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Savannah Gankiewicz, 28, embraced her role as Miss USA 2023 with no regrets after stepping up when Noelia Voigt resigned in early May.
Despite Voigt citing mental health reasons and a toxic work environment in her resignation letter-allegations denied by CEO Laylah Rose-Gankiewicz found the experience overwhelmingly positive.
"I can't speak on their experience, but I can only judge from mine and it has been nothing but great," Gankiewicz told 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."
Savannah saw the opportunity in front of her
Initially, her decision to accept the crown met with some pushback. However, Gankiewicz saw the challenge as an opportunity for personal growth. "I use it as a tool to show that no one can bring you down," she said. "You can just elevate yourself."
A former Miss Hawaii, Gankiewicz used her platform to shed light on the devastating Maui wildfires and her non-profit organization. During the pageant's state costume portion, she wore a costume honoring the 150-year-old banyan tree that survived the fires, winning the Best State Costume award.
"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 explained.
A platform to help
Gankiewicz, who now resides in Bali while completing a resort project, re the night of the fires vividly. "Maui is a super small community, but everyone came together," she said. The community raised over $12,000 in a short amount of time, distributing gift cards to those in need.
Despite her efforts, she acknowledged that the fires quickly became old news. However, taking on the Miss USA title allowed her to refocus attention on Maui's ongoing struggles.
"I felt I had a platform now to help," she said. "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 prepares to crown her successor on Sunday, August 4, she reflects on her journey with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment, having used her reign to make a meaningful impact.