Miss Georgia USA 2023 is Rachel Russaw
Miss Georgia South, Rachel Russaw, was crowned Miss Georgia USA 2023 on Saturday, November 19 at the Henry County Performing Arts Center in McDonough.
The 24-year-old University of Alabama graduate with a degree in human environmental science is an entrepreneur, vlogger, and influencer living in Atlanta. She is also an advocate for mental health and uses her platform to motivate and empower women through #influenceherirl.
"Last night my dream came true as I was crowned Miss Georgia USA 2023! I am honored and humbled to have been chosen from the amazing group of women I spent the past several days getting to know. You ladies will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope to make you all proud," she shared on social media after winning her title.
Rachel succeeded last year's winner Holly Haynes and will now be heading to the Miss USA 2023 pageant. This was her second attempt at the state pageant, she placed in the Top 15 and bagged Miss Photogenic at Miss Georgia USA 2022.
This year's Top 5 finalists were rounded out by first runner-up Vanessa Van Dyke, second runner-up Karson Pennington, third runner-up Ariana Blaize, and fourth runner-up Natalie Bode.
Also crowned this past weekend was Miss Georgia Teen USA 2023 Denim Lovett who will now go on to compete in Miss Teen USA 2023.
Meet the new Miss Georgia USA:
Photos: Miss Georgia USA, Carlos Velez Studios