Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lauren Sánchez

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Lauren Sánchez made an impact.

Lauren Sánchez is an American journalist, news anchor, and entrepreneur known for her work as an entertainment reporter. She is also a licensed pilot and founded Black Ops Aviation. She gained further prominence through her relationship with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, to whom she became engaged in 2023. Sánchez is also involved in philanthropic endeavors.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1990: Models World Magazine Cover Girl Competition Win

In 1990, Lauren Sánchez won the international Models World Magazine Cover Girl Competition.

1999: Anchor at UPN News 13 and Co-host on KTTV Fox 11

In 1999, Lauren Sánchez returned to KCOP-TV to anchor UPN News 13, where her team won an Emmy Award and Sánchez was co-host on KTTV Fox 11's Good Day LA and anchor on the Fox 11 News at Ten.

February 2000: Runner-up on The View

In February 2000, Lauren Sánchez was the runner-up in the nationwide hosting competition during season 2 of The View.

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2005: Hosting "So You Think You Can Dance"

In 2005, Lauren Sánchez became the original host of FOX's popular dancing competition "So You Think You Can Dance."

2009: Return to Extra

In 2009, Lauren Sánchez returned to Extra as weekend anchor and special correspondent.

2016: Founding Black Ops Aviation

In 2016, after learning to fly and getting her pilot's license, Lauren Sánchez founded Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial film and production company.

2023: Honored by This is About Humanity

In 2023, Lauren Sánchez was honored by This is About Humanity at their annual fundraising event for her work supporting separated and reunified families at the United States-Mexico border.

March 2024: $60 Million Pledge for Climate Change Centers

In March 2024, Lauren Sánchez pledged to donate $60 million to create centers that would focus on biomanufacturing and climate change.

September 29, 2024: "The Fly Who Flew to Space" Debuts on NYT Bestseller List

On September 29, 2024, Lauren Sanchez's first children's book, "The Fly Who Flew to Space," debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list.

The Fly Who Flew to Space (with removable glow-in-the-dark poster) (The Fly Who Flew Series)

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October 2024: $60 Million Pledge to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

In October 2024, Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos pledged $60 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to enable the restoration and improved management of 1,600,000 acres of land.

2024: Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award

In 2024, Lauren Sánchez received the Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award at the Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards for her expertise as a helicopter pilot and aviation businesswoman.

2024: Release of "The Fly Who Flew to Space"

In 2024, Sánchez released her debut children's book, "The Fly Who Flew to Space", which became a New York Times bestseller.

The Fly Who Flew to Space (with removable glow-in-the-dark poster) (The Fly Who Flew Series)

Check it on Amazon

February 27, 2025: Announcement of Space Flight Participation

On February 27, 2025, it was announced that Lauren Sánchez would be part of the crew for Blue Origin's eleventh flight to space under the New Shepard program.