The finale of Miss South Carolina USA 2023 was held at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center in North Charleston on 4th March 2023 where Kirby Elizabeth Self was crowned the new queen. She will now officially represent South Carolina at Miss USA 2023.
Kirby Elizabeth Self was born in Greenwood, South Carolina. She went to Emerald High School in Greenwood. In 2021, Kirby graduated from the Clemson University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and women’s leadership with a minor in nonprofit leadership. The 23-year-old Kirby worked with The Hershey Co. in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA as a sales consultant and started to pursue her master’s degree in sustainability in 2022.
On winning the crown, Kirby penned her emotions in a post captioned, “Overjoyed, grateful, and emotional— this moment is the culmination of my past, present, and future. I have tears of joy for my South Carolina. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those who believed in me and continue to lift me higher. My name is Kirby Elizabeth Self and I am honored to be your new Miss South Carolina USA.”
Not new to the pageant world, Kirby competed and won Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2018 at the Charleston Convention Center in North Charleston, South Carolina. In 2018, she represented South Carolina at Miss Teen USA 2018 where she was adjudged runner-up to Hailey Colborn of Kansas.
Kirby also stands for women and girls with clefts who often shoulder a double burden of inequity as they face additional stigma, harassment, isolation, and even violence due to their cleft. The physical challenges that come with a cleft, including difficulty eating, breathing, speaking, and hearing can limit their educational, social, and economic opportunities.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Kirby stands with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft organization. “We believe every girl and every woman deserves the opportunity to thrive. Collectively, we can help create a world where difference is valued, and equity is embraced”, she quotes.