Ella Renee Clark is the reigning Miss Louisiana USA 2026. A proud Louisiana native, Ella is a graduate of Louisiana State University, where she earned her degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Psychology. Ella is the daughter of former MLB Baseball Star, Will Clark and her mother is Lisa Clark who are both Living in Baton Rouge. 

Ella’s journey within the Miss USA organization has been one of perseverance, personal growth, and determination. Over the course of nine years, she competed seven times within the Miss Louisiana Teen USA and Miss Louisiana USA system before ultimately achieving her longtime dream of becoming Miss Louisiana USA. Her journey taught her the importance of resilience, discipline, humility, and believing in a goal even when the road to achieving it is not easy.

In 2026, Ella proudly represented Louisiana at the Miss USA Pageant, where she earned a coveted position in the Top 20and was honored as the People’s Choice Award winner—an especially meaningful recognition reflecting the tremendous support she received from people across Louisiana and beyond.

Beyond pageantry, Ella has built a successful career in modeling, fashion, public relations, and digital media. Her opportunities have taken her to major fashion events, including Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week, and have allowed her to work on advertising campaigns and with modeling agencies. She uses these experiences to encourage young women to embrace confidence, professionalism, and their individuality.

At the heart of Ella’s life, however, is her commitment to autism awareness and advocacy. Growing up alongside her older brother, Trey, who has autism, gave Ella a deeply personal understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Her experiences inspired her to create The Sooner We Start, an initiative focused on educating communities about autism, developmental differences, and the life-changing importance of early intervention.

Ella is also involved with Battle Against Autism, supporting efforts that benefit programs and organizations serving individuals with autism and their families, including The Emerge Center in Baton Rouge. For Ella, autism advocacy is much more than a platform associated with a title—it is a cause that has shaped her family, her character, and the work she intends to continue long after her year as Miss Louisiana USA concludes.

Throughout her reign, Ella hopes to travel across Louisiana representing the state she loves while supporting charitable organizations, schools, community events, sporting events, fashion initiatives, and causes that bring people together. As an LSU graduate and lifelong Louisianan, she is especially proud to celebrate the unique culture, hospitality, traditions, and people that make Louisiana home.

Ella believes her years within the Miss USA organization helped shape her into the woman she is today. Now, as Miss Louisiana USA 2026, she hopes to use the crown not simply as a symbol of achievement, but as an opportunity to serve—encouraging others to remain persistent in pursuing their dreams and reminding families affected by autism that early awareness, understanding, acceptance, and intervention can make a profound difference.

For Ella, becoming Miss Louisiana USA was the fulfillment of a dream years in the making. Her reign represents something even greater: an opportunity PM to turn that dream into purpose, service, and a lasting impact throughout Louisiana.