My Miss America Experience (Part Two)

 By Mandi Genord

[On Instagram, I asked what questions people would ask a Miss America candidate. Several wonderful questions were submitted. Mandi Genord, Miss Wisconsin 2024, was kind enough to take a crack at answering them for us. This is her second entry in this series -S36F]

What moment were you most proud of?

I know that awards don’t truly determine an individual’s success or performance, but I was incredibly proud to have won a preliminary health and fitness award. I’ve been heavily investing in my health and fitness since winning Miss Wisconsin, given the demands of being a titleholder. However, being recognized on the Miss America stage for health and fitness was never something I expected, especially because, when the health and fitness portion started, I noticed four water spots on my shorts. I had to run downstairs and borrow Miss Alaska’s, Jordan Naylor’s, shorts! In Wisconsin, we don’t have Health and Fitness Preliminary Awards, so I never really knew how I have performed in that category. It was a complete shock, and I’m so humbled to have brought that award back home for the state of Wisconsin.

What was the favorite interview question you were asked?

I should preface this by saying that I went to school in Alabama, but I grew up in and currently live in Wisconsin. One of the judges noticed this and asked, “So, I see you went to school in Alabama but live in Wisconsin. What’s the biggest difference you’ve found between the two states?” I smiled and replied, “We have way better cheese in Wisconsin!” I think this was my favorite question because it reminded me to just be myself. I’m not typically a very serious person—I love to laugh, smile, and make jokes. This question and response gave me the chance to really embrace that side of myself.

What kept you grounded during the week?

I reminded myself that I was doing a good job and that, regardless of my placement, I was confident in my performance. For a lot of women in pageantry, it can be really difficult to give ourselves compliments, and I know that’s something I particularly struggle with. But this time, I genuinely felt proud of my performance in interview, prelims, and finals. I had also competed in the teen competition back in 2018 as Miss Wisconsin’s Teen, and I remember being so stressed about not making it to finals, which made the whole experience less enjoyable. This time, I really focused on building off the positive energy of the women around me, and I made sure to place myself in happy, uplifting conversations.

What was your favorite non-competition event?

I loved the Little Sisters Tea Party! As a dance teacher, it was especially meaningful because two of my students came to Miss America to watch the competition and join the tea party. One of them had also been my little sister at the Miss Wisconsin competition this year, so having both of them there made it even more special. We made Build-A-Bears, took pictures, enjoyed a great meal (which was my favorite of the week!), and for a few hours, I didn’t feel like I was at Miss America—I just felt like I was out to lunch with a few close friends.

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Mandi Genord is the current Miss Wisconsin. You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. 

This is her second blog for Section 36 Forevers. Follow the link for her other Section 36 Forevers Guest Blogs.