By: Jenny Castro
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/30/24
Miss Hawaii 2023 and current Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz has had a whirlwind the last few months. After getting crowned Miss USA 2023 in May of this year, the young beauty has plenty to celebrate as she completes the coveted title previously held by Noelia Voigt, who voluntarily stepped down from her position citing mental health reasons. Currently, Gankiewicz is fulfilling her duty as Miss USA and is excited for the upcoming 73rd National Miss USA Pageant which will be held at the iconic Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
On Wednesday July 31st, the teen portion of the competition took place with Addie Carver of Mississippi winning the title of Miss Teen USA. Judges included Actress Francia Raisa, Dancing With The Stars Pro Rylee Arnold, Miss Teen USA 2019 Kaliegh Garris and model Shree Saini. The Miss division will crown their winner this Sunday August 4th which audiences can watch live on The CW Network hosted by E! News’ and Grammys Red Carpet host Keltie Knight plus award-winning actress Garcelle Beauvais currently featured on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Judges will include Beverly Hills Founder Anastasia Soare, Miss USA 1990 Carole Gist, Miss USA 1994 Lu Parker, motivational speaker Natasha Graziano, Scheana Shay of Vanderpump Rules’, APL Running Shoes’ NJ Falk and Grammy nominated music artist Gavin DeGraw.
Speaking of the upcoming pageant, Gankiewicz provides insight into her thought process and emotions surrounding the event, “I just got done with the Miss Teen USA orientation, and it’s just bringing back the feeling of when I competed last year and just how amazing this opportunity is,” said Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz. She adds, “Laylah Rose our President really does spoil us, and at the same time just being here is so rewarding because everyone works so hard to get here. At the same time, I’m a bit sad because I’ve only had {the title} for a short unique 3 months but it’s been the best 3 months.” So far, Gankiewicz has been basking in the experience and has handled both the receptiveness and public scrutiny with grace. It should be noted there was some controversy and negative talk through media outlets regarding the resignation of Voigt, whereas Gankiewicz received a bit of backlash for acquiring the title which is a presumed duty and obligation of the first runner-up.
Nonetheless, Gankiewicz and the Miss USA Organization are thrilled to host the 73rd Miss USA pageant in Los Angeles. And so far, the reigning queen has enjoyed the experience and grateful to those who have showed their support, “My experience has been amazing, and I think the connections I have made are invaluable and I’m very thankful to the people who have been supportive of me taking this title. What’s meant for you will always be for you. When I received the crown, I was excited but a bit scared because I didn’t know how other people would take it. But at the same time, I’ve gotten so much support from other’s who’ve been so overwhelmingly kind, and I know when the days went by it was hard for me to grasp that I was even miss USA,” said Gankiewicz.
Taking in unforgettable moments this pageant season, Gankiewicz has enjoyed meeting the 2024 delegates as she explains, “Every single girl and woman has worked so hard to get to where they are and it’s so inspiring to see they haven’t given up the dream despite what the media was saying at the same time. This is still such a dream to look forward to, and the Miss USA Organization has kept me booked and busy and that’s what I’m forever grateful for. And since we are in LA we get to enjoy and experience some Hollywood glam and bring that into the Miss USA Pageant,” Gankiewicz enthused. As for pageant preparation, all ladies have their own ways in which to prepare for competition, and Gankiewicz offers insight into her own experience, “I feel like some people think it’s just this glamorous lifestyle, but at the same time you really have to have the grit and tenacity to push through. And for me, I honestly signed up for every subscription of news outlets to gain a better understanding of communication and of issues happening in the political world.” She adds, “And I always say it’s like training for the Olympics with mind, body, and soul. When I was going into Miss USA, I practiced every day on speaking and how to answer questions. I think that when you train for a title like this it’s a lot of work in regard to just knowing yourself, believing in yourself and feeling confident.”
Pageantry also comes with many benefits as many women can make lifelong friends, bond and network with each other, “You also develop personal growth, and I think that is what is so important. I always like to remind the ladies it’s not about the title but the journey getting there. And how you are such a different person from the beginning compared to the end of your pageant journey,” said Gankiewicz. Another rewarding aspect to pageantry is becoming a voice and role model for charities and platforms making a difference in communities. Gankiewicz has been a youth program director for Hawaiian non-profit, “What Makes You Feel Beautiful,” where she has helped facilitate workshops for young women in the areas of self-esteem and leadership.
As for the upcoming competition, audiences can expect to hear more about different platforms from the delegates, and expect some Hollywood glam along with beautiful gowns from the accomplished young women eyeing for both titles in the Teen and Miss categories. Gankiewicz herself has been busy mentoring and taking part in prepping the candidates recently with zoom calls and pageant advice, “It’s just so amazing to see all the girls get so excited,” she said. She also adds, “And the delegates are all so intelligent, and they all bring different platforms to the table. It’s so inspiring to see every single girl have their own unique story and they get to bring that to the stage.”
Going forward, Gankiewicz will forge ahead with her entrepreneurial plans to open up a boutique hotel in Bali next year, “I love being busy. I hate it when I’m not doing anything. I just feel like I’m missing out in life when not busy. When you really think about it, we have such a short time on this earth, so I just want to do everything and anything I can,” she reiterated. She also wants others to know she fully supports those dealing with their mental health, especially other pageant queens and title holders, “This is a hard job, so I completely sympathize with the former title holder and just know that this job is not easy and can impact your mental health. So, taking care of yourself is highly essential and so important.” Looking forward to the pageant, Gankiewicz wants to emphasize her love for the Miss USA Organization. “Basically, everything that was said about the organization is completely false,” said Gankiewicz. She adds, “I know it’s been really sad to see the President and CEO Laylah Rose get bullied. She’s been nothing but sweet and she honestly feels like another mom to me. And with everything that’s been going on, I think it’s disheartening to see people have backlash at such an organization which uplifts and empowers women. Because I am not where I am without this organization, and it gives you the chance and platform to be confident, feel empowered, and make a difference.”
Tune in this Sunday, August 4th on The CW, 5:00 PM PT, to see Savannah hand over her crown to Miss USA 2024. The night is expected to be filled with lots of glitz, Hollywood glam, and talented women from all over the country.
Visit Miss USA’s official website here.
