Meet Ludwidg “lulu” Louizaire | Miss Georgia 2024, Education Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ludwidg “lulu” Louizaire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ludwidg “Lulu”, what are you inspired by?
People and their stories inspire me. When I look at my life, storytelling has always moved me. Perhaps it stems from my parents’ journey—overcoming challenges as immigrants from Haiti and establishing themselves in America. That theme of resilience and paying it forward has shaped who I am and drives me to this day.

When I started competing in this organization, I asked myself a few important questions: How can I help others through this new commitment? How can I give back to my community? Now, I have the opportunity to advocate for students with backgrounds like mine, in communities that resemble the one I grew up in. I get to tell their stories, fight for their needs, and make a difference. It’s incredible to see how the Miss America Opportunity has provided a platform for me to do exactly that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Marketing Coordinator at Pronghorn, a stand alone business on a mission to diversify the spirits industry by creating opportunities for Black talent and investing in Black-owned brands. Before this, I was a Senior Account Manager at Twitter, managing government and cause-based accounts. After the merger acquisition, I had to pivot—definitely not part of the plan—but Pronghorn’s mission grabbed my heart. I knew I had to be part of it.

We have a BridgeCo program, where I get to work on Marketing strategies to attract Black talent from HBCUs and leadership groups to help with job placement and career growth. On the flip side, I get to help develop strategies and campaigns to push Black-founded brands to the next level. It’s personal to me because it ties back to what I feel is my purpose: helping people who don’t always have the access or resources to help themselves enough to thrive to a certain level at a certain pace. I believe that these brands can continue to scale themselves of course, but they’re navigating a complicated space. Our resources and connections, helps them compete with the giants.

Pivoting to a new industry wasn’t exactly smooth sailing—there are a million laws to learn—but the reward has been beyond worth it. Over the past two years, I’ve grown as a leader and had the chance to make real change in an industry where African Americans are often the biggest consumers but aren’t represented at the top. Being part of that shift? It’s everything.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week long trip? It’s been a while but here’s the itinerary pre Miss America prep!

Wednesday: James Room for sure for their R&B vibes

Thursday: Dinner at Le Bibloquet and then party at Rocksteady immediately after. You have to make sure you’re upstairs though, since downstairs is more for dinner/date night

Friday: Facials and b12 shots at Vio Med Spa in Dunwoody because they have become a part of my weekly maintenance as a lady

Saturday AM: Lunch at Yebo is a staple to bring my friends when their in town, especially if it’s a nice day out. After lunch at Yebo, maybe we’ll head to the beltline because that’s always a vibe. I like getting on the beltline near ladybird or near inman park by Barcelona Wine bar

Saturday PM:MCK is always the answer. My favorite cocktail in the city in their version of the espresso Martini because it’s made with my new favorite Whisky called “Edmonds Honor”. Once you try it you’ll never want to have it another way I promise it’s that addicting.

Sunday: Church at Change in Duluth before I take them to the airport

Honorable mention is Eclipse de luna in buckhead because I love that they have a live band and you can go dancing. It’s a great place to just let your hair down, and not have to be so dressed up.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my family because their journey and sacrifices are the backbone of who I am. Everything I’ve accomplished is built on that foundation. Growing up, I had my share of highs and lows, probably more lows then highs honestly, but every one of those moments shaped me and lit a fire in me to keep pushing forward.

My dad especially deserves credit. Whenever I would complain about not having certain opportunities or resources, he wouldn’t let me sit in that frustration. He always challenged me to get creative, to figure things out with what I had. He’d say, “Use your gifts God gave you” except in creole. That mentality stuck with me. It’s become my superpower in everything I do—school, work, life, and especially pageantry.

Instagram: @Misslululouizaire @MissamericaGA