Alma Cooper, the United States’ representative at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant, has captivated audiences not only with her beauty but also with her impressive accomplishments and dedication to social causes. The 22-year-old trailblazer, who holds the title of Miss USA 2024, represents a new era for beauty pageants, where substance and advocacy are as important as elegance and poise.

A Unique Background

Alma’s journey to Miss Universe 2024 has been far from typical. Born to a Mexican immigrant mother, Oralia Cooper, who worked as a migrant farm worker before becoming an educator, Alma’s story is one of resilience and hard work. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for education and service, leading her to graduate from the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point in 2023. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in statistics at Stanford University while serving as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Corps.

Her background has set her apart from traditional pageant contestants, emphasizing her multifaceted nature as a scholar, soldier, and advocate. Alma credits her mother’s struggles with food insecurity as the driving force behind her advocacy work. She is deeply committed to addressing hunger issues and food sustainability, aligning her efforts with her academic research.

Miss Universe Journey

Representing the United States at the Miss Universe pageant, held this year in Mexico City, was a monumental moment for Alma. Her participation not only highlighted her charisma and beauty but also brought attention to her humanitarian causes. Despite being a fan favorite, Alma did not place in the top 12, a result that sparked discussions among pageant enthusiasts and media outlets. Nevertheless, her presence at the event showcased the evolving nature of pageantry, where participants are celebrated for their intellect and contributions to society as much as their appearance.

Public Appearances and Advocacy

Since her Miss Universe outing, Alma has been actively participating in public events and advocating for her causes. In December 2024, she was a keynote speaker at a global summit on food insecurity, where she discussed innovative solutions to combat hunger, drawing from her research in data science and her personal experiences. Alma emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives and technological advancements in addressing food shortages worldwide.

In addition to her advocacy work, Alma has been involved in various military-related outreach programs, inspiring young women to consider careers in the armed forces. She recently visited a high school in Texas, where she spoke to students about the value of discipline, education, and service. Her dual role as a beauty queen and military officer continues to challenge stereotypes and encourage young women to pursue diverse paths.

Cultural Representation

Alma’s heritage as the daughter of a Mexican immigrant has also played a significant role in her journey. During the Miss Universe competition, she celebrated her roots by showcasing a stunning national costume inspired by Mexican and American symbols of unity. Her performance resonated with many, highlighting the strength found in cultural diversity and integration.

Future Plans

As Alma wraps up her duties as Miss USA, she remains committed to her long-term goals. She has expressed interest in leveraging her platform to expand her advocacy efforts globally, particularly in areas of education and hunger relief. Additionally, Alma plans to continue her military career, aiming to become a leader within the Military Intelligence Corps.

A Symbol of Change

Alma Cooper’s story is a testament to the evolving face of beauty pageants. She represents a generation that values intelligence, service, and advocacy as much as physical beauty. Her journey from West Point graduate to Miss Universe contestant has inspired countless individuals, proving that beauty and brains can coexist in powerful harmony. As she continues her work, Alma is set to leave an indelible mark on both the pageant world and the causes she holds dear.