Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz ‘Very Empathetic’ In the direction of Noelia Voigt

• Savannah Gankiewicz was topped Miss USA 2023 on Might 15 following Noelia Voigt’s resignation earlier this month
• “I am so glad that the previous title holder is getting … assist,” Gankiewicz tells PEOPLE after Voigt cited psychological well being causes for stepping down
• Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava introduced she was resigning from her title simply days after Voigt

New Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz is talking out about taking up the crown following Noelia Voigt‘s latest resignation.

Whereas talking completely to PEOPLE on the GRAMMY Museum Inaugural Corridor of Fame Gala in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Might 21, Gankiewicz, 28, insisted she needed to “uplift” the group amid the controversy surrounding it over the previous few weeks.

Former Miss USA 2023 Voigt, 24, and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava, 17, each resigned from their titles inside days of one another earlier this month.

Voigt, who was topped in September, confirmed she was stepping down on Instagram on Might 6, citing her psychological well being. She later instructed PEOPLE that she’s “all the time going to be an advocate for psychological well being consciousness and help.”

“The truth that I have been in a position to sort of shed a light-weight on that and be somebody that folks can look as much as in that sense — and let individuals know that if one thing is not good for you, it is okay to step away from it,” she added. “I am grateful to be that beacon of sunshine for individuals.”

Srivastava then introduced her determination to relinquish her crown two days after Voigt, sharing that her “private values not absolutely align with the path of the group.”

Commenting on the resignations, Gankiewicz tells PEOPLE, “I positively am very empathetic in the direction of the previous title holders, and I am so glad that the previous title holder is getting … assist.”

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Gankiewicz was topped the brand new Miss USA at a ceremony in her native state of Hawaii on Might 15. “It is a enormous alternative and a accountability and I am simply so honored that I used to be in a position to take this place as Miss USA.” she tells PEOPLE of receiving the consideration. “And I actually, actually hope that I can actually uplift this group and hold it going as a result of that is one thing that I actually imagine in.”

Insisting she needs to “be capable to use my voice and unfold consciousness” about issues essential to her like talking out in regards to the lethal Maui wildfires, Gankiewicz tells PEOPLE, “Not solely that, all the brand new women coming within the class of 2024, they need to have a Miss USA and I simply need to be right here and to help them.”

Gankiewicz’s feedback come after she spoke about her determination to simply accept the crown whereas taking to the stage ultimately week’s ceremony at Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Seaside.

“Whereas this determination was not made evenly, I firmly imagine that this chance was meant for me and I’m able to make a optimistic affect with this group that I maintain pricey to my coronary heart,” she stated, per CNN.

“I’m devoted to taking motion and making a distinction. With my background as a licensed psychological well being first support responder and coaching in anti-bullying suicide prevention, I perceive, the significance of prioritizing your well-being and advocating for these in want,” Gankiewicz added, based on the outlet. “I imagine that the true change begins from inside and I’m decided to steer by instance and empower the category of 2024 and past.”

Gankiewicz had beforehand mentioned Voigt’s resignation in an announcement shared on Instagram. “I absolutely help and respect Noelia’s determination to step down, and I stand in solidarity with psychological well being consciousness,” she stated. 

“I settle for the crown understanding that I’ve been uplifted by my supporters, household, pals, and the individuals of Hawaii all through this journey. I settle for this title on their behalf,” she added.

Amid the controversy following Voigt and Srivastava’s resignations, their moms Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava sat down with Good Morning America to name for modifications inside the Miss USA pageant system.

“I need to make [it] clear, it’s not about what they’ll get, the prizes … it’s about how they had been ill-treated, abused, bullied and cornered,” Barbara claimed. “The job of their desires turned out to be a nightmare.”

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“We’re dedicated to fostering a wholesome, communicative and supportive atmosphere for all contestants, state titleholders, nationwide titleholders and employees,” the Miss USA group instructed ABC Information in an announcement.

In case you or somebody you already know wants psychological well being assist, textual content “STRENGTH” to the Disaster Textual content Line at 741-741 to be linked to a licensed disaster counselor.