Karolyne Roberts is more than just a woman with a crown — she's also an entrepreneur + fierce community advocate who is using her platform to make a difference across Lakeland and beyond.

We sat down with Roberts and asked her six questions about her journey to Miss Florida USA, her community service work, and what she loves about Lakeland.

Karolyne will be featured on an upcoming episode of the "I Am Lakeland" podcast. | Photo courtesy of Karolyne Roberts

Q: Tell us about your roots in Lakeland.
A: I'm originally from South Florida, but I attended college and met my husband in Tallahassee. His parents moved to Lakeland about 20 years ago, and we decided to join them here after our having our children so that we could be surrounded by family.

Q: How did you get into competing in pageants?
A: It's not something I've always done. I started competing in pageants as a senior in high school to earn scholarships for college. After that first competition, I fell in love with pageantry and how I could use it to create a platform that helped others. I never had the opportunity to compete for Miss Florida USA before because for the past 70+ years, the organization had a rule where you can't be married or have children. When that rule was overturned last year, I decided to go for it and was granted the title of Miss Lakeland USA.

Karolyne recently volunteered with Project Prom, a project by InnerAct Alliance that donates free prom attire to teens in need. | Photo courtesy of Karolyne Roberts

Q: Tell us about your platform — what it encompasses and what kinds of things you're doing in the community.
A: The goal of my platform is to empower women, children, and small business owners to own and use their voices, not only to be leaders in their spheres of influence and communities, but to also walk in healing. So far, I've partnered on community service initiatives with organizations like Girls Inc., Camp Fire Sunshine, and One More Child, and I am also training to be a mentor for entrepreneurs through SCORE. I'll also be one of the speakers at Lakeland Women's Day on June 23.

Q: What's your favorite thing about representing Lakeland?
A: My favorite thing about Lakeland is the family atmosphere and the community feel of the city. I love how the city has so much going on but also maintains a smaller town feel compared to bigger cities around us like Orlando or Tampa.

Karolyne will host a women's brunch + guided writing workshop at COhatch on June 22 — LALtoday readers get a $20 discount. | Photo courtesy of Karolyne Roberts

Q: Tell us about your work as an author + entrepreneur.
A: I'm the founder of an organization called The Writer's Retreat, which really goes back to my heart for women. I host retreats that are safe spaces for women to come to over a weekend and I help them find their voice and write their stories — whether it's through a book, a blog, or poetry. It's a great community to have where we can encourage each other and create an environment of self expression and reflection.

Q: If you win Miss Florida USA, you would be the first married woman + the first woman with children to win the title. What does that mean to you to potentially have that opportunity?
A: It means so much — it would be making history and creating a legacy. Outside of me, I think it also inspires other women who feel like they have barriers or setbacks that dreams don't die. It doesn't matter what age you are or what your life circumstances are, you can still make a difference. I believe that every woman in every stage of life has something different and special to offer. I'm honored to have the opportunity to represent Lakeland as a wife and mom, and how I can use my influence to uplift the children, women, and small businesses in Lakeland.

You can keep up with Roberts by subscribing to her email list or following her on Instagram + YouTube.