The contestant is a graduate of the Military Academy and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant.
The representative of the United States in the 2024 Miss Universe beauty pageant is far from being an ordinary contestant. In fact, she breaks away from the clichés that once defined the competition. Over the years, the pageant has evolved to reflect current times and societal needs while maintaining its core focus: celebrating beauty.
Alma Oralia Minerva Cooper, a 22-year-old from Okemos, Michigan, is the reigning beauty queen of her state and the current Miss USA. She earned the national crown on August 4, 2024, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, outperforming 50 other contestants.
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.
A Contestant Like No Other
Alma Cooper is the daughter of a retired U.S. Army major and a Mexican immigrant who once worked as a farm laborer. Her mother overcame poverty and even participated in a few beauty pageants.
But that’s not what makes Alma truly unique. Alma, who has an older sister with cognitive disabilities, graduated from the United States Military Academy. She holds a degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in Statistics with a focus on Data Science from Stanford University.
A Lifelong Passion for Beauty Pageants
After her academic achievements, Alma Cooper planned to enlist as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Corps. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she won the title of Miss USA, paving the way for her participation in the Miss Universe pageant, which will be decided this Saturday, November 16, at the Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City.
Alma is the fourth woman from Michigan to be crowned Miss USA and holds the distinction of being the first active-duty U.S. Army officer to compete for the title of Miss Michigan USA. Beauty pageants run in her family—her first competition was at the age of 8, coached by none other than her mother.
