Alma Cooper: The Unconventional Miss USA Representing the US in Miss Universe 2024

Alma Oralia Minerva Cooper, the current Miss USA, is set to represent the United States in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, which is being held in Mexico on November 16, 2024. Cooper, who was born in Okemos, Michigan, stands out as an unconventional contestant due to her diverse background and achievements.

Cooper is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and holds a degree in mathematical sciences, as well as a Master of Science in Statistics from Stanford University. She is the daughter of a retired US Army major and a Mexican immigrant who worked as an agricultural worker before overcoming poverty to support her family.

Before winning the Miss USA title on August 4, 2024, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, Cooper had planned to enlist as a second lieutenant in the United States Army’s Military Intelligence Corps. Her participation in beauty pageants, however, dates back to when she was eight years old, trained by her mother.

Cooper is the fourth woman from Michigan to be crowned Miss USA and holds the distinction of being the first active duty officer in the United States Army to compete for the title of Miss Michigan USA. Her unique blend of academic and military achievements, along with her family’s inspiring story, makes her a compelling candidate in the Miss Universe competition.

The 73rd Miss Universe pageant, returning to Mexico after 17 years, features 130 contestants from around the globe, with only 30 advancing to the final rounds. Cooper hopes to become the 10th American woman to win the Miss Universe title, adding to the legacy of previous American winners.