How Vanessa Williams Went from Being 'Canceled' amid Miss America Scandal to Proving Her Haters Wrong (Exclusive)

The actress, singer and former beauty queen hopes she can be a lesson in resilience for younger generations facing scrutiny in the age of social media

Vanessa Williams wants young people to know there's hope after humiliation.

Forty years ago Williams' world came crashing down following a nude photo scandal that ended her historic reign as the first Black Miss America. "There was a tremendous amount of onus, pressure, shame, judgment," the actress and singer, 61, tells PEOPLE in this week's cover story.

During the media frenzy the then-21-year-old held a press conference, delivering a heartfelt resignation speech. Thinking back on that very moment, "There was so much chaos around me," she says. "I thought 'This is a circus and this is crazy.' It took the weight off it and gave it a bit of levity like, 'People calm down, let me speak.'"

In her speech she told reporters, "I feel at this time I should expend my energy in launching what I hope will be a successful career in the entertainment business. I feel my new career will be the greatest challenge of my life."

Related: Vanessa Williams Reflects on Miss America Nude Photo Scandal 40 Years Later: 'I Give My 20-Year-Old Self Grace' (Exclusive)

Launching a career amid reputational ruin was indeed a challenge, but one she says she was well-equipped to take on.

"Everyone always says, 'How are you so normal? How are you so grounded? How do you manage things? How do you cope? How do you find solutions?' It's relying on your family," she says. "Luckily I have a tremendous family that has always been supportive and in times of crisis, that's who you depend on."

Overcoming takes support and knowing your true self, she says. "The stuff around you doesn't change who you are. Other people's opinions don't change who you are. You know what you're made of. So let the dust settle, let the noise quiet down and you'll get your opportunity. So sit in that peace of mind knowing that, 'I haven't changed. I'll show them one day.'"

That's exactly what Williams did. "I'm very competitive," she says. "I knew I was talented, so I knew that there was success to be had. I don't like hearing no, so one door closes, well, then there's got to be a side door, a back door."

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After knocking on all of those doors while simultaneously starting a family, Williams launched a successful music career and in 1994 realized her dream of starring on Broadway in Kiss of the Spider Woman.

"I knew that there were many options that I had that were available to me, many people that would say 'No', and many times that I'd have to prove myself over and over again. I don't mind hearing, 'Oh, she's really underrated.' Because I get a chance to say, 'Oh guess what, watch.'"

From there came more hit records, like "Colors of the Wind" from Disney's Pocahontas and "Save the Best for Last" which topped the Billboard charts. Following more theater she eventually found TV stardom on hit sitcoms Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives.

Williams, who's starring in the upcoming Devil Wears Prada musical in London and also releasing Survivor, her first album in 15 years, chalks up her success to a few things. "The older I get, I reflect on what my makeup is, and I look at my mom who's going to be 85 this year, and she's always on the go. Competitiveness, belief in yourself, that's in my DNA."

But also, just a positive attitude. "I've always been hopeful. I've always been an optimist," she says. "'How do we work together? How do we solve this issue? Tell me more. OK, let's fix it.'" That's who I am. I definitely am a fixer."

For more from Vanessa Williams, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands everywhere now.

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