New York, Oct 5 (IANS): Mexican-Indian high school student, UmaSofia Srivastava has been crowned Miss Teen USA 2023, which saw participation from over 50 young women from across the country, in a live-streamed contest in Nevada state.
The 16-year-old high school Junior at the Academy of St Elizabeth had become the first Mexican-Indian Miss New Jersey Teen USA earlier this year.
"IS THIS REAL??? I am so grateful and honored that I’m the first Mexican-Indian, first New Jersey, your MISS TEEN USA 2023!!!" Srivastava wrote on social media after winning the coveted title last week.
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"This night is truly the best night of my life because I was crowned with the people that have loved and supported me throughout everything cheering for me in the audience."
Srivastava, who speaks English, Spanish, Hindi and French, hopes to become a UN Ambassador.
She works with the Lotus Petal Foundation to help underprivileged children in India receive a well rounded education, proper nutrition and healthcare.
A co-founder of the Diversity & Inclusion campaign at her school, Srivastava also participates in Mock Trial and Model United Nations, according to her pageant biography.
She has authored and illustrated a book, "The White Jaguar", which she says, is to inspire people of all ages to embrace what makes them unique.
Also a pianist, Srivastava runs her own blog, That’s Fan Behavior, where she writes about her experience as a woman of colour and current events.
Miss New York Teen USA Stephanie Skinner was named first runner-up and Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA Maggie Ross was second runner-up in the pageant.