2023 Miss Teen USA Umasofia Srivastava announced on Wednesday that she is relinquishing her title, two days after 2023 Miss USA Noelia Vogt’s resignation.
Srivastava shared his decision to step down from the role in an Instagram post.
“After months of struggling with this decision, I have made the choice to step down from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023. “Thank you for the support and have continued ever since we won the state title,” she wrote in a statement. “I always look back fondly on my days as Miss New Jersey Teen USA.As a first-generation Mexican-Indian American, the experience of representing my state at the national level was fulfilling in itself. did.”
“After careful consideration, I have decided to resign because my personal values are no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization,” she continued. “But I continue to be a relentless advocate for education and inclusion through my multilingual children’s book, The White Jaguar, and through an organization I had the privilege of working with long before I started competing: the Lotus Petal Foundation. I’m going to go.’” And the Bridge of Books Foundation. ”
Srivastava said working with nonprofits “has always been my true purpose.”
“I am looking forward to the rest of this year as I graduate 11th grade as a member of the National Honor Society and begin the process of applying to college. I know,” she wrote. She is also working on a “new writing project.”
At the end of her statement, she wrote, “The most important thing is not what I am temporarily, but thank you to those who have supported me along the way.”
In the caption of the post, Srivastava wrote, “It never was when I saw my reign coming to an end, but as I continue to advocate for education and inclusion, start applying to colleges, and exciting… I’m excited to share some new projects.” That’s what you do as a fan 🥰 At the end of the day, I’m so lucky to have had the privilege of having this experience, but even if this is just one chapter, the story of my life will continue. I know it’s really incredible. ”
Srivastava’s followers and friends flocked to the comments section to express support, including Vogt, who announced her resignation as Miss USA 2023 on Monday.
“I love you! So proud of you, my angel,” Vogt wrote.
Following the announcement, the official Miss Teen USA account posted a photo of Srivastava on Instagram from the night she won the title.
“Uma Sophia, we wish you the best of luck ❤️,” the caption read. “Thank you for your service as Miss Teen USA. 👑”
“We respect and support UmaSophia’s decision to step down from her duties,” the caption continued. “The well-being of our titleholders is our top priority. We are currently evaluating a succession plan and will soon be crowning a new Miss Teen USA.”
Ms. Srivastava’s announcement came two days after Ms. Vogt announced that she would be resigning from the 2023 Miss USA competition, citing mental health reasons.
“My journey as Miss USA was incredibly meaningful and I proudly represented Utah and then America at Miss Universe,” Vogt said in a statement shared on Instagram. “Unfortunately, I have made the very difficult decision to step down from the title of Miss USA 2023. I would like to thank my fans, new and old, my family, friends, coaches, and former state and local directors for their love and support. and my beloved Miss Teen USA, Uma Sophia. ”
She added, “Deep down, I know this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is that I continue to encourage others to remain steadfast, spiritually Prioritize your health, continue to use your voice to inspire yourself and others to advocate, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even when it feels uncertain. please.”
ABC News has reached out to Miss Teen USA for additional comment.
