Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, left, and Miss USA, Noelia Voigt pictured at a New York Fashion Week event in February. They both announced their resignations this week.Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, left, and Miss USA, Noelia Voigt pictured at a New York Fashion Week event in February. They both announced their resignations this week.
"Deep down I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain," Voigt wrote.
Srivastava, of New Jersey, was also crowned in September 2023 — and said her resignation comes after"months of grappling with this decision."At this international pageant, trans women around the world blend beauty and activism Srivastava said she looks forward to finishing 11th grade and applying to college, as well as continuing her collaborations with education- and literacy-focused nonprofits and promoting her multilingual children's book about acceptance, calling that work"my TRUE purpose."Voigt was among the many people to leave positive comments on her post, writing in part,"So proud of you my angel.
She said she wasn't allowed to bring anyone else onto her social media team of one — something"absolutely necessary" for a"brand of this caliber" — and that she worked without financial compensation for her first two months on the job.