Let’s give Natalia Salmon her flowers as the 22-year-old Pennsylvania native was crowned Miss Earth USA for 2022.
“Words… words cannot explain how blessed I feel,” Salmon stated on Instagram. “Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. I truly couldn’t have done it without you all, you have no idea.”
Launched in 2001, the Miss Earth Pageant is an international event that channels both beauty and environmental awareness.
“Because many people admire and aspire to be a beauty queen, Carousel Productions, Inc. believed beauty queens would be a good and effective advocate of worthy causes,” a statement reads on the Miss Earth website.
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
Each year, more than 80 women from all over the world compete on both beauty and their knowledge of environmental issues.
As the winner, Salmon will serve as the ambassador to global environmental protection campaigns. She will now go on to compete in the international Miss Earth pageant, representing team USA.
Last year’s winner was Destiny Wagner from Belize. She made history as the first Black winner in 19 years for the international event, as we previously reported.
Salmon is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland and the founder of Squad Limitless. The organization works with children and young adults to empower them to discover their true identities and realize their full potential by developing their emotional intelligence, according to Miss Earth USA’s website.
“I am over the moon, and I still have no words. I have so many plans ahead, especially to continue growing Squad Limitless and fighting for climate change. Just trying to bring the world together in a more peaceful way,” says Natalia. “Working with the Miss Earth USA organization has been the best experience and the group of women I competed with has been incredible. I would give every single one of them this crown.”