BONUS: Ms. Bossy Award 2026

Summary

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The Latest with Loren LoRosa

Episode: BONUS: Ms. Bossy Award 2026
Date: May 2, 2026
Host: Loren LaRosa
Network: The Black Effect Podcast Network & iHeartPodcasts

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Overview

This bonus episode is a heartfelt celebration of Loren LaRosa’s recent honor as a 2026 Bossy Award recipient at the esteemed Accelerate Her Awards in Miami—a global leadership event empowering and recognizing Black women leaders. Loren shares her reflections on the significance of the gathering, her journey in media, and includes the full audio from her award introduction and acceptance speech. The episode acts as both a personal milestone for Loren and an inspirational message to her audience on the power of community, self-advocacy, and elevating the culture.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Loren’s Introduction and Context (02:25 – 04:49)

• Loren welcomes listeners and establishes the episode as a special "bonus" for those deeply engaged with her journey.
• She recaps her attendance at the Accelerate Her Awards, describing it as a gathering of "millionaires, billionaires, decision makers…who want to pour into each other, celebrate each other, and uplift the people that are coming next."
• Expresses gratitude for being chosen as a Bossy Award honoree, seeing it as both a celebration and an official welcome to a leadership community.
• Shouts out key figures and influences at the event, such as Kimberly Blackwell (event organizer), and notable encounters with Kamala Harris, Takara (America’s Next Top Model), Pastor Jamal O. Bryant, and Terry Vaughn.
• Credits her podcast audience as part of her recognition, emphasizing community and listener support.

Notable Quote

"I am so blessed to have been in conversation as one of those people that are coming next and to receive the... Bossy Award as a celebration in a notch in an official welcome, you know, into this leadership family."
— Loren LaRosa (03:43)

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Award Presentation Segment

1. Loren’s Introductory Tribute (Accelerate Her Narrator, 04:49 – 07:03)

• A cinematic, energizing narration highlights Loren’s rise from Delaware State University graduate to a “certified Media Maven” and “Brown girl grinding.”
• Emphasizes Loren’s unwavering commitment to “speed, style, and strategy” in delivering news and culture.
• Celebrates her impactful move away from TMZ, her advocacy for self-respect, and her new position at The Breakfast Club.
• Frames Loren not only as a newsmaker but as a culture shaper—someone who “is driving the culture.”

Notable Quote

"When it comes to self advocacy and choosing peace above all else, she's mastered that, too. In 2023, she bet on herself and made the brave decision to walk away from TMZ, not as a setback, but as a strategic move forward."
— Accelerate Her Narrator (05:46)

Notable Quote

"Because Loren understood something earlier. Your platform matters, but your power matters more. And respect matters most."
— Accelerate Her Narrator (06:13)

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2. Kim Blackwell’s Award Handover (07:03 – 07:35)

• Kim Blackwell, event producer and founder, welcomes Loren and the community, underscoring the power and camaraderie of the space.

Notable Quote

"She's a woman who's at the center of news, entertainment, and culture. Accelerate her community. Help me celebrate 2026 award recipient Lauren LaRosa."
— Kim Blackwell (07:03)

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3. Loren’s Acceptance Speech (07:35 – 08:45)

• Loren thanks Kim Blackwell and describes the conference experience as a nurturing “hug,” rare in high-powered spaces.
• Reflects on watching her own tribute, feeling surprised and reassured by her growth and the recognition.
• Encourages others that “the ceiling doesn't exist” and celebrates the power of recognition for being “bossy.”
• Shares her gratitude for her supporters and hints at her emotional reaction.

Notable Quotes

"A lot of spaces with powerful people aren't hugs. But... a lot of times we don't realize how much we need that."
— Loren LaRosa (07:18)

"You just are like, I know that there's more. I know I should be doing other things. I know that... the ceiling doesn't exist for me. And you just keep pushing. And then when you get recognized for doing it and being bossy, it's like, okay, God, I'm glad I listened to you, and I'm glad that people see me and see us."
— Loren LaRosa (08:06)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Community Matters: Loren repeatedly credits her podcast listeners as an essential part of her journey—"A lot of what they talked about while I was here at this conference was the podcast and our audience. So I appreciate you guys always." (04:40)
• Personal Growth: Loren’s candid response to her tribute—“Watching that video. I'm like, they talking about me... I remember those moments and not even really, like, you don't think about this part, part of it at all.” (07:45)
• Emotional Climax: Loren admits, “I already cried. I'm not trying to cry no more. Yeah. I'm just really happy. Thank you, guys.” (08:40)

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Key Timestamps

• 02:25 — Loren introduces the bonus episode, reveals context about the Accelerate Her Awards, and expresses gratitude to her audience.
• 04:49 — Accelerate Her Award’s official intro package for Loren, detailing her impact in media.
• 07:03 — Kim Blackwell introduces Loren as the 2026 Bossy Award recipient.
• 07:35 — Loren’s moving acceptance speech, reflecting on growth, humility, and gratitude.

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Tone & Language

Throughout, Loren’s tone is vibrant, authentic, and unguarded—a blend of gratitude, humility, celebration, and community spirit. The language is conversational, empowering, and unfiltered, echoing the conference’s ethos of mutual support and recognition among Black women leaders.

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Takeaways for Listeners

• Recognition in Community: Receiving flowers from your own community—and acknowledging the work and self-advocacy it takes—carries profound meaning.
• Empowerment: Loren’s journey reminds listeners that betting on oneself, even through uncertain or bold moves, is worthwhile.
• The Power of Support: The episode underscores the necessity of community, especially for women of color navigating high-achievement spaces.

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Transcript

[Lauren LaRosa]

This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human.

[Wheezy]

This is wheezy. WTF from Decisions, decisions, ladies. Let's talk about taking control of our sexual health. That's grown woman energy. You may think HIV affects someone else somewhere else, but the truth is it's impacting our community, and some of us are being hit harder than others. Black women make up just 13% of the women in the US yet account for nearly half of new HIV diagnoses amongst women. Taking care of ourselves is community care. Know your options, ask questions, and protect your peace and your body. That's using your power. Sponsored by Care for the Culture from Gilead Sciences.

[AT&T Announcer]

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[Superhuman Podcast Narrator]

Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It it's the enhanced Games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast Superhuman documented it all. Embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Within probably 10 days, I'd put on £10. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth.

[Superhuman Podcast Narrator]

Listen to Superhuman on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lauren LaRosa]

The story I told myself can then shape my behavior, and that can lead me to sabo the possibility of connection

[Debbie Brown]

this Mental Health Awareness Month. Tune into the podcast Deeply well with Debbie Brown. If you've been searching for a soft place to land while doing the work to become whole, this podcast is for you. To hear more. Listen to Deeply well with Debbie Brown from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Kim Blackwell]

I'm the homegirl that knows a little bit about everything.

[Superhuman Podcast Narrator]

And everybody knows you don't lie.

[AT&T Announcer]

Lauren came in hot.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Hey, y', all, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa. And this is the latest with Lauren LaRosa. This is your daily dig on all things pop culture, entertainment news, and all of the conversations that shake the room, baby. So this is a bonus episode. Hey, y'.

[Kim Blackwell]

All.

[Lauren LaRosa]

If you made it on over to this side, that means you really locked in. You really love me. And thanks for joining me. So you guys know I've been in Miami for the Accelerate Her Awards, which is a global leadership conference with powerful women. These black women get together, and I mean, these are millionaires, billionaires, women that are making decisions. These are the decision makers, the who's, who's. But more importantly, these women are women that are coming together because they want to pour into each other, they want to fill each other's cups, they want to celebrate each other, and they want to uplift the people that are coming next. And I am so blessed to have been in conversation as one of those people that are coming next and to receive the. And to receive the Bossy Award as a celebration in a notch in an official welcome, you know, into this leadership family. You know, this conference has been amazing. Shout out to Kimberly Blackwell, who has an agency that puts all these things together. I mean, sponsors range from everybody, you know, from Visa and, you know, I got to do a fun activation with Meta Disney Travel. I've Wells Fargo. I've met so many people this past weekend. Ran into my girl Takara from America's Next Top Model as well. Yeah, just, I mean, Pastor Jamal o'. Brien. Kamala Harris spoke. I could go on for. I ran into Terry Vaughn, had a great conversation with her as well. I could go on and on for days. But I did want you guys to be able to hear, you know, the presentation that was presented to me as a 2026 Bossy Award recipients, along with several other black women who are out here doing some amazing things. So let's get on into the award. First, you'll hear the intro package that played for me and Gia Prep. Gia Pepper is a fellow journalist. Present the award, and then I get to do my acceptance speech. Thanks, you guys for tuning in and thanks for supporting me. A lot of what they talked about while I was here at this conference was the podcast and our audience. So I appreciate you guys always.

[Accelerate Her Narrator]

Breaking news. What's trending now? Our culture amplified in real time. If it's happening, there's a good chance Loren LaRosa is already on it. Hailed as a rising force in media and a certified Media Maven, Lauren LaRosa has built her voice and brand at the intersection of news, culture, and conversation. A certified Brown girl grinding and a proud graduate of Delaware State University, this entertainment news correspondent, producer, actress, and lifestyle vlogger has built a national media brand by combining intention, hard work, her authentic voice And a commitment to delivering the news with speed, style, and strategy. From trending topics to interviewing everyone from former President Barack Obama to today's biggest names in entertainment and culture, Loren has become known for asking the real questions we the people want answers to. But talent and tenacity aren't the only things this media queen possesses. When it comes to self advocacy and choosing peace above all else, she's mastered that, too. In 2023, she bet on herself and made the brave decision to walk away from tmz, not as a setback, but as a strategic move forward. Because Loren understood something earlier. Your platform matters, but your power matters more. And respect matters most. And now she's brought her distinct voice and point of view to the Breakfast Club, one of the most influential platforms in media. A place where Loren unapologetically commands space, drives conversation, and makes her presence undeniable. With every interview, podcast episode, and social commentary, Loren continues to position herself at the center of what's next. Because in an industry that never slows down, Lauren La Rosa keeps and sets the pace. Sharp, curious, courageous, and unapologetically herself, Lauren LaRosa isn't just on the pulse of culture. She is driving the culture. Accelerate her. Join us in celebrating our 2026 Bossy Award Honoree.

[Kim Blackwell]

She's a woman who's at the center of news, entertainment, and culture. Accelerate her community. Help me celebrate 2026 award recipient Lauren LaRosa. I want to start off by saying thank you, Ms. Kim Blackwell. You know, this is my first time actually getting to meet you and experience all of this in person. And I am just. I've only been here for, like, maybe 24 hours, trying to get my life together, but, like, it's been just like a hug. And I think a lot of times we don't under. No, you can clap it up for that because a lot of spaces with powerful people aren't hugs. But I don't know, I think a lot of times we don't realize how much we need that. And we feel like because we're out here, we're doing all these things that if we take the time to do that, you feel guilty about it or you just feel, you know, like you're not on your mission and not, you know, not in your flow of your things. But I'm excited to be here, you know, for the days that I am here, just because you guys have so much that I am looking to learn. And as I navigate this new space that I'm in and learning all these things, I was watching that video. I'm like, they talking about me. Like, that's stuff that I did. But I remember those moments and not even really, like, you don't think about this part, part of it at all. You just are like, I know that there's more. I know I should be doing other things. I know that, you know, there's elevation, that the ceiling doesn't exist for me. And you just keep pushing. And then when you get recognized for doing it and being bossy, it's like, okay, like, God, I'm glad I listened to you, and I'm glad that people see me and see us. So thank you so much. Thank y'. All. I already cried. I'm not trying to cry no more. Yeah. I'm just really happy. Thank you, guys.

[Wheezy]

This is Wheezy. WTF from Decisions, decisions, ladies. Let's talk about taking control of our sexual health. That's grown woman energy. You may think HIV affects someone else somewhere else, but the truth is it's impacting our community, and some of us are being hit harder than others. Black women make up just 13% of the women in the US yet account for nearly half of new HIV diagnoses amongst women. Taking care of ourselves is community care. Know your options, ask questions, and protect your peace and your body. That's using your power. Sponsored by Care for the Culture from Gilead Sciences.

[Superhuman Podcast Narrator]

Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced Games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast Superhuman documented it all. Embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Within probably 10 days, I'd put on £10. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth.

[Superhuman Podcast Narrator]

Listen to Superhuman on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lauren LaRosa]

The story I told myself can then shape my behavior. And that can lead me to sabotage the possibility of connection.

[Debbie Brown]

This mental health awareness month. Tune into the podcast Deeply well with Debbie Brown. If you've been searching for a soft place to land while doing the work to become whole, this podcast is for you. To hear more, listen to Deeply well with Debbie Brown from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts,

[Tab Ramos]

American soccer is about to explode.

[Superhuman Podcast Narrator]

The World cup is coming. Ramer sending on Ernie Stewart the chip.

[Tab Ramos]

I'm Tab Ramos. I'm Tom Bogart. On our podcast Inside American Soccer, you'll get the real storylines, the biggest decisions, and the truth about the U.S. national team.

[Superhuman Podcast Narrator]

It wouldn't be a huge surprise if our team ends up in the quarterfinals or potentially a great run into the semifinals.

[Tab Ramos]

Listen to Inside American Soccer with Tom Boger and Tab ramos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Lauren LaRosa]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.