Representing the state of dreamers and doers, Lauren Norris epitomizes the very spirit of Miss New York as she leads throughout her year of service. Her journey to becoming Miss New York began in front of an early-2000s box television. As she sat on the floor and watched powerful women cross the stage, she questioned whether a girl with her upbringing had a place there. She recounts traveling to New York City at the same time in her life, dreaming of one day making the city home. Little did Lauren know just how those experiences would foreshadow what was to come… and that her worlds would soon collide.

At the University of Alabama, Norris began sharing her experiences on YouTube as a first-generation college student. One fateful video about moving into her sorority house changed the trajectory of her life. In a matter of one week, that single video reached one million views and Lauren saw the potential of her impact on young women. Her career as a professional influencer was launched, and she dreamed of more. Receiving her bachelor’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences, the young entrepreneur moved to Manhattan in 2023, determined to take her motto—“Be The Girl That Just Went For It”—to new heights.

Lauren is not only a social media powerhouse with over one million followers; she’s a strategist who fuses digital marketing expertise with personal branding success. She has built a name for herself as a trusted voice, relatable creator, and content coach. By partnering with brands like LoveShackFancy, FAZIT, and Dagne Dover, she has uplifted women-owned businesses. Her techniques have equipped titleholders with tangible ways to grow the organizations they care about through trainings held virtually and in the United Kingdom.

Comfortable in the spotlight, she’s a vocalist with a deep-rooted passion for musical theater—Sandy in Grease being her personal favorite. With years of experience on stage as a performer, Lauren has always favored roles that highlighted powerful women. Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and Gertrude McFuzz from Seussicalshowcased her ability to weave femininity and strength together in a compelling way.

No stranger to using her voice, Lauren received a formal diagnosis of endometriosis after years of self-advocacy. Her surgery and journey were shared online, garnering awareness for the illness facing one in three women across America. Now a formal partner of Endometriosis of America, Norris has raised over $1,000 and donated 12,000 feminine hygiene products across New York.

Often found exploring new areas of New York, sharing fashion online, or highlighting small businesses, Lauren Norris adds a pink flair to the city. More importantly, she’s a reminder to all that dreams are never out of reach, timing is everything, and nothing is impossible as long as we “just go for it.” It’s not a matter of if our dreams can come true, only a matter of when.