“I’m excited to explore my future,” she told PEOPLE hours after stepping down
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UmaSofia Srivastava.
UmaSofia Srivastava appeared at a philanthropic event hours after she announced she had resigned from her Miss Teen USA 2023 title.
But she had something else on her mind, she told PEOPLE.
“It definitely was not my first choice [to resign]. Unfortunately, I can’t say much more at this time. But I would like to say that it’s a decision that took a lot of careful thinking — and ultimately, I’m excited to see what’s next,” Srivastava said on Wednesday, May 8, at the 25th anniversary gala for Smile Train, which supports free cleft palate surgery for millions of children around the world.
“I’m a junior in high school and I’m gonna be applying to colleges,” Srivastava said. “So I’m excited to explore my future and find what makes me [me] again.”
First, though, she has to finish the semester.
“It’s AP exam week and tomorrow I have my AP U.S. history exam — I’m like freaking out,” she said. “The notebook is going to come out tonight.”
Srivastava also took some time to highlight the work of Smile Train and how she had traveled with them to Mexico for “a firsthand experience of their amazing programs and how they’re just transforming lives.”
The beauty queen announced her decision to resign from her title with Miss USA earlier on Wednesday, sharing on Instagram that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”
Related: Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt Excited to Make Her Mark as First Venezuelan-American Winner
“After months of grappling with this decision, I have made the choice to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023,” she wrote. “I am grateful for all the support from my family, my state directors, my sister queens, and the fans who have cheered me on since I won my state title. I will always look back on my time as Miss NJ Teen USA fondly, and the experience of representing my state as a first generation, Mexican-Indian American at the national level was fulfilling in itself.”
Srivastava, who is also the author of the multilingual children’s book The White Jaguar, went on to say that she would continue her “relentless advocacy for education and acceptance” with organizations like The Lotus Petal Foundation and the Bridge of Books Foundation.
“This work has always been my TRUE purpose,” she added.
Tthe Miss Teen USA organization wished her “all the best” and noted that they would announce a successor soon.
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“UmaSofia, we are wishing you all the best.❤️ Thank you for your service as Miss Teen USA. 👑 ,” the organization wrote in its own statement. “We respect and support UmaSofia’s decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority. We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss Teen USA.”
Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, who announced her own resignation on May 6, was among the first to comment on Srivastava’s post.
“I LOVE YOU! So proud of you my angel,” she wrote.
Voigt was also in attendance at the Smile Train gala on Wednesday and was seen in close conversation with Srivastava and others at one point.
Hector Vivas/Getty
Miss United States Noelia Voigt attends the The 72nd Miss Universe Competition – Preliminary Competition at Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda on November 15, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Related: Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst Was Also an Attorney with an MBA and a Social Justice Advocate
In her own resignation announcement, Voigt, 24, cited mental health.
“I realize this may come as a large shock to many,” Voigt said in an Instagram post announcing the decision. “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.”
“In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health,” she added in a statement. “Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023.”
At the time of her announcement, the Miss USA organization thanked Voigt for her service, saying they “respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties.”
Related: Gracie Hunt, Daughter of Billionaire KC Chiefs Owner, Competes at Miss USA 28 Years After Her Mom
Before either winner announced they were stepping down, Claudia Michelle, a former social media manager for Miss USA, referenced alleged “toxicity” and “bullying” in a separate resignation announcement.
When contacted by PEOPLE about Michelle comments, Miss USA Organization CEO/President Laylah Rose said the “all-encompassing goal at Miss USA is to celebrate and empower women.”
“All along, my personal goal as the head of this organization has been to inspire women to always create new dreams, have the courage to explore it all, and continue to preserve integrity along the way. I hold myself to these same high standards and I take these allegations seriously,” Rose added. “Please be assured that the well-being of all individuals associated with Miss USA is my top priority.”
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