By Alma Cooper, representing Michigan, has been crowned Miss USA 2024. The 73rd annual ceremony took place amidst a backdrop of significant changes within the pageant organization, including the resignation of previous titleholders and the re-evaluation of its management practices.
Alma Cooper emerged victorious in the Miss USA pageant, held on Sunday, securing her place as the new face of the organization. Her win comes at a pivotal time, as the pageant undergoes introspection and restructuring. Cooper, a 22-year-old Afro-Latina, is not only a beauty queen but also a U.S. Army officer and a data scientist. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Stanford University, focusing her research on food insecurity—a cause she is deeply passionate about.
During the competition, Cooper’s eloquence and poise were evident during the Q&A segment, where she said, “As the daughter of a migrant worker, a proud Afro-Latina woman, and an officer in the United States Army, I am living the American dream.” Her words resonated with the judges and audience alike, earning her admiration and respect.
Cooper faced strong competition from fellow contestants. Miss Kentucky Connor Perry and Miss Oklahoma Danika Christopherson were named first and second runners-up, respectively. The competition highlighted the diverse talents and backgrounds of women from across the United States, each bringing unique perspectives to the stage.
Connor Perry, known for her advocacy work in mental health awareness, impressed the judges with her platform to support individuals struggling with mental health issues. Meanwhile, Danika Christopherson, a law student and community activist, spoke passionately about the importance of civic engagement and social justice.
The Miss USA organization has experienced a tumultuous year, marked by controversies and resignations that prompted a re-evaluation of its values and leadership. The departure of previous titleholders, such as former Miss USA Noelia Voigt and former Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, highlighted internal challenges and the need for reform.
In September 2023, Noelia Voigt stepped down from her role, citing personal well-being and alignment with her values as the primary reasons. In an Instagram statement, Voigt expressed, “In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for my emotional health. I believe in standing by my convictions, even when it means making difficult choices.”
Similarly, UmaSofia Srivastava resigned from her title as Miss Teen USA, stating that her personal values no longer fully aligned with those of the organization. Her decision sparked discussions about the pressures faced by young women in high-profile roles and the importance of maintaining authenticity.
The controversies surrounding Miss USA have led to significant organizational changes. The pageant aired on the CW network, which announced it was “evaluating its relationship with both pageants.” This move signifies a broader reconsideration of the pageant’s direction and its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The pageant’s management has promised to address the concerns raised by former titleholders and contestants, ensuring a supportive and empowering environment for future participants. This commitment includes revisiting policies and practices to better reflect the values and aspirations of modern women.
As the newly crowned Miss USA, Alma Cooper aims to bring a fresh perspective to the role. Her diverse background and dedication to service offer a unique opportunity to reshape the narrative of Miss USA. Cooper intends to use her platform to advocate for issues she is passionate about, including supporting veterans, promoting diversity, and addressing food insecurity.
“I want to inspire young girls to dream big and pursue their goals relentlessly,” Cooper shared. “My journey has taught me the importance of perseverance and embracing one’s identity. I am honored to represent the United States and use this platform to drive positive change.”
Credit: usatoday.com
