Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was crowned Miss USA 2023 on Wednesday, more than a week after the previous title holder resigned citing her mental health.
Gankiewicz, a model who leads a women’s empowerment nonprofit, will hold the title through August — the remainder of the pageant period, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
“I’m ready to make a positive impact with this organization I hold dear to my heart,” said Gankiewicz, of Maui, during a ceremony at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.
As runner-up, Gankiewicz was announced as a replacement for former Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, who stepped aside on May 6. In a statement, Voigt thanked his fans and wrote, “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.”
Voigt, a former Miss Utah, was crowned in September 2023.
Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, also relinquished her title just days after Voigt’s resignation, in a shock to the Miss Universe Organization, which administers both pageants.
Srivastava, the former Miss New Jersey Teen USA, wrote in a statement that her personal values are no longer fully aligned with the organization’s direction.”
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