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Chukwudi, a Hoboken resident, is Miss New Jersey 2023 and will be competing at the Miss USA pageant on Friday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. in Reno airing on The CW.
Chukwudi, will be competing against 50 other women (including Washington, D.C.'s winner) for the title.
"It feels amazing," Chukwudi said of her title. "It's definitely been an honor to represent the state of New Jersey and be a beacon of hope and inspiration to young people. I am grateful for the opportunity.
Wanting to step out of her comfort zone, Chukwudi, who was raised in Nigeria, first started competing in pageants in 2021, winning an award for her interview skills. This year, Chukwudi said she was more confident and brought her lifetime of adventure, determination and courage to the stage, winning the coveted crown in March.
Since she won, Chukwudi has been touring the state, attending events and supporting causes near to her heart, like financial literacy. Derby works for JP Morgan and previously worked at the New Jersey Private Bank.
"New Jersey requires students learn financial literacy and this is something that should be in all 50 states," Chukwudi said. "Everyone deserves a chance at financial freedom. Since I have worked on Wall Street, I am able to leverage that knowledge and bring it to the classroom."
Chukwudi said she is also passionate about mental health, working with the National Alliance of Mental Health to help break the stigma and encourage people to have those honest conversations. Overall, Chukwudi has made 70 appearances over the last six months across the state, including meeting with Gov. Phil Murphy.
"It's been busy but it's brought me so much joy," Chukwudi said. "I've been able to roll up my sleeves and work for New Jersey."
Miss New Jersey said she hopes she can be an inspiration to young girls throughout the state.
"I think about my younger self and who I would've loved to have looked up and seen and it makes feel empowered and reenergized," Chukwudi said. "I want every young girl to know they are beautiful, they have value. No one should bully them into thinking they are not worthy. I always believed who I was and that I am here for a purpose."
Chukwudi has spent the past week in Reno, and said she is hoping she can win Miss USA. Once her reign as Miss New Jersey ends, Chukwudi said she is hoping to continue to build on the relationships she made touring the state. She hopes her reign can inspire other people to follow their dreams.
"I was the first person in my family to compete in pageants," Chukwudi said. "There were things that could've deterred me, but I decided to open that door. It doesn't have to be pageantry, it could be going into engineering or dance. Give your dream a shot."
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