Kaylah Walton
Savannah Gankiewicz, aged 28, courageously took on the role of Miss USA 2023 after the resignation of Noelia Voigt in May, embracing the opportunity with unwavering dedication.
Voigt attributed her resignation to mental health issues and a toxic work environment, claims refuted by CEO Laylah Rose. Despite this, Gankiewicz found her experience as Miss USA overwhelmingly positive.
“I can’t speak on their experience, but I can only judge from mine and it has been nothing but great,” Gankiewicz expressed to People magazine. “I’ve had the best time of my life, the best three months of my life. I’m honestly so grateful that I took this opportunity and I didn’t get scared to not take it.”
Seizing the Opportunity
Initially faced with resistance upon accepting the crown, Gankiewicz viewed the challenge as a chance for personal development. “I use it as a tool to show that no one can bring you down,” she emphasized. “You can just elevate yourself.”
A former Miss Hawaii, Gankiewicz spotlighted the devastating Maui wildfires and supported her non-profit organization through her platform. During the pageant’s state costume segment, she donned attire honoring the 150-year-old banyan tree that survived the fires, earning her the Best State Costume accolade.
“It felt so good to bring light to that situation because at the time, we needed the donations and I knew the banyan tree was the best (choice to do that),” she elaborated.
A Platform for Aid
Gankiewicz, currently residing in Bali while working on a resort project, vividly recalls the night of the fires. “Maui is a super small community, but everyone came together,” she recounted. The community swiftly raised over $12,000, providing gift cards to those in need.
Despite her endeavors, she recognized that the fires faded from public attention rapidly. Nonetheless, assuming the Miss USA title enabled her to redirect the focus back to Maui’s ongoing challenges.
“I felt I had a platform now to help,” she stated. “They said, honestly, at the end of the day, tell people to come to Maui. We need tourism. At the end of the day, tell people, come to Hawaii, come to Maui.”
As Gankiewicz readies herself to crown her successor on Sunday, August 4, she reflects on her journey with thankfulness and a profound sense of achievement, utilizing her reign to effect meaningful change.
