Podcast Summary: The Latest with Loren LaRosa

Episode: Loren speaks at her HBCU – Delaware State University

Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Loren LaRosa
Produced by: The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts

Overview

In this heartfelt episode, Loren LaRosa returns to her alma mater, Delaware State University (DSU), to deliver an inspiring address at the school’s Convocation ceremony—the welcoming event for freshmen, transfer, and returning students. Loren shares her personal journey from student to successful media personality, emphasizing the value of vision, resilience, and support found within the HBCU community. The episode serves as both an homage to her roots and a motivational call to students to make the most of their time at DSU.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Full Circle of HBCU Alumni

• Loren recounts her journey from DSU student (class of 2014) to returning as a speaker:
  • “Started from the bottom, now we here. So take a listen to some of the ceremony. Enjoy.” (04:05)
• She frames the alumni experience as a cycle of learning, leaving, returning, and inspiring the next generation.
• Emphasizes the importance of community and tradition within HBCU culture.

2. The Importance of Vision

• Loren centers her speech on the concept of “vision”—how DSU helped her sharpen hers, and how new students can do the same:
  • "Coming to Delaware State University was that for me, it was the sharpening of the vision. It was the tool that I needed to really... go out and make your mark on the world.” (05:16)
• She encourages students to embrace uncertainty, keep showing up, and protect their vision for themselves.
• “As you sharpen and protect your vision, you may not know. There's a lot of things you will not know. There's a lot of days you will not be for sure. But you are here. You are showing up.” (07:24)

3. Navigating the Unknown & Taking Risks

• Loren shares personal anecdotes about not knowing her path but taking action anyway:
  • “You might not even know if the major that you guys have chosen … is exactly what you want to do. Anybody here still figuring life out, raise your hand. Everybody should raise their hand. Adults. Look. Every day, I woke up this morning and I said, God, I don't know what today has in store for me. I don't know. But I'm here.” (07:09)
• Details her own leap, moving from LA back to the East Coast without a job, purely based on faith in herself and her vision.
• “I've always been a person that just kind of jump out the window and figure it out on the way down.” (10:30)

4. The Power of Relationships & DSU Network

• Emphasizes the relationships built at DSU as foundational to both her career and wellbeing:
  • Invites a mentor, Ms. Lori Hayes, to stand and be recognized, showing the tangible support available (08:13)
  • “In times that you do not know, you will learn as you go out into the world how important you, these people that you are building these relationships [with] ... will be for your end. All, be all. I cannot say that enough.” (08:36)
• Describes DSU peers as the ones she still turns to for advice and collaboration.

5. Practicing and Maintaining Resilience

• Loren offers relatable examples of pushing forward despite setbacks or a lack of immediate success:
  • “You post that pic on the gram you promoting that business, only one person likes it. Post the second one … If you don't shoot the shot, the shot can't go in.” (09:13)
• Urges students to take advantage of the lower stakes environment of college to experiment, fail, and learn.

6. Embracing Change and the Reality of Adulting

• Candidly outlines the challenges of life after graduation—financial and otherwise—but frames these as part of the journey.
  • “Real grownups have real bills. So that was very scary for me to do that at the time because of so many different reasons, including ... financially. It's just a thing to start over.” (11:00)

7. The Power of Foundation Amidst Noise

• Loren uses a live demonstration (having students clap loudly) to illustrate how life will become noisy and distracting but staying centered on your foundation—built at DSU—is key:
  • “Life is always good when it's quiet and it's calm and there is no noise. But ... as the claps were happening ... you learn how to tunnel vision right through it and remember where your vision is taking you and why it's important that you arrive there unscathed.” (13:55)
• Encourages students to develop focus and resilience, not just career skills.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Vision:
  • “Coming to Delaware State University ... was the sharpening of the vision. It was the tool that I needed to really, like they say, go out and make your mark on the world.” – Loren (05:16)
• On Uncertainty and Growth:
  • “You may not know. There's a lot of things you will not know. There's a lot of days you will not be for sure. But you are here. You are showing up.” – Loren (07:24)
• On Support Networks:
  • “The people that you are building these relationships [with] ... will be for your end. All, be all. I cannot say that enough.” – Loren (08:36)
• On Risk and Trying:
  • “If you don't shoot the shot, the shot can't go in. And you guys are already here... All you have to do is get up and go and do it.” – Loren (09:22)
• On DSU’s Lasting Impact:
  • “What you’re working at every single day, just by showing up and getting on the court with your jerseys already on, becomes your vision, becomes your brand, and that carries you into life.” – Loren (12:56)
• On Facing Noise & Distractions:
  • “Life is always good when it's quiet and it's calm ... but as the claps were happening ... you learn how to tunnel vision right through it.” – Loren (13:55)
• On the College Experience:
  • “This right here is the best pregame for life you will ever experience. Do it and do it well.” – Loren (16:24, closing the speech)

Important Timestamps

• [02:17] Loren introduces the episode and sets up the return to DSU.
• [04:55] Speech begins at DSU Convocation—Loren’s reflections on coming full circle.
• [05:16] Vision as a theme.
• [07:09] Embracing uncertainty and not having it all figured out.
• [08:13] Recognizes mentor Ms. Lori Hayes; importance of support networks.
• [09:13] “Get in the game” metaphor—encouragement to take action.
• [10:30] Loren on taking big leaps and starting over.
• [11:00] Adulting and fear of financial instability.
• [12:56] How DSU shapes identity, brand, and path.
• [13:55] “Tunnel vision” exercise—handling noise and distractions.
• [16:24] Loren’s emotional closing; advice to enjoy and maximize college years.

Tone & Style

Loren’s message is motivational, candid, and relatable. She combines humor, vulnerability, and actionable advice, speaking clearly as both a big sister and a peer to students. Her speech is laced with personal stories, cultural references, and emotional moments, delivering her wisdom in an engaging and heartfelt manner.

Summary

This episode captures Loren LaRosa at her most genuine and impactful: celebrating her HBCU roots, giving back to the next generation, and embodying the spirit of perseverance and vision. Her speech at DSU is a mosaic of encouragement, practical wisdom, and cultural pride, resonating with anyone pursuing their dreams—especially those navigating the unique challenges and triumphs of the HBCU experience.