After attending Syracuse University, where she danced throughout undergrad, Cambridge native Liz Pierre longed to be back on stage. She entered into her first pageant two years ago and left with a crown plus the title of Miss Cambridge. Liz went on to become the first Miss Massachusetts of Haitian descent. Recently she returned from the 100th Miss America Competition. On that coveted national stage, she won second runner-up! Liz gave us the scoop on Miss America 100, proud pageant moments and her recommendations for Cambridge fun.
Q: How did you feel when you were crowned Miss Cambridge and then Miss Massachusetts?
Liz: Every single time was a shock. Each photo of the moment when they say my name is like my jaw hitting the floor. [Miss] Cambridge definitely was a complete surprise because I was brand new to this… Miss Massachusetts was originally supposed to be July 2020, but we had to wait a full 18 months for the next year. I had a year and half to really get into my social impact initiative and… make sure I was doing all I could to be a good representative, a good title holder and a good servant leader.
Q: What does being the first Miss Massachusetts of Haitian descent mean to you?
Liz: I’m glad to be in a position to show people Haiti is more than the negative times they go through and that it is a beautiful culture… It gives me goosebumps to think about. I’m just really proud of having the opportunity to do that.
Q: What’s your proudest moment in your pageant career so far?
Liz: It’s making second runner-up at Miss America. I think most people would be like “Oh, you lost,” but we competed with 50 other amazing women from across the country. I had the opportunity to walk alongside those women, get to know them and truly discover how amazing they are. Just to have the opportunity to make it that far is baffling to me.
Q: How did you feel about representing Massachusetts at the 100th anniversary of Miss America?
Liz: That was very, very cool. Not many things make it to 100 and to be part of that epic and historic ceremony was great, especially understanding that Miss America and its history isn’t always positive. For the first few decades Black women weren’t even allowed to compete. To be able to stand on that stage as a proud, Black, Haitian woman and say “I am Miss Massachusetts, and I am representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on this national platform” is very cool because I think it shows that journey and [the necessary changes] the organization has continued to go through.
Q: What was the public speaking segment of the competition like for you? What did you share with the audience?
Liz: There are different parts of the competition that include public speaking… We have our social impact initiative statement which was 60 seconds to talk about your impact, what you’ve done and what you plan to do as Miss America. I got to talk about the importance of working with young people, the stories of young people that I’ve worked with in the past and then my goal as Miss America was to develop youth councils across the nation.
Q: How did your experiences in Cambridge prepare you for the Miss America stage?
Liz: I think most importantly the community and the support. When I became Miss Massachusetts I had the opportunity to ride in the parade at Cambridge Carnival. Growing up, that was a parade that I watched every single year with my family and to be able to ride in a car in the front of the parade, to lead the parade as Miss Massachusetts, was full circle.
Q: Are you involved in any local organizations or have you participated in other recent community events?
Liz: I volunteer with the Margaret Fuller House which is a non-profit organization focused on building a better community and making Cambridge better in whatever way they can. I’ve worked with them on their Thanksgiving drives. I had the opportunity to host their annual fundraising gala where they highlighted different leaders in the community as well.
Q: What would you say are your favorite things to do in Cambridge?
Liz: To eat… I love Felipe’s Taqueria and Zinneken’s, which is a Belgian waffle place that is absolutely delicious if you’ve never tried it. I also love visiting The Dance Complex in Central Square. That’s actually where I practiced my talent for Miss Cambridge, Miss Massachusetts and for Miss America.
Q: What’s next for you post-Miss America 100?
Liz: I get to finish my time as Miss Massachusetts! I’m excited to be back home. If anybody wants to book Miss Massachusetts for a fundraiser, emcee, hosting or anything, they can visit MissMass.org and fill out the form there, or message me on social media. I’d love to be involved in anything going on in Cambridge or Massachusetts.
Q: Speaking of things going on in Cambridge, what would you recommend a first-time visitor sees here?
Liz: If you want a picnic vibe and hang-out, I think Cambridge Common. That park and area is really awesome because a lot of historic events [happened] there… I’d also encourage people to… go to North Cambridge and see Fresh Pond [Reservation] and that area. That’s where I grew up, and that’s where I call home.
Q: And which three words would you use to describe your hometown, Liz?
Liz: Innovative because we have Kendall Square… There are always new things coming out. Then community-based; everyone is striving to make sure that [Cambridge] is great. And fun because there’s so much you can do here. You really can’t get bored.
Since returning from the Miss America Competition, Liz can often be found across the river at Boston College where she is pursuing a master’s degree in social work. She aspires to become a licensed clinical social worker and own her own private practice. Liz keeps on making Cambridge proud!
