Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz stepped in Wednesday as the new Miss USA.
She replaces Noelia Voigt, 24, who resigned earlier this month citing her mental health needs at about the same time Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also resigned saying the values of the organization no longer aligned with hers.
“I am so shocked right now and so tremendoubly grateful,” Gankiewicz said at the top of her news conference after her coronation. “I firmly believe that this opportunity was meant for me and I am ready to make a positive impact with this organization that I hold dear to my heart.”
She pledged to be a good role model for young women and vowed to prioritize self-love and empowerment. Gankiewicz committed herself to being a “powerful and impactful leader” who has been inspired by all those who graced the Miss USA stage.
She emphasized she has training in anti-bullying suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
“I understand prioritizing our well-being and advocating for those in need. I believe true change starts from within and I am determined to lead by example and empower the class of 2024 and beyond.”
On her Instagram page, she wrote “I want you to know that the Miss USA title will endure and it will give you the tools to achieve greatness. You just have to take leap of faith and believe in yourself.”
Gankiewicz mother is from Maui and is Filipino American. Her father is Vietnamese and Polish. She was born in Oahu.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
Happy Lunar New Year. Please support our Lunar New Year $5,000 matching grant challenge. A generous donor is matching dollar for dollar every donation through February 16 up to $5,000. All donations will go toward fully funding an editor position at AsAmNews. You can make your tax deductible donations here via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo. Stock donations and donations via DAF are also welcomed.
Please also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X.
