Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan, an active-duty officer in the United States Army and a data scientist studying at Stanford University, won the title.
Backstage, she told News that the victory seemed “surreal,” stating, “I just remember being a little girl and watching that moment over and over every year, for one lucky woman each year, and to know that I was one of those people standing there was already a dream come true.” But to win, I can’t believe it.”
During the question period, Cooper remarked, “I just thought about my family and the values I was raised on growing up, and how much that meant to me.”
And for all of the time it took to get here, I’m grateful. I can’t thank you enough for this moment, for the individuals who have lifted me up when I’ve been down, and for the opportunity to be on this mountain with so many other wonderful women.
