A 19-year-old Ghanaian resident in the US, Vanessa Adwoa Rose Smith, has been adjudged Teen Univers USA after winning the same pageant for the state of Arizona.

Ms. Smith will thus represent the USA in Spain in February, 2023.

Born to a Ghanaian father, Charles Smith, and a Sierra Leonean mother, Hawa Smith, Vannesa is a product of Hamilton High School and now studying systems engineering at Arizona State University.

Speaking of her achievement, the Miss Teen Univers USA said, “What drew me to pageantry is my desire to be able to be versatile and adaptable. I love school and everything in between but I also love the arts. I am so grateful to have parents who have supported and encouraged me through every venture I took on.”

Touching on why a science student will venture into pageantry, Vanessa explained that, “Some may not see a correlation between the arts and STEM, but why should we have to limit ourselves to one identity? That is why I decided to go through with pageantry. It can show all different sides to you. You can be studious and ambitious all while being poise, beautiful and leading with your character.”

According to her, she is earnestly looking forward to participating in the forthcoming contest in Spain, “I am currently preparing for the International competition that will be held in Spain. I continuously do work throughout my community, mainly focusing on the youth. I am very adamant about advocating for the youth because I know personally how much we have to offer, but as young people it is harder to be taken seriously. We are the future and my mission is to provide the youth with as much resources to make a successful future.”

Vanessa, who is Arizona's Top Model 2023, says her hobbies include; crocheting, photography, dance, cooking and trying out new recipes.