How Derby Chukwudi Won the Miss New Jersey USA 2023 After Second Attempt

Derby Chukwudi, the newly crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2023. This beauty queen is a force to be reckoned with, as she recently relayed   her journey to the crown in an interview .

Derby is a first generation Nigerian-American who’s proud of her Igbo heritage. She’s a travel enthusiast who’s explored 26 U.S. states and four continents: Africa, Europe, North America, and South America. She was one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Scholars in 2018.

In the interview, Derby talks about her experience competing with 118 other talented young women and how she made history by winning the crown on her second try.According to Derby ….“I recently made a post on Instagram using Andra Day‘s “Rise Up,” and I think that song captures my life. I feel like I am a fighter, and even when life knocks me down, I always rise up. I’m excited for each new day because I know tomorrow is another opportunity to make progress. Even when things are tough, I never let them pull me down. I remind myself that things could always get better. I also take comfort in the Bible verse that says, “All things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” To sum it up, “Rise Up” would be my song. No matter what happens, I’m always rising up…”