Carolyn Hill calls it going from politics to pageantry.
Hill was elected to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education from Baton Rouge in 2014, lost her reelection in 2018 after opposing the so-called “Common Core” education curriculum and lost a 2025 race for the state Senate.
She has also worked as a political consultant for independent and Democratic candidates.
On a whim this year, Hill entered the contest to be Miss Louisiana for America Strong. It’s organized by Mrs. America Inc. Hill, 43, said she had never previously entered a beauty pageant.
In an eight-woman field in June in Hammond, Hill won. Each of the contestants were interviewed and judged in competitions while wearing a swimsuit, an evening gown and a costume representative of Louisiana. Hill dressed as the state insect, a western honeybee, although she added heels.
Hill also competed in the national pageant in Las Vegas in August but did not win.
Back in Louisiana, she is looking forward to the role that calls for her to assist others.
“Whether through public policy or pageantry, my mission remains the same: to uplift others, inspire women to embrace their leadership potential, and continue serving my community with purpose,” she said.