Indian-American NYU student crowned Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2021

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19-year-old, Shreya Gundelly became the first Indian American to be crowned the Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2021 on May 23, 2021.

She wrote in a post, thanking her win, “(To Wisconsin-) my heart is yours. I promise to use this title to make positive change, and I cannot wait to wear your name across my heart on the Miss Teen USA stage. I am so eternally blessed to say that I am your Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2021.”

Born and raised in Wisconsinite Gundelly created her own non-profit organization called I.D.E.A two years ago, according to a press release from Miss Wisconsin USA.

Speaking to young girls and boys across the state of Wisconsin about the importance of inclusion and acceptance, she shares her story of self-love while being bullied, and looked at differently due to the color of her skin.

This win for Gundelly comes after six years of hard work and guiding herself throughout the pageant world, coming just short of a national title four times.

“Each of those times, I walked off the stage being told ‘something bigger is out there for you,’ and after enough times of hearing that statement, I myself began to doubt whether it was even true. Throughout my entire journey I needed to remind myself that ‘everything happens for a reason,’ and it was each of the people I met along the way, the memories, and even the shortcomings, that have made this moment and the journey here that much sweeter,” she says in her post.

Now, as a freshman at New York University studying on the pre-med track, Gundelly aspires to pursue the medical field. She also serves as an active member on NYU’s South Asian Board, hosting events and showcases throughout the year.

Her mission as Miss Wisconsin Teen USA, is to serve as a role model, and put her state on the map.