Become the Queen Before You Win the Crown with Marie Zoe Lapierre

<p>What if the biggest transformation of your pageant journey has nothing to do with the crown?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Maria sits down with Marie-Zoé, a microbiologist, scientist, podcast host, nonprofit leader, and Miss Canada 2026 First Runner-Up and People’s Choice winner, to talk about what happens when you stop preparing to become a titleholder and start showing up as one now. </p><p><br></p><p>If you’re coming back to pageantry after a break, building a platform, or wondering how to handle the unexpected without losing yourself, this conversation is for you.</p><p>In this episode, we cover:</p><p><br></p><p>💛 Why pageant girls never really retire: and what brought Marie-Zoé back to the stage after several years away</p><p>💛 Building your brand and platform **before** worrying about how you’ll present it on a pageant stage</p><p>💛 How showing up as the woman you want to become can create opportunities you never expected</p><p>💛 What to do when things go sideways: including having your pageant gown break just weeks before competition</p><p>💛 Why your crown, your wardrobe, or your placement cannot determine your identity or your impact</p><p><br></p><p>Meet Marie-ZoéMarie-Zoé is a French Canadian microbiologist, graduate student, podcast host, public speaker, and nonprofit leader from Quebec.After competing in Miss Canada in 2021, she returned to the pageant world in 2026 with a new platform: Balado Hors Labo (Outside the Lab Podcast). </p><p>She went on to finish First Runner-Up and People’s Choice, while building a podcast that has opened doors to scientific conferences, media opportunities, nonprofit leadership, and so much more.</p><p>✨ Resources + Ways to Work Together</p><p>✨ Ascension Retreat | September 25–27, 2026 | Windsor, Ontario</p><p>💛 Let’s Connect! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know your biggest takeaway from today’s conversation. I love hearing what speaks to you and cheering you on in your own journey.</p>