Savannah Gankiewicz took on the Miss USA 2023 title in May after a surprising resignation, and now, three months later, she’s gearing up to pass on the crown.
Gankiewicz, 28, has no regrets about accepting the title following Noelia Voigt’s unexpected resignation in early May, which set off a chain reaction within the organization.
“I can't speak to their experience, but I can only judge from mine, and it has been nothing but great,” Gankiewicz shared . “I've had the best time of my life, the best three months of my life. I'm truly grateful that I took this opportunity and wasn’t scared to accept it.”
Voigt, in her initial statement, cited mental health as her reason for stepping down. An eight-page resignation letter obtained by various outlets alleged a toxic work environment within the organization, claims which CEO Laylah Rose has denied.
Initially, Gankiewicz’s decision to accept the crown, which came just over a week after the resignation scandal broke, faced some criticism.
However, she says the initial negativity was worth it in the end.
"I use it as a tool to show that no one can bring you down," Gankiewicz says. "You can just elevate yourself.”
Throughout her reign, Gankiewicz was also able to make a significant impact on her community, which means everything to her.
“I was able to shed light on the Maui wildfires and my non-profit,” she says. “I truly believe in the Miss USA organization. It has provided me with the tools I need for success, the growth I've experienced during this time. I feel confident and empowered, and that's what I want other young women to feel.”
The former Miss Hawaii, who was originally the runner-up for the Miss USA 2023 crown, said her first thoughts upon hearing about the resignation were with Voigt and her mental state. She then considered how pageant protocol dictates that the first runner-up steps in if the winner is unable to fulfill her duties.
Another thing on her mind? How her reign could benefit the people of Hawaii, especially those affected by the devastating Maui fires that leveled the tourist haven of Lahaina.
During the state costume portion of the pageant, Gankiewicz wore a costume paying tribute to the wildfire victims, winning the Best State Costume award. The dress honored the 150-year-old banyan tree that miraculously survived the fire.
“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,” Gankiewicz says.
Now residing in Bali while completing a resort project, Gankiewicz grew up on Maui. She recalls seeing the fires on the night of Aug. 8 and hearing the sounds of gas stations exploding in Lahaina.
“Maui is a small community, but everyone came together,” Gankiewicz says. “We raised over $12,000 in a short time. We gave them gift cards so they could buy what they needed.”
While she did much to raise awareness for Maui during the pageant, she acknowledges that months later, it became old news. She says taking over the title in May helped her refocus attention on Maui, which is still struggling.
“I felt I had a platform now to help,” Gankiewicz says. “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.”
On Sunday, Aug. 4, she will crown her successor.
The Miss USA 2024 competition will take place at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Sunday, Aug. 4, and will be aired on The CW. You can stream the event live on the official Miss USA YouTube channel.