From pageant newcomer to state crown, Miss Bay County is the reigning Miss Michigan

Jenae Lodewyk was first introduced to pageantry when her 14-year-old sister was crowned Miss Teen Michigan as an eighth grader eight years ago. Lodewyk decided to participate in a competition after she graduated from college in 2022.

Today, she’s the reigning Miss Michigan.

Being crowned Miss Michigan helped her pay student loans and further her mission to empower women working in male-dominated industries. Winning the crown also gives Lodewyk the chance to compete for Miss America.
Photo courtesy of Miss Bay CountyLodewyk proudly wore her Detroit Pistons gear during the competition as she talked about women working in male-dominated industries during the pageant. She is using her platform to empower women. Lodewyk finished first runner-up in her first two pageants. This success led her to compete for the crown in her hometown, Bay County. She was crowned the 60th Miss Bay County in 2023.

This title sent her to a week-long competition in Muskegon in June to vie for the Miss Michigan crown against 19 other young women. She won, making her the 85th Miss Michigan to wear the crown.

Photo courtesy of Miss Bay CountyLodewyk embraced her natural curls during the Miss Michigan competition.Although she wasn’t involved in pageantry competitions while growing up, Lodewyk says her success proves you don’t have to do something forever to be good at it.

“I’ve always been open to new opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone,” says Lodewyk. “Competing in the pageants has improved my communication skills immensely and helped me think on my feet.”

Both are important skills in her job with the Detroit Pistons, where she started as an intern while in college and has now advanced to Player and Family Engagement. Lodewyk, a graduate of Bangor John Glenn High School, earned a business management degree from Wayne State University.

Business school prepared Lodewyk for the interview portion of the competition. She impressed the judges with her response to the on-stage question, asking how she would advance in her career in a male-dominated field to become the head of operations for an NBA team.

Her answer pointed out it’s not what you know but what you bring to the table that counts. Lodewyk says she brings relatability.

“I may not be the strongest or smartest in the room, but I will be the hardest working, most committed and relatable,” Lodewyk says.

Photo courtesy of Miss Bay CountyLodewyk was crowned as the 85th Miss Michigan in June.The 24-year-old’s chosen service initiative is “Women in the Workplace: Advocating for Women Working in Male-Dominated Industries.” Since winning the state crown, Lodewyk has traveled throughout Michigan participating in events and encouraging women to move forward in their careers.

Since getting involved in the Miss America program, Lodewyk has been impressed with how the program’s focus has evolved.

“It was eye-opening to see changes reflecting who and what the modern woman is today,” Lodewyk says.

Photo courtesy of Miss Bay CountyJenae Lodewyk says participating in pageant helped build her communication skills and honed her ability to think on her feet.Pageant competitions involve a series of events with contestants earning points for each step, starting with private interviews which is the highest scoring portion. On-stage questions are next followed by fitness, talent, and formal evening gown events.

Fitness, formally the swimsuit competition, now focuses on showcasing contestant’s confidence on stage and how she prioritizes fitness in her life. The Miss America Program’s partnership with the American Heart Association prompted the priority change.

“Now the focus is on prioritizing heart health and fitness opposed to just how you look in a swimsuit,” says Lodewyk.

The talent section has evolved too. Contestants can now opt to show off a traditional talent like singing or playing a musical instrument or participate in “Her Story,” a 90-second pitch telling how the contestant is making history as a woman. Lodewyk’s story detailed her experience working with the NBA to become the third woman in the league’s history to be an assistant equipment manager.

Another point of pride for Lodewyk is competing with her natural curly hair. She embraces her curls as the only one to compete with their natural hairstyle, bragging about literally going from the shower onto the stage with her big curls.

“Typically, people think of contestants with hair that’s colored with extensions and done up,” says Lodewyk. “You don’t often see women embracing the texture of their natural hair. My hair is big and curly and it’s what makes me Miss Michigan.”

Lodewyk is hoping her curls will also make her Miss America when she competes with 52 other women in Orlando in January.

This marks the fifth time a Bay County woman has earned the state title, but the first time Miss Bay County won the honor. 

• In 2019, Mallory Rivard (Bycraft) was named Miss Michigan. She served as Miss Bay County in 2015, but earned the state crown while serving as Miss Great Lakes Bay.
• Katie Lynn LaRoche was Miss Michigan in 2010 while serving as Miss Capital City. LaRoche was Miss Bay County in 2008.
• Kelli Talicska was crowned Miss Michigan in 2004 while serving as Miss Kalamazoo County. She was Miss Bay County in 2001.
• Sue Schemm – Miss Bay County 1975 – was crowned Miss Michigan in 1978 while serving as Miss Van Buren County.