Newly crowned Miss Volunteer America shares what’s next on the agenda

JACKSON, Tenn. — Last weekend, the world was introduced to the new Miss Volunteer America.

Lauren Salimbene a sophomore at Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah, took home the crown and the title as Miss Volunteer America 2026.

She also took home a $50,000 scholarship to pursue her education. We spoke with Salimbene who shares what her next move is as Miss Volunteer America.

“I’m headed to St. Jude tomorrow to officially be at the national partnership home base, and really meet with everyone that is making this possible for me. I do head home to Utah on Wednesday, and i’m so excited to get my feet on the ground there, and get ready to plan for what my 90-day plan will look like,” said Salimbene.

Every year all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, crowns one lucky lady to compete for Miss Volunteer America.

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