Miss USA Replacement Wants To 'Uplift The Organization' Amid 'Toxic Workplace' Accusations

Savannah Gankiewicz, who was crowned Miss USA 2023 following Noelia Voigt's resignation, wants to "uplift" the organization.

This comes after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt accused the Miss USA Organization of creating a "toxic work environment."

Earlier this year, Voigt wrote an eight-page resignation letter.  "Sadly, I have made the tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023," she wrote. "I am grateful for the love and support of the fans, old and new, my family, my friends, my coaches, former state and local directors, and my darling beloved Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia."

"Lifelong friendships and connections that I had the opportunity to make along the way while attending different events and competing at state pageants, Miss USA [and] Miss Universe are invaluable things that I will be forever grateful for," she continued.

She then claimed: "There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment."

"It is important that I make this abundantly clear: the toll that this treatment, experience, and abuse has taken on me will have long-lasting impacts on my health. This is, unfortunately, not something that will magically disappear," she continued in her resignation letter. "I know the harsh reality of that fact, and I will not continue to allow myself to feel victimized anymore."

Two days after Voigt's resignation, Srivastava announced her decision to claim the title, sharing that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”

She further told PEOPLE Magazine, "I definitely am very empathetic toward the former title holders, and I'm so glad that the former title holder is getting ... help."

"This is a huge opportunity and a responsibility and I'm just so honored that I was able to take this position as Miss USA." she told the magazine. "And I really, really hope that I can really uplift this organization and keep it going because this is something that I truly believe in."

She then said she wants to "be able to use my voice and spread awareness" about important things such as to advocating about the deadly Maui wildfires. "Not only that, all the new girls coming in the class of 2024, they deserve to have a Miss USA and I just want to be here and to support them," she added.

She also spoke to CNN, claiming that “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."

“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, I understand, the importance of prioritizing your well-being and advocating for those in need," she added. "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."

Gankiewicz previously opened up about Voigt's resignation in an Instagram statement.“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."

The Miss USA Organization and Layla Rose issued a statement following the news.

"We respect and support Noelia's decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time," they wrote in their joint statement.

"We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA."

If you or someone you know requires mental health support, text "STRENGTH" to 741-741 to reach a certified crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line.