Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was crowned Miss USA 2023 on Wednesday, more than a week after the previous titleholder resigned due to her mental health.
Gankiewicz, a model who heads a nonprofit women’s empowerment organization, will hold the title until August — the remainder of the pageant’s term, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
“I am ready to make a positive impact with this organization that is close to my heart,” said Gankiewicz of Maui during a ceremony at the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.
As the first runner-up, Gankiewicz was announced as the replacement for former Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, who stepped aside on May 6. In a statement, Voigt thanked her fans and wrote, “Make sure you never compromise your physical and mental well-being.”
Voigt, a former Miss Utah, was crowned in September 2023.
Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, also resigned her title within days of Voigt’s resignation, in a shock to the Miss Universe Organization, which organizes both pageants.
Srivastava, the former Miss New Jersey Teen USA, wrote in a statement that her personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.