Karen Nimetz
2025-03-21 · 6 min read
Growing up in Irvine, Lauren Segal always felt an innate need to help others. Today, her nonprofit Give a Beat is using music production and DJing to transform the lives of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth in California.
Growing up in Irvine in the 1980s, Lauren Segal always felt an innate need to help others. This desire was further fueled during a school trip to Rio de Janeiro, where she witnessed children begging for food on the streets. The experience deeply affected the then-16-year-old, making her realize the privilege she had, and the harsh realities faced by others.
Upon returning home, Lauren passionately shared her experiences — which were often met with dismissive responses — with others. But this only motivated her to become more socially aware and educate herself about global issues and politics. She soon became an activist, even starting a "Students for Social Responsibility" club in high school.
Music as a Tool for Change
Around this time, Lauren also developed a deep love for music. She saw it "as a tool to bring people together, create peace, serve as a way for people to let themselves go, and bring about social change."
In 2000, Lauren stumbled upon the house music scene in San Francisco, and it had a great impact on her life. Seeing all different kinds of people coming together and letting themselves go and connecting with one another was something she had never witnessed before.
It was then that I knew I wanted to use music in a way to create social change. It was a huge epiphany for me.
Though heavily involved in activism for many years, it wasn't until 2014 that Lauren found her true calling.
"I started to recognize the injustices in our criminal justice system," she said. "I became really concerned with our county's mass incarceration rate, which is the highest in the world."
Give a Beat
Lauren decided to use her love of music to bring about change. She founded her nonprofit, Give a Beat, initially focusing all its attention on keeping youngsters off the streets and out of prison.
"We first began working with local youth through workshops and after-school programs, in juvenile detention halls, and even some Boys & Girls Clubs," Lauren said. "We would bring in a disc jockey and production gear and engage with the kids through music."
The success of the Youth Music Production & DJ Program led to an invitation by the state to begin a similar program in two California state prisons. The organization now serves three state prisons through its Prison Electronic Music Program, which focuses on "digital literacy and transferable life skills."
What's Next
Seeing the great impact of the first two programs, Lauren was inspired to create a third program for those recently released from prison. The On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program pairs music-industry professionals with formerly incarcerated individuals as part of a digital music production, DJing, and business reentry course.
Last year, the ever-growing organization launched a record label called Give a Beat Records, featuring music created by program graduates.
Wearing Her Heart on Her Sleeve
Just as Lauren was launching Give a Beat, her father asked her to take over the family business — The T-Shirt Co. at Laguna Beach, a popular destination in the area for more than four decades. Though initially daunting, she was not about to pass on the opportunity of continuing her family's dream.
"I think a lot of people are afraid to get involved in activism because they think it's going to be depressing, but it's not," she said. "I believe helping other people and working to make a positive change relieves stress and makes you feel better."
What do you love about Laguna Beach?
"There is so much beauty and so many wonderful things to do all within close range, from walks in Heisler Park; hiking paths at Top of the World; to the dozens of beaches, coves and great coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, and little boutiques — all nearby. It's really an ideal vacation spot."
Favorite local spot?
"My favorite gem would probably be the Sawdust Festival. We send our customers there all summer and during Winter Fantasy. I love to support local artists and creators who laid the foundation for the creative and mindful culture of Laguna."
For more information, visit giveabeat.org.
