New Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz Crowned After Noelia Voigt's Resignation: ‘This Decision Was Not Made Lightly’

"I am determined to lead by example and empower the class of 2024 and beyond," Gankiewicz said at the ceremony in her native state of Hawaii

Miss Hawaii USA Savannah Gankiewicz has been crowned Miss USA 2023 amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the organization.

Gankiewicz, 28, who was runner-up in the 2023 competition, received the honor from Governor of Hawaii Josh Green at a ceremony in her native state of Hawaii on Wednesday, May 15.

Earlier this month, Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, 24, and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava, 17, resigned from their titles within days of each other.

“While this decision was not made lightly, 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,” Gankiewicz said while accepting the crown at the event, held at Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, per CNN.

“I am dedicated to taking action and making a difference. With my background as a certified mental health first aid responder and training in anti-bullying suicide prevention," Gankiewicz added, according to the outlet. "I understand, the importance of prioritizing your well-being and advocating for those in need. I believe that the true change starts from within and I am determined to lead by example and empower the class of 2024 and beyond."

Related: Former Miss USA Noelia Voigt Didn't Know Miss Teen USA Was Also Resigning, Calls Her a 'Strong Young Woman’ (Exclusive)

Voigt announced her decision to step down on Instagram, citing the importance of mental health.

"I realize this may come as a large shock to many," she captioned a lengthy statement, which was shared on Monday, May 6. "Never compromise your physical and mental well-being."

Miss Teen USA Srivastava then announced her decision to relinquish her crown two days later, sharing that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”

Related: Before Miss USA Resignations, Ex-Employee Spoke Out About Alleged 'Toxicity' and 'Bullying' at the Organization

Gankiewicz spoke about stepping up to take the crown following Voigt's resignation in a statement shared on Instagram.

“I fully support and respect Noelia’s decision to step down, and I stand in solidarity with mental health awareness,” she said. “I accept the crown knowing that I have been uplifted by my supporters, family, friends, and the people of Hawaii throughout this journey. I accept this title on their behalf."

“To my fellow Miss USA sisters, I believe it’s crucial for us to stand united for the future of the organization and the incoming class of 2024 and beyond. I pledge my wholehearted support to the new delegates who have dedicated themselves to their state pageants, and I am committed to ensuring a seamless and memorable transition between Miss USA titleholders,” she concluded.

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Following Voigt and Srivastava's resignations, their mothers Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava sat down with Good Morning America to call for changes within the Miss USA pageant system.

“I want to make [it] clear, it’s not about what they can get, the prizes… it’s about how they were ill-treated, abused, bullied and cornered,” Barbara alleged. "The job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare."

In a statement to ABC News, The Miss USA organization said "We are committed to fostering a healthy, communicative and supportive environment for all contestants, state titleholders, national titleholders and staff."

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