The daughter of a Filipina immigrant, Gankiewicz was Miss Hawaii 2023 when she placed second to Voight who became Miss USA 2023 last year.

Citing her mental health as the reason for her “tough decision”, Voight gave up the crown on May 6.

She stepped down as she complained that the Miss USA organization was unable to address the negative work environment and sexual harassment incidents she complained about.

Gankiewicz was crowned by Hawaii Governor Josh Green in a ceremony in Honolulu.

Following her being named Miss America, Gankiewicz posted in the Instagram that she believes in the future of the Miss USA organization.

“I promise to always be transparent with you and share my experienc e. I still believe in the MIss USA organization and its future and my intention is to make positive changes from within and rebuild its legacy,” she said.

She assured the 2024 contestants that the Miss USA title “will endure and give you the tools to achieve greatness.”

“You just have to take a leap of faith and believe in yourself,” she said.

Gankiewicz Filipina mother was also a beauty queen, having been crowned Mrs Maui. She also served as director of the Miss Maui Filipina pageant.