OSHKOSH — On a dazzling Saturday evening, Mandi Genord, representing Northern Lights, was crowned Miss Wisconsin 2024.
The 22-year-old from Beaver Dam triumphed over 30 contestants across the state, securing her place in the upcoming Miss America 2025 competition.
Achievements and scholarships
Genord, a recent graduate from the University of Alabama with degrees in Political Science, Communication Studies, and Dance, received $12,500 in scholarships. Her accolades in the competition included preliminary talent and evening wear awards, alongside tying for the overall interview score, adding $1,500 to her scholarship earnings.
Read more about the two local women — Christen Rivera and Grace Chapa — who competed in the contest.
Talent and service initiative
For her talent performance, Genord captivated the audience with a contemporary jazz dance to “You Don’t Own Me.” Her community service initiative, “Movement Matters,” aims to promote physical activity among children to boost cognitive function and self-esteem.
Background and future aspirations
Genord, who served as Miss Wisconsin’s Teen in 2018, credits the Miss America Organization for her debt-free graduation. She is the third former Miss Wisconsin’s Teen to win the Miss Wisconsin title. Genord plans to pursue law school to become an adoption attorney.
Executive director’s statement
Brenda Baudo, executive director of the Miss Wisconsin Scholarship Organization, expressed her excitement: “Mandi is well-spoken, intelligent, and talented. I am thrilled to see her represent our organization and promote her service initiative in our communities.”
Top 11 semi-finalists and court of honor
The competition also highlighted the achievements of other talented contestants:
Top 11 Semi-Finalists:
- Miss New Berlin: Kailee Doherty, Menomonee Falls – “People’s Choice” winner, $600 Scholarship
- Miss West Allis: Brystal Schultz, Bristol – $500 Scholarship
- Miss Rock River Valley: Hollis Brown, Savannah, Georgia – $500 Scholarship
- Miss Turtle Creek: Kayla Gallego, Miramar, Florida – $500 Scholarship
- Miss Sugar Maple: Theresa Guardiola, Ra – $500 Scholarship
- Miss Great Lakes: Willow Newell, Racine – $500 Scholarship
Top 5 Court of Honor:
- Fourth Runner-up: Miss Door County, Kylie Duessler, Sturgeon Bay – $1,000 Scholarship
- Third Runner-up: Miss Madison, Halle Bender, Madison – $1,250 Scholarship
- Second Runner-up: Miss Onalaska, Jordenne Butler, Onalaska – $1,500 Scholarship
- First Runner-up: Miss South Central, Catherine Smith, Janesville – $3,000 Scholarship
About Miss Wisconsin
Established in 1936, the Miss Wisconsin Scholarship Organization supports education through scholarships, community service, and personal growth. Three Miss Wisconsins have gone on to become Miss America, including Grace Stanke, who won in 2023 and Racine-native Jennifer Schmidt.
About Miss America
Miss America empowers young women through scholarship, service, style, and success. The organization annually awards over five million dollars in cash scholarships across its national, state, and local programs.
