“Let’s find a solution, and be the solution,” is the mantra of Miss World America 2021 Shree Saini. Born in Punjab and raised in Washington, Shree Saini was crowned Miss World America 2021 at the Miss World America headquarters in Los Angeles and is now going to represent the country at the Miss World pageant on December 16.

Also Read: Who is Shree Saini, first Indian-American to win Miss World America 2021

A facial burn survivor, Shree was diagnosed with a rare heart disease at the age of 12 and had a pacemaker  installed. But she did not give up.

“I choose not to let my circumstances define my responses. My life’s mission is to encourage people to have  empathy, follow their passions and be of service. I use my life story to inspire others to choose resilience and kindness,” she says.

Shree trained in 12 different dance styles and is associated with the prestigious Ballet Academy and Dance FX Studio. She has earned over 50 awards,  at dance competitions, and moved to the highest level of dance offered in Columbia Basin, Ballet Level 7.

As the current Miss World America, Shree is preparing for the Miss World preliminaries and finds time for social work with organizations such as CRY, UNICEF and her own Shree Saini Foundation, a non-profit organization.

She uses her social initiatives and online outreach to increase awareness about heart ailments and emotional health among children and young adults. 

Also Read: Beatrice Gomez: First openly bisexual Miss Universe Philippines winner

Talking about why the Miss World pageant is a huge responsibility, Shree told Opoyi, “I am representing America, where I was mentored, taken care of, and learnt many skills, but I belong to India… I have to highlight the significance of my family and extended family units in India, how we all care for and support each other.’

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra’s Miss World journey: A showstopper on the runway of life

“I am proud to represent 1.5 billion Indians all over the world, I am proud of my motherland, I am 100% Indian, 100% American and 100% world citizen,” she added.

Shree  says her participation in the pageant  will serve as an inspiration to young girls in India and in the US. “I think Indian girls are very competitive and achieve a lot. My win and participation will inspire other Indian girls here in the US and India to try and attain their goals,”  she said.

Also Read: When Shah Rukh Khan asked Priyanka Chopra if she’ll marry an actor like him

Talking about her plans, Shree  said, “I am a heart patient so it is my moral obligation to serve heart patients. The CEO of the American Heart Association has written about my work and spoken about me. I have been serving with my parents since middle school, and we will continue doing our work with great sincerity.”