Houston, Texas – History was made as a 71-year-old woman participated in the Miss Texas USA pageant, becoming the oldest contestant in the competition. Marissa Teijo stood alongside other hopefuls at the event held in Houston over the weekend with the opportunity to represent Texas in the upcoming Miss USA competition.
The Miss Universe organization recently made changes to its rules to promote inclusivity, allowing contestants over the age of 18, as well as women who are married, divorced, or pregnant, to compete. Teijo, hailing from El Paso, expressed her excitement in an Instagram post, aiming to inspire women to embrace their physical and mental well-being, emphasizing the beauty that transcends age.
Amidst the excitement of the pageant, the Miss Universe organization faced controversy following the resignation of former Miss USA Noelia Voigt. Voigt cited mental health concerns as the reason for stepping down, revealing a toxic work environment and inadequate response to a sexual harassment incident within the organization. In response, the CEO of the pageant, Laylah Rose, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and prioritized the well-being of all individuals associated with Miss USA.
Following Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also relinquished her crown, as did the social media manager of Miss USA, Claudia Michelle. Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was crowned the new Miss USA 2023 in place of Voigt, set to hold the title until August when a new winner will be announced. Additionally, Stephanie Skinner, the runner-up of Miss Teen USA, was offered the crown following Srivastava’s resignation but declined the offer.
Teijo’s participation as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant not only broke boundaries but also served as a symbol of empowerment and confidence at any age. As the competition progresses, the legacy of these women continues to shape the narrative of beauty standards, resilience, and inclusivity within the pageant industry.