David Ochayi
(Victoria Oluwakotanmi. Photo by Vanguard News)
Victoria Oluwakotanmi, a Nigerian-American trailblazer, has captivated the spotlight after securing the prestigious title of Miss Grand USA 2026.
Initially placing as first runner-up in the August 10 pageant final, Oluwakotanmi was crowned following the organization’s decision to revoke Mekayla Li’s title.
This victory grants her the honor of representing the United States at the renowned Miss Grand International competition, a platform to showcase her vision on a global stage.
Beyond the glamour of pageantry, Oluwakotanmi boasts an impressive résumé, including her dedication to education, youth advocacy, and service as a U.S. Navy Reserve Logistics Specialist.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, she proudly embraces her Nigerian heritage, often sharing insights about her multicultural upbringing in a Nigerian-American household.
Before gracing the pageant stage, Oluwakotanmi served her country, enlisting in the Navy Reserve in 2019. Her assignment at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston reinforced her role as a dynamic Black woman shaping her legacy in the armed forces.
Her pageant journey began with the Miss Black San Antonio competition in 2020, marking the start of an inspiring trajectory.
With minimal initial preparation, she quickly rose through the ranks, securing victories such as Miss Grand Illinois and earning a coveted spot in the Miss Texas USA pageant.
While balancing military duties, Oluwakotanmi pursued chemical engineering studies at Northwest Vista College, proving her commitment to excellence in diverse fields.
Education remains central to her mission, exemplified by the “Oluwakotanmi Promise”—a scholarship and mentorship program honoring her late grandmother, who was denied an education due to gender barriers.
Through this initiative, she empowers young students, with many participants from its first cohort achieving high school graduation by 2026.
Despite her early runner-up placement at the August pageant, destiny intervened when Oluwakotanmi was named Miss Grand USA 2026 following Li’s dethronement.
This milestone solidifies her role as a multifaceted leader, inspiring future generations with her resilience, service, and dedication.
