The U.S. representative for the 2024 Miss Universe pageant is anything but an ordinary contestant. In fact, Alma Oralia Minerva Cooper breaks away from the traditional stereotype often associated with the competition. While Miss Universe has evolved over time to reflect modern values and needs, its core remains focused on beauty.
Meet Alma Cooper
Alma, 22, was born in Okemos, Michigan. She is the current Miss Michigan and was crowned Miss USA on August 4, 2024, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, beating out 50 other contestants.
An Unconventional Contestant
Alma is the daughter of a retired U.S. Army major and a Mexican immigrant who once worked as a farm laborer before overcoming poverty to participate in beauty pageants herself.
But Alma’s background stands out for another reason. She grew up with an older sister who has a cognitive disability, attended the United States Military Academy, and holds a degree in mathematics as well as a master’s in statistics with a focus on data science from Stanford University.
A Longtime Passion for Pageants
Although Alma initially planned to join the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in military intelligence, her victory as Miss USA led her to compete for the Miss Universe title. The event will take place this Saturday, November 16, at the Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City.
She is the fourth woman from Michigan to win the Miss USA crown and the first active-duty military officer to compete for Miss Michigan USA. Alma’s passion for pageants runs deep—she first participated in one at the age of 8, with her mother as her coach.
Her unique story and accomplishments make Alma Cooper a standout in this year’s Miss Universe competition.
