Meet the Queens

Ms. USA World Universal

Karli is honored to be the reigning Ms. USA World Universal. 

Involved with pageants for 20+ years, Karli has competed as a Teen, Miss, and Ms. She has been a judge, emcee, choreographer, coach, and director of pageants in a variety of systems, including USA/Universe, America, United States, World Universal, and Louisiana Fair and Festival. 

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As an LGBTQ+ ally, Karli is proud to be raising funds and awareness for The Trevor Project to support suicide prevention in the queer community. World Universal Productions’ support of this non-profit is one of the many things which drew Karli to this pageant system. Furthermore, Karli is a passionate advocate for adoption and a supporter of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. She is changing the false narrative around the stigma of adoption, making it a first choice for growing families rather than a last resort. 

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As the owner of Karli Sherman Productions, Karli is a nationally-renowned speaker, leadership coach, and executive coach. She helps companies, campuses, and individuals to level up and grow through professional development workshops, intensive coaching, and keynote presentations. 

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She is an alumna of Florida State University (Master's in Higher Education & Student Affairs), the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Bachelor of General Studies in Arts and Humanities), and Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

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As an active volunteer, Karli gives back to her communities through organizations including Lafayette Community Fridge, United Way, the Lafayette Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, along with participating in multiple mentor programs. She is a graduate of the Leadership Lafayette Class XXXIII, and of the Peer-to-Peer Roundtable cohort for entrepreneurs hosted by the Small and Emerging Business Development program.

A south Lousiana native based out of Lafayette, Louisiana, Karli is involved with the Junior League of Lafayette, the 705 Young Professionals organization, and the Lafayette Mardi Gras Krewe de Rio. She was named one of Acadiana's Top 20 Under 40 Young Professionals, and a finalist for the Better Business Bureau’s Outstanding New Business Award. Karli is a Fraternity/Sorority Growth Expert with Phired Up Productions, a SBDC Certified Small Business owner, and a Certified Facilitator through True Colors International. 

Karli is a part-time actor and curvy model, while being a full-time brunch enthusiast

Heidi Petersen

Ms. USA Elite World Universal

Heidi Petersen, Ms. USA Elite, was born in Frederick, Maryland and moved to Utah at the age of 13. After a frustrating year and a half of isolation and a loss of hope during COVID-19 isolation, she decided it was time to lift her head and find her purpose.  In deciding a way to challenge herself and have her year of “Becoming”, she made the choice to try pageantry.  Why pageantry?  Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015, Heidi wanted to do something outside of her comfort zone. 

In 2022 Heidi’s challenge of trying one pageant turned into three pageants and winning a national title. Heidi believes in knowing your limitations, balancing your life, practicing self-care, and speaking your truth.  She is an Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and has an unwavering hope of MS awareness for all. Her goal is to educate the public about the impact MS has on individuals and families and the unpredictable life of an MS Warrior.