WATCH Miss Michigan talks about the water crisis in her state

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Emily Sioma

Emily Sioma is Miss Michigan – and also a new hero for many of her fellow Michiganers. At the opening of the Miss America contest, each participant had the chance to run. Most participants talked about their education, work experience and interests.

But not Miss Michigan.

She approached the microphone, put her hands on her hips and said, "I come from the state with 84% of fresh water in the United States, but there is none for residents , I'm Miss Michigan Emily Sioma.

You can watch the clip here:

Sioma's introduction to American competition has earned him praise and criticism on social media. A woman thanked her, writing, "Your presentation tonight has been absolutely spectacular. Thank you for representing our State in a truthful and powerful way. You are the winner in my eyes and I am sure many others.

But others thought Sioma had unnecessarily insulted the state of Michigan. One woman wrote sarcastically that Sioma "used your 15 seconds on the national scene to cut your state. Good game."

Emily Sioma says she'll probably be known as Miss Edgy

This is the third time that Emily Sioma is competing in the Miss Michigan competition. She got closer in 2015 and she moved closer in 2016, winning the swimsuit contest. But in 2017, she decided to take her leave. She came back and won Miss Michigan in 2018 – which brought her to the Miss America contest.

Sioma, 24, said she wants to work to empower women who have survived sexual assault. She survived a sexual assault and talked a lot about it. Describing her Miss Michigan goals, Sioma said, "I really want to share my story as a survivor of sexual assault and encourage other women not to feel ashamed and stigmatized about what happened to them and men, "she said. "Do not feel ashamed, do not feel obliged to hide, but be rather proud of their journey towards healing."

She said she would like to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work or Public Health and dreams of a career focused on inspiring youth and empowering women.