Natalie Popp, former Miss Wisconsin’s Teen, is a dedicated advocate, talented performer, and proud Wisconsinite. A rising freshman at Carroll University, Natalie is passionate about honoring veterans through her initiative, Never Forgotten: Remembering Our Heroes. What began as a high school club has grown into a statewide effort to educate and inspire people of all ages to thank and support our military heroes.

Natalie’s work for veterans has included organizing thank-you letter drives for veterans in nursing homes, Honor Flights, and Veterans Day services; leading several donation campaigns for various veteran non-profits; and creating a Wall of Honor at her school to recognize military alumni. Inspired by her friendship with 100-year-old WWII veteran Dr. Lew Harned, she also wrote and published a children’s book, Lew for the Red, White, and Blue, to share his unique story of service and patriotism. She encourages everyone to talk with the veterans in their communities to ensure veterans’ stories live on for future generations. In April 2025, she was elected as the youngest board member of the non-profit Operation Not Alone that supports active duty military and veterans and has since taken over as executive director. She also serves as a junior board member for Fisher House Wisconsin and the Chair of the Wisconsin Veteran Museum Foundations General Lew Harned Patriotic Legacy Committee. 

Outside of her service work, Natalie is an accomplished vocalist and performer, serving as a national anthem soloist at major events and earning awards in competitive dance and several lead roles in community and school theater. In 2022, she was selected as the Wisconsin representative for the FBI National Academy Youth Leadership Program in Quantico, Virginia. In high school, she served as the news anchor for the weekly news program “The Lakeside Loop” and as the Community Service Chair on Student Council.  Natalie was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Honor Society of Dance Arts and has served as a counselor for the Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp. 

Natalie plans to pursue a degree in Business Management and Leadership with the hopes of continuing on into the nonprofit world with a focus on our military. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, singing, cheering on the Badgers, and spending time in her hometown of Madison, WI.

Through every appearance and performance, Natalie is dedicated to inspiring others to show gratitude and make a positive impact in their communities.