From US Navy to beauty queen: Seven things about Nigerian-American Miss Grand USA Victoria Oluwakotanmi

Victoria Oluwakotanmi, a 25-year-old Nigerian-American, has been crowned Miss Grand USA 2026, stepping into the national spotlight under notable circumstances. She initially placed as the first runner-up at the pageant held on August 10, but assumed the title on Friday after the organization terminated the reign of the original winner, Mekayla Li.

Oluwakotanmi's journey to the crown is multifaceted, extending beyond the pageant stage. The San Antonio, Texas native is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. She has shared her experiences growing up as a Nigerian-American, highlighting the importance of her heritage. Her father, she revealed in a 2023 interview, moved to the U.S. decades ago and worked his way up from being a dishwasher to earning a doctorate in nursing. This background has shaped Oluwakotanmi's identity and her advocacy for cultural representation.

Long before her pageant success, Oluwakotanmi served in the United States Navy Reserve, enlisting in March 2019 as a Logistics Specialist. Her military service has been a significant part of her public persona, representing a young Black woman in the U.S. armed forces. Concurrently, she pursued her education, studying chemical engineering at Northwest Vista College while serving in the Navy. This academic pursuit complements her military and pageant careers, with education also forming a key part of her platform.

Oluwakotanmi's pageant journey began in February 2020 with the Miss Black San Antonio competition, where she won the title with minimal preparation, reportedly using her prom dress and doing her own hair and makeup. She later held the Miss Grand Illinois title and competed in Miss Texas USA. Her platform often emphasizes youth empowerment, drawing from her diverse experiences.

“

Her father moved to the US about three decades ago and initially worked as a dishwasher before earning a doctorate in nursing.