Noelia Voigt 'Overwhelmed' by Support After Resigning as Miss USA, Will Focus on Being 'Advocate for Mental Health Awareness' (Exclusive)

Noelia Voigt exclusively tells PEOPLE she's "grateful to be that beacon of light" regarding mental health awareness

• Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt exclusively tells PEOPLE she's received an overwhelming amount of support since resigning from her position.

• Voigt shares how she plans to become an "advocate for mental health awareness."

• It was reported that the pageant's CEO, Laylah Rose, allegedly created a toxic workplace, leading to Voigt's departure.

Noelia Voigt has received overwhelming support since relinquishing her crown as Miss USA 2023.

Voigt, 24, exclusively tells PEOPLE that since resigning from the title, she is “really overwhelmed and grateful for the support that [she has] been receiving.”

Voigt, who stepped down on Monday, May 6, citing her mental health, reflected on her decision at PEOPLE’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Exclusive Exhibit on Thursday, May 9, in New York City.

Voigt, who was crowned in September 2023, adds that she’s “always going to be an advocate for mental health awareness and support."

“The fact that I've been able to kind of shed a light on that and be someone that people can look up to in that sense — and let people know that if something isn't good for you, it's okay to step away from it. I'm grateful to be that beacon of light for people," says Voigt.

She goes on to explain how mental health is "an incredibly relevant topic, especially today and in the post-COVID world.”

“It's always been very relevant, but more people are talking about it,” she affirms. “So the more that we have more people in a public spotlight shedding light on it and telling people that it's okay — like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka — like it's okay. We just have to encourage each other.”

Both athletes took breaks from their sports to prioritize their mental health in 2021.

Related: Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt Resigns from Title, Citing Her Mental Health: 'Tough Decision'

Voigt made her announcement via Instagram on Monday, writing in part, "In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health."

She added, "I realize this may come as a large shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth."

Related: Before Miss USA Resignations, Ex-Employee Spoke Out About Alleged 'Toxicity' and 'Bullying' at the Organization

NBC News obtained a copy of her resignation letter and reported that Voight accused the pageant’s CEO Laylah Rose of creating a toxic workplace after Voigt told her she was sexually harassed at a Christmas event.

Voigt alleged that Rose told her in response, “We cannot prevent people saying things to you at public appearances, it is, unfortunately, part of the role you’re in as a public figure," NBC News reported on May 9.

“There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment,” read Voigt's letter, per the outlet. “This started soon after winning the title of Miss USA 2023.”

“It’s incredibly jarring to be trying to do my job and constantly be threatened with disciplinary action, including taking away my salary, for things that were never discussed with me and, if it related to a public-facing post for example, were causing no issue other than not meeting her personal preference,” she added.

Voigt also claimed that Rose often criticized her behind her back.

“I have heard that comments have ranged from her describing me as difficult to work with for various untrue reasons, to weaponizing my mental health struggles brought on by my experience as Miss USA 2023, calling me ‘mentally ill’ in a derogatory way, to expressing that she hoped I would get hit in the face by a baseball at an event where I would throw out the first pitch at a baseball game,” Voigt wrote, according to NBC News.

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Related: Why Are Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Stepping Down? Everything to Know About Their Resignations

Following her announcement, the Miss USA organization thanked Voigt for her service, saying they "respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties."

"The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time," the organization said in the statement obtained by PEOPLE earlier this week. "We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA."

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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