Black woman from Pennsylvania crowned Miss Earth USA 2022

Miss Pennsylvania Earth Natalia Salmon has been crowned Miss Earth USA 2022. The 22-year-old University of Maryland graduate succeeds Miss Earth USA 2021, Marisa Paige Butler, for the title.

Salmon will throughout her reign raise awareness about environmental issues while being involved in various projects and humanitarian work that will help people across the world. “Words… words cannot explain how blessed I feel,” Salmon wrote on Instagram after her win. “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. Longer post coming soon ❤️,” she added.

Salmon, who works as an Asset Services Intern at Cushman and Wakefield, is also the founder of Squad Limitless, an organization created to help children and young adults of all ages discover their true potential with the help of Emotional Intelligence.

She is a certified Climate Reality Leader, a LEED Green Associate Certification, and a Crisis Text Counselor. Houston Style Magazine reports that Salmon has logged 900 hours of community service with many organizations including Habitat for Humanity and Hands on DC. She has also participated in many local park clean ups.

“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,” Miss Earth USA 2022 winner said. “Working with the Miss Earth USA organization has been the best experience and the group of women I competed with have been incredible. I would give every single one of them this crown.”

In Fall 2022, Salmon will represent the USA at the international Miss Earth competition based in the Philippines. The 2022 Miss Earth USA activities and competition were held January 6 to 8 at the Orange County Convention Center while the preliminary rounds were hosted by the Rosen Centre Hotel.

The pageant featured delegates from fifty States and District of Columbia who competed in activewear, runway, and evening wear preliminaries, among other activities.