Alma Oralia Minerva Cooper, born on March 17, 2002, in Okemos, Michigan, is an extraordinary American beauty pageant titleholder and military officer. Crowned Miss USA 2024, Cooper has combined academic excellence, military service, and pageantry in a way that breaks stereotypes. She represented the United States at Miss Universe 2024 and made history as the first active-duty U.S. Army officer to compete in Miss Michigan USA.
Her journey from a Midwestern childhood to national recognition is defined by resilience, ambition, and dedication.
Quick Facts of Alma Cooper
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alma Oralia Minerva Cooper |
| Date of Birth | March 17, 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Okemos, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | BS, United States Military Academy; MS in Statistics, Stanford University (Knight-Hennessy Scholar) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Pageant Titles | Miss Michigan USA 2024, Miss USA 2024 |
| Miss Universe 2024 | Represented USA, unplaced |
| Military Career | First Lieutenant, United States Army (Military Intelligence Corps) |
| Family Background | Father: retired US Army major; Mother: former pageant contestant and Mexican immigrant; Elder sister with cognitive disability |
Early Life and Education
Alma Cooper was born to Stacey and Oralia Cooper in Okemos, Michigan, and describes herself as a “lifelong Michigander.” Her father is African-American and a retired U.S. Army major, while her mother is a Mexican immigrant and former pageant contestant. Alma has an elder sister with cognitive disabilities, and her family environment emphasized hard work and resilience.
Cooper skipped third grade and graduated one year early from Okemos High School in 2019. She excelled in athletics, captaining the varsity volleyball team and competing in basketball and track. After high school, she enrolled at the United States Military Academy (West Point), where she studied mathematical sciences and graduated in 2023. She then became a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, pursuing a Master of Science in Statistics with a data science focus.
Pageantry Journey
Cooper’s pageantry began early, competing at age eight under the guidance of her mother. She was first runner-up at Miss Michigan Teen USA before transitioning to professional modeling in the Midwest.
In April 2024, Cooper won Miss Michigan USA, becoming the first active-duty U.S. Army officer to compete for the title. She advanced to Miss USA 2024, held on August 4 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where she won against 50 contestants. Cooper represented the United States at Miss Universe 2024, though she was unplaced, ending the U.S. 13-year streak of placements.
Military Career
In addition to her pageantry success, Cooper serves in the United States Army, holding the rank of First Lieutenant. She initially planned to serve as a second lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Corps after completing her degree at Stanford. Her dual career highlights a rare blend of military service and pageant achievement.
Personal Life and Legacy
Alma Cooper embodies the balance of ambition, service, and personal achievement. Her story inspires young women to pursue diverse paths, whether in the military, STEM fields, or pageantry. Cooper’s accomplishments demonstrate that intellect, athleticism, and grace can coexist in one remarkable individual.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Cooper is the fourth woman from Michigan to win Miss USA.
- She began competing in pageants at age eight.
- She is part of Stanford’s cheerleading program while pursuing her master’s degree.
- First active-duty U.S. Army officer to compete for Miss Michigan USA.
- Combines pageantry with a distinguished military and academic career, setting a modern example for leadership and versatility.
