LAUREN KELLYE RANSOM

“I truly believe that no dream is impossible and no vision is too small. We can all walk into our greatness, and I hope that I can be a light to those wanting to reach their next level.”  Lauren Kellye Ransom

​

Lauren Kellye Ransom is a Chicago native and the host of the Lunch with Lauren Show.  Her professional and personal career also encompass the fields of beauty, professional development, higher education, and community development. She teaches social etiquette, career development, and consults both professional and pageantry clients on styling, personal branding, platform development, interviewing, and public speaking.

Lauren is a decorated veteran in the world of pageantry and has been a competitor since the age of 8. Her 35 year pageantry career includes numerous state, national and international titles and as a result, she is a sought-after pageant judge, expert, coach, and speaker. She has judged pageants across the country and had a small cameo on the TV show Kim of Queens as a judge. 

As a national and international title holder her years of service centered around Women’s Leadership Development & Health Advocacy with special concentration on Pituitary and Autoimmune Disorders.

Lauren has spoken to hundreds over the past ten years on the importance of inner beauty, personal empowerment, and life balance. Lauren is always excited to be able to impact as many lives as she can; she is dedicated to people being able to experience life to its fullest possibilities.  

​

With a strong commitment to service she served as the President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Chicago Chapter and on board for National Organization of Women- Chicago Chapter. She has been a featured speaker or presenter or numerous organizations, such as: Illinois Diversity Council, DuPage County – NAACP, Girl Scouts of America, Lil Sis Teen Expo, and Chicago Women Insights & Technology (ChicWIT).

​

After being diagnosed with a pituitary tumor in 2011, Lauren has been even more determined to live her life on purpose. She has vowed to continue working with individuals that are looking to change their lives, and hopes to make an impact on a global scale.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & PRESENTATIONS  

​

• ConnectHer - Young Women's Empowerment Event : Cosmopolitan Community Church - 2019 & 2020

• Crown Con : Virtual Pageant Conference - 2020

• Your Crown Your Power : Nationwide Foundation & Pageants - 2018 & 2019

• Featured Presenter : DuPage County NAACP College Readiness Conference: Topic - Leadership for Young Women, August 2014

• Emcee: R.A.G.E: Avante Guarde Breakfast, Rosemont, IL, May 2014

• Speaker: Career Day: Rickover Junior High, April 2014

• Workshop Facilitator: Love the Skin You’re In: Pre-Teen Girls Empowerment Event, 2013-2017

• Emcee:  Women’s History Month Celebration, Creative Soul Entertainment, March 2014, March 2015, and March 2016

• Speaker: Queens Summit: Girls Scouts of America: Unit 624, October 2013

• Workshop Facilitator: College Diversity Summit, Illinois Diversity Council, September 2013 ; Topic: Creating Success through Coaches, Mentors, & Networks  

• Panelist: Women’s Conference: Illinois Diversify Council; April 2013; Panel Topics: Men Take Charge Women Take Care & Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Strategies to Redefine Power and Lead with Intention  

• Presenter/Speaker: Lil Sis Expo & Teen Conference: December 2008; December 2012  

• Panelist: International Women's Day (IWD): Presented by ChicWIT (Chicago Women. Insights. Technology) A global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. March 2005

​

PAGEANT TITLES

​

• Ms. Midwest US World 2020

• International Ms. Illinois 2019 - Non-finalist Interview Award

• American Elegance National Ambassador 2016-2018

• Ms. Illinois Globe US International 2017 - Best in Interview (Regional)

• Ms. U.S. United 2014-2015, Platform: Women’s Leadership Development & Health Advocacy with special concentration on Breast Cancer, Pituitary Disorders, and Autoimmune Disorders

• Ms. Elegance International Woman 2013-2014

• Ms. American Elegance Woman 2012-2013, Platform: Pituitary Tumor Awareness

• Ms. Illinois American Elegance 2005: Platform: Polish the Jewels in Your Crown

• NCA Superstar/Miss Celebrity 1984 & 1986

• Miss Honey Bunch 1984

• Miss Pre-Teen Illinois USA - Top 10 Finalist 1983

​

SPECIAL DISTINCTIONS, AWARDS, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

​

• 2015 Global Citizens Award: Presented by Bethel AME Church, Chicago, IL

• Commencement Key Note Speaker: Computer Systems Institute: 2/2011, 6/2011, & 12/2011  

• Favorite Instructor Award (Student Voting): Computer Systems Institute: 2010  

• Dean’s Club: Outstanding Performance Award Kaplan University: Admissions Department -2006  

• Outstanding Leadership Award: Columbia College Chicago - May 1998  

• Harvard University Summer Dance Program - 1991

• NAACP ACT-SO - Silver Medalist - Dance 1990

​

AFFILIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS  

​

• Founder: I am Royalty Foundation, Since 2008

• Board Member: National Organization of Women: Chicago Chapter; 2013-2015

• Chapter President: National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Chicago Chapter 2013-2015; Member 2012-2015

• Founder & Facilitator: Women’s Development Program, Computer Systems Institute: 2009 – 2014 

• Executive Director: MBIUSA Pageant & Scholarship Organization: 2004-2005  

• President: Columbia’s Urban Music Association: Columbia College Chicago: 1997-1998