Lauren’s journey into the world of TV and radio is a story of passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted desire to make a difference. From the time she was a little girl, Lauren knew she was destined for something big. She dreamed of becoming a superstar—a triple threat as a singer, actor, and model. Her journey began at just three years old, singing in her local church, where she first discovered her love for performing. It wasn’t long before she found herself drawn to writing, crafting her first mini-stage play, “Baby Jesus,” at the age of 10. Not only did she write the play, but she also directed and starred in it, gathering a small cast of friends to perform at her church during Christmas. The overwhelming support she received from her family and church community ignited a fire within her, encouraging her to create more Christian-themed skits and pursue her passion for the arts.
As a teenager, Lauren expanded her horizons by modeling in local fashion shows and taking acting classes at renowned institutions like the Freedom Theatre, Community College of Philadelphia, The Philly Improv Theater, and Kathy Wickline. Despite her growing success, she made the difficult decision to put her dreams on hold to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. But fate had other plans. After auditioning for a role at Philadelphia Community Access Media (PhillyCAM), Lauren found herself drawn to the opportunities the organization offered. She immersed herself in classes covering field production, TV studio crew work, producing and directing, radio production, podcasting, and video editing.
It was during this time that she met Celebrity Stylist Charles Gregory, the Executive Producer of “We Talk Weekly.” Volunteering on some of their projects, Lauren quickly rediscovered her passion for TV, radio, and production. It felt like a full-circle moment for her, as if she was being guided back to the dreams she had as a child. It was clear to her that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
The turning point in Lauren’s life came during the pandemic when the world witnessed the tragic death of George Floyd. This event stirred something deep within her. She realized she couldn’t stand by and remain silent—she had to be a voice for the voiceless and advocate for social change within marginalized communities. Determined to make a difference, she enrolled in a Master of Journalism program at Temple University, completing it in 2022. The program not only equipped her with the skills she needed but also connected her with influential mentors like Professor Linn Washington, an award-winning journalist known for his coverage of social injustices. Professor Washington’s stories, particularly his coverage of the 1985 MOVE bombing in Philadelphia, inspired Lauren to dig deeper and pursue stories that could bring about change.
Earning her master’s degree in journalism was a significant milestone in Lauren’s career. It opened doors that might have otherwise remained closed and earned her the respect and credibility she needed in the media industry. Balancing full-time work with her studies was challenging, but she knew that the people in marginalized communities needed her to keep going.
Being a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has been a rewarding experience for Lauren. The organization provides support, mentorship, and opportunities for Black journalists at all stages of their careers. Through NABJ, Lauren has had the privilege of connecting with some of the most dedicated and influential Black journalists in the industry. The knowledge that NABJ is there to support her in any way possible gives her the confidence to continue pursuing her dreams.
But Lauren’s passion extends beyond her career in journalism and media. Mentoring youth has always been close to her heart. She connects with young people, teaches them life skills, and helps them navigate their mental and emotional struggles. Many of the young people she mentors face significant challenges, such as substance abuse or coming from broken homes. Lauren’s mentorship approach includes faith-based practices like prayer, meditation, Bible reading, as well as one-on-one support and group recreational activities. She wants these young people to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, regardless of their circumstances.
Lauren’s career as an actor has also been a fulfilling part of her journey. Character development is a crucial part of her acting process. She delves into the history and background of her characters, trying to understand them psychologically while studying the script. One of her most memorable roles was in the feature film “Heroin,” where she played “Pumpkin,” a down-to-earth, girl-next-door party girl who loved being the life of the party. The director allowed her to create her character and ad-lib, making it easier for her to immerse herself in the role and bring the character to life from her own perspective. “Heroin” is currently available for free on Tubi.
Looking ahead, Lauren is focused on continuing to grow in the media industry as a journalist and entertainment reporter. With Hip Hop and culture having a strong influence on the entertainment industry, she is particularly interested in covering more stories about celebrities and their journeys. She also has several storylines that she wants to write, direct, act in, and film. She plans to begin work on a TV series and a short film starting in January 2025.
Lauren’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and staying true to your dreams. Her story inspires others to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles, and to use their talents to make a positive impact on the world.
Stay connected with Lauren’s journey on Facebook and Twitter at Lauren Settles, and follow her on Instagram @LaurenSettles_.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Upscale PR
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