Miss Teen USA made headlines Wednesday as she announced her resignation, adding to the recent upheaval in the pageant community following Miss USA's decision to step down.
In a statement shared on her personal Instagram account, UmaSofia Srivastava revealed her reasons for stepping away from the title, citing a misalignment of personal values with the organization's direction.
The New Jersey high school student, who clinched the title in September, expressed pride in her Mexican-Indian American heritage and highlighted her upcoming academic pursuits as she prepares for college.
"While I continue to advocate for education and acceptance through my involvement with various foundations, I look forward to completing my 11th-grade year as part of the National Honor Society," Srivastava wrote.
The pageant organization, acknowledging Srivastava's decision, affirmed its commitment to the well-being of titleholders and announced plans to appoint a successor.
Srivastava's resignation closely follows another notable departure within the pageant realm. Noelia Voigt, who relinquished her Miss USA title earlier in the week citing mental health concerns, had previously pledged to engage with diverse communities across the United States.
