Lauren Dolgen Biography

Fast Facts

• Earned her bachelor's degree from Pitzer College and completed an internship in the communications department of MTV UK in London as part of her studies
• Started out as a production associate for VH1's "Behind the Music" in 1997
• Quote: "[on developing "16 and Pregnant"] "I felt like we had to address [teen pregnancy]․ I wanted to help give these teenagers a voice, and to share their stories without passing judgment in a way that could start a real dialogue about the issue․""
• Best known as the creator of "16 and Pregnant" and its follow-up series, "Teen Mom․"
• Executive vice president of series development and head of West Coast reality programming for MTV
• In addition to the "16 and Pregnant" franchise, she has been involved in the development of "Ridiculousness," "America's Best Dance Crew" and "Viva La Bam․"
• Teen pregnancy experts have cited the "16 and Pregnant" franchise as a contributing factor in the recent decline of teen birth rates