UmaSofia Srivastava, a Mexican-Indian beauty who has authored a book, “The White Jaguar,” to inspire people of all ages to embrace what makes them unique, has been crowned Miss Teen USA.
Srivastava, Miss New Jersey Teen USA, was crowned during the live-streamed pageant on September 28 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino’s Grand Theatre in Reno Tahoe, Nevada.
Srivastava is the first Mexican-Indian Miss New Jersey Teen USA and 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.
Srivastava also collected over 1,000 books for the Bridge of Books Foundation to donate to inner-city kids in New Jersey.
She authored and illustrated her book, The White Jaguar, to inspire people of all ages to embrace what makes them unique. Throughout the book there are four languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, and French – all of which she speaks.
Virginia teenager Aarya Walvekar crowned Miss India USA (August 9, 2022)
Srivastava is a pianist and runs her own blog, That’s Fan Behavior, where she writes about her experience as a woman of color and current events.
Srivastava is the co-founder of the Diversity & Inclusion campaign at her school, a Kind Campaign leader, and also participates in Mock Trial and Model UN.
The event featured 51 accomplished young women representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They competed in Interviews, Athletic Wear, Evening Gown, Final Question and Final Look for a week.
Vaidehi Dongre crowned Miss India USA 2021 (July 21, 2021)
Last year’s winner Faron Medhi crowned her successor Srivastava at the conclusion of the annual event.
Miss Teen USA was hosted by Justin Sylvester, E! News. The judges for the Miss Teen USA pageant were actress, producer and entrepreneur Emily Shah; founder of Kopu Water Mindy Mahy; the first Miss Teen USA Ruth Zakarian; entrepreneur and television personality, and Stand Up Comedian Kae Cazorla; and model and content creator Tabitha Swatosh with Chris Persky and current Miss Teen USA Faron Medhi served as commentators.
“I am happy to bring Miss Teen USA to the big screen,” said Laylah Rose President/CEO of the Miss USA & Teen USA Organization. “For all of their hard work and endeavors, they deserve to be highlighted. They are making impacts in their communities with nonprofits that speak to their hearts! They’re brilliant and powerful young leaders.”