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Meet Lauren norris
Education: The University of Alabama
Talent: Vocal
Service Initiative: 1 in 10: Endometriosis Awareness
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.
2026 CONTESTANTS
-
Cydnie Clark
ADIRONDACK
Service Initiative
Aging With Happiness
Talent
Vocal
Education
SUNY Jefferson -
Isabelle Scarlet Smith-Pounds
BIG APPLE
Service Initiative
Hands Healing H.E.A.R.T.S.-Healthy Habits, for Emotional Awareness, Resilience, Talk and Support
Talent
HerStory
Education
Marymount Manhattan College -
Zoe Hale
BLUEBIRD
Service Initiative
Advocacy for childrens' mental health and development.
Talent
Cello
Education
New York University -
Gabi Lenger
BROADWAY
Service Initiative
Women at Work
Talent
Musical Theater
Education
Augustana College -
Ashley Cabreja
BRONX
Service Initiative
Homelessness and Poverty
Talent
Vocal
Education
John Jay College of Criminal Justice -
Giovanna Ward
BROOKLYN
Service Initiative
Arts All Across: Advocating for Accessibility, Inclusivity, & Opportunity
Talent
Jazz Dance
Education
Boston Conservatory at Berklee -
Alex Birchmore
CENTRAL NEW YORK
Service Initiative
WISEN: Women in Science and Engineering Now
Talent
Science Demonstration
Education
Hudson Valley Community College -
Felicia Gambino
CITY OF NEW YORK
Service Initiative
The Magician’s Project: A Movement for Suicide Prevention
Talent
Martial Arts
Education
Columbia University -
Theodora Bichi
COSMOPOLITAN
Service Initiative
Glow Beyond the Grief: Equine Therapy
Talent
Belly Dance
Education
Fashion Institute of Technology -
Hayden Brax
EAST SIDE
Service Initiative
Calm is Clarity
Talent
Flute
Education
University of Kansas -
Madison Oh
EMPIRE
Service Initiative
Minds Matter: Education Empowers
Talent
Dance
Education
Columbia University -
Jennaca Jones
EXCELSIOR
Service Initiative
SPEAK: Survivors Persist, Empower, Advocate, Know
Talent
Vocal
Education
Real Estate U -
Chelsea Lovell
FINGER LAKES
Service Initiative
Resilient Warriors: Awareness & Aid for Domestic Violence
Talent
Dance
Education
University of Miami -
Desire Garza
GARNET
Service Initiative
The Sunnyside Princess Project
Talent
Vocal
Education
LaGuardia Community College -
Tahira Gilyard
GOTHAM
Service Initiative
Foster C.A.R.E
Talent
Dance
Education
Fordham University School of Law -
Caitlyn McTier
GREATER NEW YORK
Service Initiative
Project FIERCE: Food Insecurity Education, Recharging Civic Engagement
Talent
Vocal
Education
The University of Alabama -
Jordan Garrick
HARLEM
Service Initiative
Thriving with AI
Talent
HERStory
Education
Columbia Business School -
Mary Bellakbira
HEART OF NEW YORK
Service Initiative
BOLD: Building Opportunities for Limitless Dreamers
Talent
Vocal
Education
Cornell University -
Vittoria Wakefield
HUDSON HIGHLANDS
Service Initiative
Literacy For All
Talent
Vocal
Education
Florida State University -
Adrianna DaRosa
HUDSON VALLEY
Service Initiative
Stand Tall Lead All
Talent
Tap Dance
Education
Marist University -
Claudia Engelhardt
LIBERTY
Service Initiative
CARE: Combating Alzheimer's Risks Early
Talent
Vocal
Education
Liberty University -
Ashley Staggers
MANHATTAN
Service Initiative
Call It What It Is: Empowerment Through Sexual Violence Education
Talent
Vocal
Education
University of Virginia -
Rhea Manjrekar
METROPOLITAN
Service Initiative
Compassion in Action: Empowering Underserved Youth
Talent
HERstory
Education
Stony Brook University -
Ana Quian
NEW YORK COUNTY
Service Initiative
Beyond Food Insecurity
Talent
Vocal
Education
University at Albany, SUNY -
Morgan Young
NEW YORK METRO
Service Initiative
innovateHer -- advocating for equitable access to STEM/innovation education & careers
Talent
Tahitian Dance
Education
University of Nevada, Reno -
Sydney Campbell
PRIDE OF NEW YORK
Service Initiative
FEIO:
Talent
Vocal
Education
Old Dominion University -
Fotini Elia Mamos
QUEENS
Service Initiative
Brush Like a Hero, Smile Like a Star
Talent
Fashion Designing
Education
St. John’s University School of Law -
Katerina Katakalides
QUEENS COUNTY
Service Initiative
Healing Hearts Through Homes
Talent
HERstory
Education
Carleton College -
Nadia Michel
RICHMOND COUNTY
Service Initiative
Make it Make Cents: Striving for Financial Literacy
Talent
HERStory
Education
New York University -
Sparkle Williams
SPIRIT OF NEW YORK
Service Initiative
Old Clothes, New Life
Talent
Vocal
Education
Syracuse University -
Gabriella Marinelli
STATEN ISLAND
Service Initiative
Mindful Media: Promoting Media Literacy Education
Talent
Dance
Education
Hofstra University -
Lasya Katta
SUGAR MAPLE
Service Initiative
Breaking the Silence: Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
Talent
Bollywood Dance
Education
University of South Carolina -
Caitlyn Costello
SYRACUSE
Service Initiative
Don't Close the Curtain
Talent
Musical Theater Vocal
Education
Syracuse University -
Kaylin Erin
UPSTATE NEW YORK
Service Initiative
Alzheimer’s Association
Talent
Vocal
Education
Fredonia University -
Sofia Garcia
VERRAZANO
Service Initiative
Education and community service
Talent
Culture Dance
Education
Wagner College -
Gayle Petri
WESTERN NEW YORK
Service Initiative
ALL true: Inclusive Communication, Autism Understanding
Talent
Vocal
Education
Ringling College of Art and Design
The Legacy
The 8 Miss Americas from New York
Cassie Donegan
Nia Imani Franklin
Kira Kazantsev
Miss New York 2014
Miss America 2015
Nina Davaluri
Miss New York 2013
Miss America 2014
Miss New York 2012
Miss America 2013
Miss New York 1983
Miss America 1984
Miss New York 2018
Miss America 2019
Miss New York 2025
Miss America 2026
Vanessa Williams
Mallory Hagan
Miss New York City 1945
Miss America 1945
Tawny Godin
Miss New York 1976
Miss America 1976
Bess Meyerson
The Miss New York LEGACY
2025 Lauren Norris*
2025 Cassie Donegan
2024 Abby Quammen
2023 Amelia Collins (Top 12)
2022 Taryn Delanie Smith (1st RU)
2021 Sydney Park (3rd RU)
2019 Lauren Molella (Top 15)
2018 Rahmeka Cox*
2018 Nia Frankin
2017 Gabrielle Walter
2016 Camille Sims (2nd RU)
2015 Jamie Lynn Macchia
2014 Jillian Tapper*
2014 Kira Kazantsev
2013 Amanda Mason*
2013 Nina Davaluri
2012 Shannon Oliver*
2012 Mallory Hagan
2011 Kaitlin Monte (2nd RU)
2010 Claire Buffie (Top 12)
2009 Alyse Zwick
2008 Leigh-Taylor Smith (3rd RU)
2007 Elizabeth Baldanza
2006 Bethlene Pancoast
2005 Kandice Pelletier
2004 Christina Ellington (Top 10)
2003 Jessica Lynch
2002 Tiffany Walker (Top 10)
2001 Andrea Plummer (4th RU)
2000 Kelly Falgiano
1999 Brandi Burkhardt
1998 Deana Herrera
1997 Lisa Esler
1996 Tamy Harris
1995 Sunita Param*
1995 Helen Goldsby (Top 10)
1994 Dione Lee Robinson
1993 Marcia Cillan
1992 Ingrid Olsen
1991 Marisol Montalvo (1st RU)
1990 Maryalice Demler
1989 Lisa Marie Molella
1988 Mia Seminoff
1987 Alice Knisley
1986 Dawan McPeak
1985 Jill Privateer
1984 Mary-Ann Farrell (Top 10)
1983 Melissa Manning*
1983 Vanessa Williams
1982 Eilen Clark
1981 Suzanne Alexander (Top 10)
1980 Cheryl Flanagan (Top 10)
1979 Kelli Krull (Top 10)
1978 Paula Pope
1977 Lesly Braun
1976 Sonja Anderson (4th RU)
1975 Mary Hinterberger*
1975 Tawny Godin
1974 Kris Krull
1973 Joann Miller
1972 Judith Keithley
1971 Elizabeth Condon
1970 Katherine Karlsrud (Top 10)
1969 Linda Trybus (Top 10)
1968 Patricia Burmeister (Top 10)
1967 Kari Pedersen
1966 Penelope Donoghue
1965 Marlene Bucher
1964 Julie Just
– – Prior to 1964, States could be represented at Miss America by multiple titleholders – –
1946 Violet Mellar (Top 16)
– Eileen Henry (Top 16)
1945 June Jenkins
– Bess Meyerson
1944 Bobby MacAdam
– Betty Jo Dazey (Top 12)
1943 Marion Butler
– Milena Miller (3rd RU)
1942 Marion Moselle
– Catherine Victoria Zambon
– Annyse Sherman (Top 10)
1941 Charlotte Winstanley
– Grace DeWitt (Top 15)
– Lillian O-Donnell (3rd RU)
1940 Geraldine Anne Racine
– Constantine Gray
– Gloria Elizabeth Sheehan
1939 Grayce M Reilly
– Clare E Foley (Top 15)
– Lillian Evelyn Hessen
1938 Barbara Beech (Top 15)
– Elissa Winston (Top 15)
– Marion Rosamund
– Adeline Shull
1937 Helen Fleiss (Top 16)
– Dorothy Armstrong
– Grace Travis (Top 16)
– Irene Alice Vanderburgh
– Evelyn Raye (Top 16)
1936 Evelyn Lemhart
– Susan Georgianna Green
1935 Grace Travis
– Vera Haal (Top 12)
– Laura Baker
1963 Barbara Gloede
– Marsha Metrinko
1962 Paula Heins
– Margaret Mary Warncke
1961 Kathryn Moden
– Maryann Hillyer
1960 Susan Talbert
– Sherrylyn Patecell
1959 Bonnie Jo Marquis (Top 10)
– Elizabeth Holmes
1958 Miriam Sanderson
– Bette June Piller
1957 Janet Corrigan
– Astrid Papamichael
1956 Lael Jackson
1955 Diana Deutsch
1954 Heather Taferner
1953 Jeannine Bowman
– Joan Kaible (1st RU)
1952 Joan St. John
– Joan Kaune (Top 10)
1951 Louse Orlando
– Sandy Scott
1950 Marilyn Reynolds
– Phyllis Battleson (Top 16)
1949 Wanda Nalepa
– Loreen Osgood (Top 15)
1948 Yvonne Fix
– Connie Inge Ronde (Top 15)
1947 Lynn Faune
– Carol Fredricks
– Raven Malone (Top 15)
1933 Florence Meyer (1st RU)
1927 Kay Armstrong
– Laura Belle Cooper
– Peggy Louise Proctor
– Freida Louse Mierse (Top 15)
– Dorothea B Dirner (Top 15)
– Margaret Lockwood
– Eva Bergman
– Betty Schwartz
– Emma Sackett
1926 Florence Meyer
– Ruth K Patterson (Top 15)
– Catherine Kennedy (Top 15)
1925 Ethel Groesback
– Edith Higgins (Top 10)
– Peggy Moore
– Alice Beatrice Roberts (Top 10)
– Fern Jackson (Top 10)
– Florence Andres
– Emma Soltis
– Wilma Ansell
1924 Dorothea Kenna
– Frances Harten
– Hildur Johnson
– Agnes Leonard
– Margie Booth (Top 10)
– Alice Beatrice Robers (4th RU)
– Mary Griggs
– Mary Carlson
– Melise Danning
– Katherine Skuse
– Alma Jeanne Williams
– Hilda Farrell
– Florence Kreisler
1923 Peggy Ross
– Bonita Bennet
– Edithea Wild
– Ethelda Kervin (1st RU)
– Irenen Knight
– Heather Eunice Walker (2nd RU)
– Vera King
– Peggy Shevlin
– Neid Tell
– Leta Cowles
– Eileen Snyder
1922 Helen Agnes Scarlels
– Ruth Andrea
– Bertha Rent
– Lilian Harnach
– Dorothy Hughes (2nd RU)
– Dorothy Knapp
– Mildred Moon
– Roberta Cooper
– Mary Hlavka
– Rosamond Fahey
– Jeanette Adams
1921 Virginia Lee
* Titleholder took over for Miss New York after they won Miss America or resigned their title