuster has helped position URI as a trusted voice on issues at the intersection of domestic violence, housing instability, and economic justice.
Under her leadership, URI supported the launch of New York City’s first pet-inclusive shelter for homeless families and helped advance New York State’s landmark coerced debt legislation, enabling survivors of domestic violence to challenge debts incurred through abuse and regain financial stability.
As Chief External Affairs Officer, Schuster will oversee Government Affairs, Development, and Marketing & Communications, guiding URI’s external strategy to ensure its policy leadership, fundraising growth, and brand voice remain aligned and mission-driven.
“Lauren leads with clarity, courage, and conviction,” said Nathaniel Fields, CEO of Urban Resource Institute. “She understands that safety is not abstract — it is built through policy, partnerships, and persistence. Her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together and translate urgency into action has strengthened our impact across New York. This next chapter reflects the leadership she has already been demonstrating.”
“I’m honored to step into this role at a time when the stakes for survivors and families could not be higher,” said Schuster. “Too many people are navigating violence, housing instability, and economic hardship at once. URI will continue to advocate for systems that are trauma-informed, accountable, and centered on the people we serve. Our responsibility is clear — to remove barriers and build pathways to lasting stability.”
Lydia Wong has been instrumental in strengthening URI’s legal and governance infrastructure during a period of significant organizational growth. She has advised on governance, grants and contracts, policies and procedures, employment matters, and regulatory compliance — ensuring URI’s operations reflect both legal rigor and mission alignment.
Her promotion to General Counsel formalizes the leadership she has already been providing and underscores URI’s commitment to strong governance as the organization expands its housing portfolio and Justice Initiatives.
“Lydia brings both precision and purpose to her work,” said Fields. “Her legal leadership protects the integrity of our mission and ensures we remain accountable to the communities we serve. As URI grows, that foundation is essential.”
Before joining URI, Wong served as associate counsel at a law firm dedicated to New York nonprofits and mission-driven enterprises, and held in-house counsel roles at the Nonprofit Finance Fund and The Rockefeller Foundation. She began her legal career at Davis Polk & Wardwell after graduating from Harvard Law School.
“I am proud to continue serving an organization that leads with both compassion and accountability,” said Wong. “URI’s work changes lives. Strong legal stewardship ensures we can continue building safe, stable, and empowering environments for survivors and families.”
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