Lauf served as an advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce after President Trump appointed her in 2018. Prior to her appointment, she worked for the ridesharing company Uber. Lauf earned her bachelor's degree from the Miami University of Ohio and her associate degree from McHenry County College. Catalina Lauf (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 11th Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.