Maui’s Savannah Gankiewicz to be crowned Miss USA 2023 after titleholder resigns
The Miss USA Organization today announced that Miss Hawaiʻi USA Savannah Gankiewicz of Maui, will take the title of Miss USA 2023. The titleholder, Noelia Voigt resigned earlier this week and explained her departure in an Instagram post, citing mental health and well-being.
Savannah will be crowned in a celebratory coronation ceremony on Wednesday, May 15 in Hawaiʻi, according to an announcement on the Miss USA website.
Gankiewicz is a model, entrepreneur, and program director for What Makes You Feel Beautiful—a nonprofit organization that is based on Maui.
“We are proud to crown Savannah Miss USA 2023, A true representation of vision, intelligence and compassion,” said Miss USA Organization CEO & President Laylah Rose in the announcement. “Her dedication to empowering women through self-love and confidence is inspiring, and we look forward to her impactful reign as Miss USA.”
In the announcement Gankiewicz said, “I fully support and respect Noelia’s decision to step down, and I stand in solidarity with mental health awareness. I accept the crown knowing that I have been uplifted by my supporters, family, friends and the people of Hawai’i throughout this journey. I accept this title on their behalf.”
Gankiewicz was raised on both Maui where her mom is from, and in Virginia with her father. Her heritage includes Polish and Vietnamese descent from her dad, and her mom is full Filipina.
Gankiewicz went to middle school and high school on the mainland and completed some college there before returning to Maui at the age of 21.
When she won the Miss Hawaiʻi USA title in January of 2023, Gankiewicz was the first Maui contestant to so in more than 20 years, according to pageant enthusiasts.
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