LAUREN VIZZA rICH
pnw transplant
Lauren moved to Washington in the summer of 2020 and began working for a global corporate real estate company in March 2021, supporting a Fortune 50 client in Redmond. Today, the role has expanded to lead the regional communications strategy including executive communications and additional business operations scope. Lauren’s career experience gives her the expertise to adapt to new industries and identify communications priorities and operational efficiencies.
Raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Lauren graduated from Caddo Parish Magnet High School in 2009. She went on to graduate from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and History with a minor in English. Lauren is a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, and served as president of the local alumnae chapter.
After graduation, Lauren returned to her hometown to pursue a career in television journalism, accepting the job of Morning Anchor for KTAL NBC 6 in 2016. Prior to accepting that position she helped create a lifestyle show, and launch a new morning news show.
In 2017, Lauren was recognized for her achievements and community contributions when chosen as a 40 Under 40 Honoree out of over 250 applicants. Recently, she was featured featured in the book 30 & Under: Short Life Advice from Outliers Under 30 by Peter Cuderman, a book featuring life advice from various professionals, athletes. Olympians, and Forbes 30-Unders.
After four years behind the news desk, Lauren moved to Richmond, Virginia to be with her husband for the final year of his posting at Fort Lee. She began work with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce to assist in the development of a communications department. Initially hired as a communications consultant, she was quickly brought on full-time managing communications and external affairs. In the summer of 2020, Lauren and her husband moved to the state of Washington and she continued to work with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce as a Strategic Communications and Digital Advocacy Consultant. Today, they are thriving in the as they explore the PNW and all it has to offer.
Journalist and News Anchor
After graduating college, Lauren decided to postpone law school to pursue a career in television and started out filming infomercial-type segments for area businesses. In February 2014, she joined the KTAL NBC 6 morning team as a reporter and by July was anchoring a new morning news show for KMSS FOX 33. During what she calls her “growth period” she was working on three different shows including a new lifestyle show that had her wearing many different hats.
One year from her official start date, Lauren was offered the job of morning anchor for KTAL in Shreveport, LA a top 100 market. Today, she spends four hours every morning with viewers across the ArkLaTex on both KTAL and KMSS on one of the fastest growing news shows in the area.
ADVOCATE
Lauren started volunteering at a young age and quickly found a passion for issues involving women and children. She has spent time volunteering with Children’s Miracle Network and in 2012 founded the CMN Mr. Tech pageant that is now the official CMNH fundraiser for the Miss Louisiana Tech University Pageant. Lauren has a long history of volunteering and serving with the March of Dimes across the state of Louisiana. She served as official state spokesperson and was the host and emcee for many official fundraisers. Last year, Lauren wanted to make the biggest impact possible in her community and joined the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, an organization dedicated to issues affecting women and children.
In her current role, Lauren spearheads many of the volunteer activities made available to employees and their families.
Miss Louisiana USA
In 2017, Lauren won the title of Miss Louisiana USA and earned the right to represent the state at Miss USA. She also won the preliminary Interview award for best interview. The journey to the title was a lesson in persistence, winning on her 5th and final try. She was a finalist in every other attempt placing in the top 10, top 15 and twice in the top 5. Leading up to Miss USA, Lauren was able to serve as an unofficial advisor to local agencies responsible for putting on the Teen and Miss USA pageant in Shreveport-Bossier. A highlight of her unique experience involved walking in New York Fashion Week for MacDuggal as a featured model.
Miss Louisiana America
Lauren won the title of Miss Louisiana America in 2012 after finishing in the top 5 in her two prior attempts at the crown. During her year of service she served as spokesperson and advocate for several organizations including the March of Dimes, Louisiana Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Louisiana Cares for Children, and Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. It was during this year of frequent media appearances and interviews that Lauren decided to get into the television journalism industry.