- Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan, wins the Miss USA 2024 title.
- Cooper is a 22-year-old military intelligence officer and West Point graduate.
- The pageant faced recent turmoil with multiple resignations due to alleged harassment.
Alma Cooper, representing Michigan, has been crowned Miss USA 2024 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Cooper’s victory comes amidst a turbulent period for the Miss USA organization, which saw the resignations of Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava in May due to alleged harassment under the leadership of CEO Laylah Rose.
A New Chapter for Miss USA: Alma Cooper Takes the Crown
Miss Michigan Alma Cooper has been crowned Miss USA 2024, marking a significant achievement in her multifaceted career. At just 22 years old, Cooper serves as a second lieutenant and military intelligence officer in the US Army. She distinguished herself academically by graduating in the top 5% of her class at West Point Military Academy and is currently a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, where she is pursuing a master’s in data science.
The Miss USA pageant, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, saw Cooper excel in the evening gown, swimsuit, and interview rounds. Her poignant response to a question about bridging cultural gaps highlighted her unique perspective as an Afro-Latina woman and the daughter of a migrant worker, emphasizing the importance of overcoming circumstances to achieve success.
The recent pageant also comes in the wake of significant upheaval within the Miss USA organization. Both Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigned in May, citing harassment under the leadership of CEO Laylah Rose. These high-profile resignations, along with those of long-time state pageant directors and other staff, have cast a spotlight on the organization‘s management issues.
Despite the controversy, Cooper’s win represents a fresh start for Miss USA. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized the message of visibility and representation, aiming to inspire others by demonstrating that success is attainable through excellence and determination. Her leadership and achievements promise to bring a new direction to the pageant.
Alma Cooper’s ascension to Miss USA symbolizes hope and renewal for the organization. Her journey from a military officer to a national titleholder showcases the diverse paths to success and the power of perseverance.
“If there’s anything that my life and my mother have taught me, it’s that your circumstances never define your destiny.”
