Filipino-American Savannah Gankiewicz assumes Miss USA 2023 crown amid resignation controversy

NEW YORK — Filipino American Miss Hawaii 2023, Savannah Gankiewicz, 28, assumes the title of Miss USA 2023 following the resignation of Noelia Voigt of Utah, who stepped down as Miss USA 2023 on May 6.

Gankiewicz was crowned by Hawaii Governor Josh Green at a ceremony in Honolulu.

To recall, Voigt stepped down from the title, citing her mental health as the reason behind the "very tough decision." Her resignation came after the Miss USA organization failed to address the toxic work environment and sexual harassment incidents she complained about.

Meanwhile, Gankiewicz, who was named her successor shortly afterwards, said in a Instagram post that she still believes in the Miss USA organization and its future.

"I promise to always be transparent with you and to share my experience. I still believe in the Miss USA organization and its future, and my intention is to make positive changes from within and rebuild its legacy. To the 2024 delegates, 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 a leap of faith and believe in yourself."

Gankiewicz is the daughter of a Filipina who was formerly crowned as Mrs. Maui and served as director of the Miss Maui Filipina pageant.

Her father is Polish and Vietnamese American.

She was a finalist in the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2017 pageant and worked as a model in the Philippines.

She was the 1st runner-up in the Miss U.S.A pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she also won the Best State Costume award for her costume concept paying tribute to over a hundred individuals, including Filipinos, who died in the Maui wildfire. —JCB, GMA Integrated News