July 4, 2025 • 49 mins
Miss USA drops by Chanel in the City to chat with host Chanel Omari on what it feels like to be our Miss USA and what responsibilities it entails and more!
Miss USA chats the obstacles she had to face to
get here and what it took to not give up her crown.
Miss USA chats the obstacles she had to face to
get here and what it took to not give up her crown.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi, I'm Miss USA twenty twenty four Alma Cooper, and
you're listening to me on the Shanell on the City
podcast with Shanelle Omari on the iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Hey, everyone, welcome back to another episode of Chanelle in
the City on iHeartRadio. I'm your girl, Shanell A Mari
and we have what a special treat in a special guest.
I'm a lucky girl today. I have been such a
fan of the Miss USA pageants and competition. It's one
of the most watched shows television shows in history in
the world. And here to welcome we have Miss Michigan
(00:34):
who just got crowned Miss USA, representing all women, all
little girls all over the world. I'm gonna get to
your eye help us welcome our dear friend, Alma Cooper,
Miss USA twenty twenty four. Congratulations, How are you?
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Thank you so much. I'm doing so well this today
has been such a beautiful day already, just sharing bits
and pieces of last night and how I felt and
just so many things going through my mind, but all
so positive and just so grateful.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
We are so happy for you. First of all, what
a movement in women history. Take us a little bit about,
you know, for those of those of who have in Tundania,
take us through last night, like some of the highlight
moments and how you were feeling.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
I would say a major highlight for me was the
amount of diversity that was on stage. Just seeing so
much representation for so many young girls who are looking
at that stage and hoping to see someone who looks
like them doing a dream that they may own, they
may have themselves, truly showing that representation matters for one,
but two, not only do these stories deserve to be
(01:43):
up here, but they belong here. And I think that
I've never truly been in a space that has been
so so warm and beautiful and welcoming and united amongst
so many beautiful women. I mean, there just was so
much unity on that stage, just supporting one another and
rooting for one another, looking out in the crowd and
seeing each other's moms, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, and
(02:06):
knowing that each person on that stage has a unique
story that's beautiful and dedicated to a cause and passion
that they are all passionate about. So to me, I
just that is definitely a highlight. I also want to
speak to the amount of gratitude I have to the mentors, professors,
and the outpouring of support from people that are in
the army, people who I'm in my scholarship program with
(02:29):
at Stanford. The love that I have received is so
overwhelming and so beautiful, and it speaks to just the
whole message that I really want to get at this year,
which is this moment, and this year is bigger than myself,
and that is where my heart and my mind are
at the forefront of is serving others. Because I know
that my roles mis Usa is truly an extension of
(02:50):
my service and uniform.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
I love that that so beautifully said that, you know,
I want to get into that a little bit because
a lot of people stereotype or sometimes there's a negative sigma.
They don't understand how hard you all work, you know,
to whether achieving the wind or the crown, but also
to just it's beyond you. It's beyond the message. A
did you think you were going to win last night?
I mean, you know, because no one knows, right, So
(03:13):
every did you have a feeling like how does it go?
The process usually take us through the proc.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
I mean every time they announced my name out of cut,
I was genuinely shocked because everything goes by so fast.
I mean, I could I remember walking off stage in
opening number and getting ready to announce the top twenty,
and I just thought, you know, even if this is
my last time on the stage to night, what a
ride this has been, and it's not even over yet.
(03:39):
I still would have continued as Miss Michigan and been
able to serve the State of Michigan in every capacity
that I could I possibly could, which is working in
the realm of food and security and providing healthy and
nutritious foods for every single person who needs access to
fresh produce in their homes. To me, that is a
key point in what I want to do as in
(04:00):
this USA. But I think that, you know, every time
I stepped on that stage, I just tried to have
the mentality that if this was my last time, I
want to just put it all out there and leave
nothing left in the tank, just give it all I had.
But genuinely, I can't even speak to the amount of
joy I had every single time another young woman's name
was announced, because that's someone else's dream that's still continuing,
(04:23):
that's still alive, and that there are young girls who
are looking at them from maybe their hometown or their
home state, We're like, oh my gosh, I see iowall,
I see Colorado. You know, maybe I can be like
them when I'm older. And that, just in and of itself,
is just I think, such a powerful message women supporting women.
I think that is something that needs to continue in
(04:44):
this year and in two years to come. I think
on social media there's so much there's so many things
that often divide us. And I am here to use
my platform to be a beacon of hope, to be
a beacon of unity, to be a connector across this country,
because I think that's what truly matters.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
What an amen to that, because that is true. We
have to continue this supporting women, supporting women, the genuine
aspect of it. But also, you know, standing by your
message and explaining why this is so important, right, like
why we need you to be Miss the USA. There
is more than just a crown and the vanity of
it or the superficiality. There's more to it, you know,
(05:20):
take us through what makes so through the process, What
makes you win or how do you get to a
certain stage, like what creates I guess what makes you
Miss USA?
Speaker 1 (05:30):
Right, like, yes, yes. There are a couple of phases
of competition. One is interview with the judges, and that
I think is just the time to show who you are.
I mean, the one thing that made every single one
of us unique is that each of us are our
own individual person, and we bring to the stage so
many unique qualities that only we can truly represent about ourselves,
(05:51):
so that the interview room is definitely the time to
share those bits and pieces. On stage, you see swim
we're in evening gown, and that was done during the
preliminary competition with all fifty one delegates, and then on
finals that's where the top twenty are picked based off
of the preliminary competition as well as the interview. And
on that twenty you do a swimwear competition, which is
so crazy to me because I felt like, you know,
(06:14):
every time you look at a camera, it's not just
a red light that's reporting for your VCR at home,
it's for national television. So that way it came through
my mind a couple of times, but was still so exhilarating.
And then from there they cut it down to ten
you do evening gown, and then from ten you go
to five, and that's when you do the final question,
and then they crown whoever's going to be this.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
USA and that's according to the judges, it's not the
public correct. Wow. And then we had you had the host,
Garcelle from Housewives of Beverly Hills's also been crowned and
as well as in the pageants her whole life and
an actress. How how did that feel to have her?
Speaker 1 (06:51):
I mean, it was so surreal. It's like when you're
growing up you watch these amazing, incredible celebrities hosts the
show and they keep you on the edge of your toe,
like the edge of your seat. You're just like, oh
my goodness, who's going You're picking your like top twenty
each time there's a commercial break, and then to be
there and standing next to them and to answer a
(07:12):
final question next to them. It I just go back
to watching young women like Olivia Coppo, Olivia Jordan, Deshauna
Barber go through that same moment and have an impact
on so many people like myself, and I just hope
that whatever I said could hopefully have an impact on
at least one person out watching at home.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
I love that, you know, talk to us a little
bit about the competition. I know that in every industry.
I know I'm a comic and a host, but you know,
everyone experiences a lot of competition in their industry and
people always ask me how do I cope? And we
leave it up to the celebrity guest that come on,
you know, to tell us how do you cope with that?
So I'm sure there was so much competition. There is
sometimes cattiness. How do you not let the hate and
(07:53):
the that get the noise get in the way.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
I knew that going into mess USA, I wasn't competing
against fifty other delegates. I was competing right in between
my ears. And that's my mentality going in. It's that
this is not an outcome based success. Whether I walked
away with the crown or not, success can still be
defined as success because I'm trying. My message is to
uplift other people. Success is not when you cross the
(08:16):
finish line. It's when you bring others with you to
cross alongside you. And that's exactly what I plan to
do with this platform. Whether I won or not, that
was the goal. And so now being in this position
with this platform, I think that is the key message
to me and that really was my mentality from day
one when I won this Michigan usay, I knew that
this was bigger than myself and that what my journey
(08:37):
was going to be would be what I made of it.
And if I were to make this journey solely about
the glitz and the glamour and being on stage, then
it would not be used to the most beneficial for
every single person I could possibly impact. So to me,
I'm just so so grateful, and I know that with
a servant heart and a willingness to be a leader
(08:59):
and a transformation one that I hope to have a
large impact across the globe.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
A man, that's amazing. Let's take it back to Miss Michigan,
because you know you've been through this for a long
time before Missy USA. What made you want to get
into pageants?
Speaker 1 (09:14):
I had always watched pageants like it was the super
Bowl in my home, I mean, with bowls of popcorn
and being on on every screen in the house. It
was the one thing in our household that we all
marked the calendar for.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
And I remember hearing my mom just growing up, always
just telling me about when she was younger, she competed
in the Miss America system, and she couldn't afford her
pageant fees, and so she taught dance lessons at a
dance studio to.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
Help fund her pageant fees. And to me, I just
was so inspired by the fact that my mother was
compelled to share her story and be a representative for
her hometown while also being someone who was so dedicated
to service as well. So when I grew up watching
the pageants, I saw young women who emulated intelligence, integrity,
(10:02):
who had amazing work ethics and wanted to make a
really large impact on so many people. And I said,
you know what, maybe one day I want to see
myself on that stage and hopefully get the chance to
compete for the Miss USA title. And that truly is
how all of this came about, is just watching it,
being inspired by women in my own life and hoping
to be an example for so many others out there.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
How many so? How many pageants do you have to
go into or to compete in until you win THESS Michigan? Right,
But then until you guys, will get submitted to Miss USA.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
Yes, so there's you can win a preliminary competition in
your hometown or in your region of your state and
then from there you go and compete at the state
level to become a delegate for the Miss USA competition.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Amazing and you, so what does Miss USA mean to you?
I love how you said. It's more when you were
talking about your mission statement and your message, what was
going on before that? What was inspiring you to say?
You know what I do because I agree with you.
I do want to work on healthy produce in people's homes.
You know, we work with city harvests, and it's important,
whether you're homeless, whatever income, you have to always be
(11:09):
exposed to nutritious stuff because that is what makes a
world test. So I just want to know where, Yeah,
what is Miss USA mean to you? And what was coming?
What went into your speech and plan? This is so fascinating.
I love it.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Well. I think that when I think about Miss USA,
I think about my experience with people like Miss Minnesota
this week. I mean instantly, we just clicked off the bat,
We walked into the hotel, ran into each other. We're like,
oh my gosh, we standing extreme each other, next to
each other in line. We're gonna be going through rehearsals
all the time together. When we walk out, we'll always
be next to each other, and that to us just
(11:42):
gave us so much comfort. And it's the fact that
fifty one women stood alongside each other in unity for
what we can bring to hopefully our home states and
to young women watching across the globe. And the fact
that you know, hopefully bringing people an idea of unity
and hope and be a beacon of hope for other people,
(12:02):
and hope is addictive. So I mean being a catalyst
for change and for good is at the forefront of
my heart. And knowing that I get to use this
platform with service at the core of my message. That
to me is what is going to make this experience
worthwhile because it's not what you know. It's not about
(12:25):
the glits and the gland. To me, it's about making
change and being a force for good because I truly
want to share that coming from humble beginnings, that no
matter what your circumstances are, they never define your destiny
and that if you can see me, you can be me.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Wow. I love that talking about seeing you and being you. Diversity.
Talk to the audience a little bit about your background,
your nationality, because it's very important to us, especially for
me of a woman of You know, I look white,
but I come from a background of color, and and
you know my parents are met Middle Eastern So how
did you know? Watching you that made me feel like, wow,
I can relate. So talk to us about that where
(13:03):
you come from and how much you incorporated that you
know growing up in pageants?
Speaker 1 (13:07):
You know, Yes, as an African American Latina woman, I
think that just being I am a firm believer that
knowing that you can fill spaces and have a seat
at the table and that your voice is not only heard,
but it's valued. That to me is what makes you
know chasing your dreams worthwhile and being a source of
(13:30):
representation for other people and hoping to uplift them and
their pursuits. I had the chance well at West Point
to be a part of a program called Elevation, where
the core message is to uplift high potential minority cadets
who show such great potential to do so many great
things and maybe just need that extra push of encouragement.
(13:51):
And doing that and being a part of that in
a community is what makes you know. Opportunities bloss and
grow and flourish because you're being watered and you're being
you know, nurtured by a group of people who want
to see you succeed. And I think that when you
(14:12):
see people who look like you in places that you
want to occupy, that fuels the fire a little bit
more for you, and that sparks a couple more flames
in the inferno, and then all of a sudden you're
taken off. So I think that, you know, being a
source of representation truly is an honor and a privilege.
But I do think that I am standing on the
shoulders of giants. I would not be here if it
(14:34):
were not for young women and leaders who have paved
the way for me. I know for sure that West
Point women have paved the way for me. There are
incredible people out there who have dedicated themselves to service
time and time again, and I know that they have
laid the foundation for where I stand, and I hope
to continue to build a path forward.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
I love that that's so inspirational. You know, we like
to give our audiences, especially like inspiration. Knowing that a
lot of the guests are in this show out didn't
have it always so great, right, You had to work
really hard to get to this point of being Miss USA.
Any stories you can share with us for hope that
maybe some people along the way were discriminating or you
(15:13):
felt bad or were not nice or did put you
down and said you're never going to win, You're never
going to do this. I mean, what do you tell like,
how do you feel now a And what do we
tell those people when we want to achieve our dreams?
You know, I remember telling people, you know, one day
I really want to compete at Miss USA, or one
day I or hey, I think I want to go
to West Point after having competed in Miss MICHIGANTINU USA
(15:34):
when I was younger, and people you know, laughing or
thinking there's no way that I could ever see you
one going to West Point, but two even finishing, not
even doing well, just finishing.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
And I thought, okay, watch me. So I think that
I'm the type of person that when I see a challenge,
I don't run away from it. I run towards it,
and I try to welcome it with an open mind
and a calloust mind, one that understands that I've overcome
in firstus before and that with that in the core
of my heart, my work ethic will drive me forward
(16:05):
past these tribulations that I may be facing. I think
that whatever it is that someone is looking to do,
whether they're the first, the only they can forge a
pass for themselves and build one for others to follow
after them. I again, if you can see me, you
can be me. And at the core of my message
it is that if you demand excellence in yourself, success
(16:27):
truly is accessible to all.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
I love that any other jobs that you've been working on,
I know you know, even have you been modeling before
that where you're doing some I know you were doing
some charity work and stuff. Talked to us about some
of the charity organizations you've worked with and that you're
passionate about, and also other like you know, I'm sure
jobs that you've been passionate about that you that have
set you up for this.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Yes, working with Forgotten Harvest in Michigan, which is a
farm that truly at the core of this message, wants
to bring again healthy, fresh produce to families across the
state of Michigan. They constantly are you know, harvesting the
food that they are growing on their land to then
give out and give to homeless shelters and places like
(17:12):
soup kitchens to give people the opportunity to find meals
for themselves that aren't just from a box or a can,
because food truly is the root of community. When you love,
you bring family in together. People come into town, what
do you do for them? You cook them a home
cooked meal and you take pride in that. And so
to me, fostering community, fostering community through healthy, nutritious foods,
(17:36):
that is something that connects us and every single day,
you know, people, the one thing we do every day
is we get we share meals with each other. And
so what better way to do that than to take
the foods and the produce that's harvested Afrigone harvest and
share it with people who truly truly need it. They're
an organization that I'm really passionate about Feeding America, working
(17:57):
with them, and again just hopefing to be a force
for good within that organization because forty four million people
across the country suffer with food insecurity. In Michigan, eleven
point seven percent of Michiganders suffer with food and security,
And I think that really it's just about tackling this
challenge across the globe. This is something that every single
(18:17):
state across the country faces every county in this country
bases food and security regardless of the meeting income in
that county. So this is something that truly is affecting
a lot of people. And if there's any way that
I can use this platform to bring awareness to it
and to advocate for it, I'm going to do that.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
I love that. Talk to us a little bit about
the outfits that you got to wear on Miss USA
last night, which was incredible, because you know, we love
we live for the fashion as well, or how does
that go or how do you go about picking you know,
your outfits?
Speaker 1 (18:54):
Well, Henry's Cloud nine. I there were my official gown
sponsor through the State of Michigan, and I had Givanni
Custom make my gown. God, Like, fifteen year old me
would have loved this for prompt like this is every
girl's dream, Like you get to just basically be Barbie
for a day and pick a gown that you may
(19:16):
have always wanted to wear and rocket on stage with
fifty other incredible women. I mean if we were backstage
going like Hi Barbie, Hi Barbie, Hi Barbie. Because it
really feels like that everyone is dressed to the nines
in their own personal style and reflecting at their core,
what they want to show on that stage and what
(19:37):
accentuates them best. Another thing was being sponsored by Heat Swimwear.
We got to wear their swimsuits on stage, which was
super exciting. Everyone looked so good. We kept saying that
the cameras were better than our eyesight because everyone looked
fallless on stage. I would look at the camera and
(19:58):
then I'd see myself on the TV under and I
was like, I don't remember any other time in my
life I have looked this good. And the same way
when I went backstage and I got to see Colorado Iowa, DC,
every single young woman looked absolutely incredible and yeah, I
mean somewhere evening gown and of course the opening number
(20:18):
gowns by Sherry Hill were so so beautiful. They radiated
on that stage. Every single person's color fit their skin
tones so perfectly. It was just I will remember that
last night for the rest of my life for sure.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
That's amazing. You looked incredible. All the women looked incredible.
I was like feeling, I'm like, this is where I
have to be. I feel too insecure on the stage
in comedy with a sweatshirt and sweatpants because it's really important.
I think the message too is to constantly and always
when you take care of yourself. It's part of loving yourself.
And you know, I want to know your tips on
what you go through in terms of mental health, but
(20:54):
also loving yourself, like what do you do for you?
You know, to make sure you're up to par and
you can be focused and you can be loving and
you know, nurturing like you have been, but you also
have to take care of yourself, right, So that's that's hard.
Speaker 1 (21:08):
Yes, Well, I'm incredibly grateful for the support system I have.
I mean, people who I haven't even met in real
life but have followed my story and have offered love
and support in their journey through the Miss USA organization.
They have been cores. It been a part of my
core and foundation in the support that I feel throughout
this journey and knowing that I am not alone, that
(21:29):
there are people who love me and support me and
are hear from me every single step of the way,
and that to me means the world. I mean, there
is something to be said about chasing your dreams, but
chasing your dreams with a support system like no other
is an undescribable feeling. Truly, I know that I would
not have been able to take this sleep into even
competing in this organization if it were not for my
(21:51):
core support system, friends, family, my boyfriend, support online, just
so many amazing people who either connect with my story
or want to share my story with their daughters or
their niece. It all means so much, and I truly
read every single message that I get because it is
so inspiring and so impactful on me to continue on
with what I'm doing. But in terms of knowing when
(22:13):
to take breaks, I mean, it is really important to
me that I stay strong in my message of service
and I do not waver in that. And I want
to make sure that I am at the best of
my abilities physically, mentally, and spiritually to be able to
do that to the best of my abilities, So that
will be something that I maintain throughout with my village
and my support system.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
What do you think it takes for us as women
to progress even further right to have more equal rights,
to more equal respect, and you know, just not have
this stigma on what's you know with women in society?
You know that men run the world. What do you
think we need to do.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
Well I'm a firm believer that you know, women are empowered.
I saw fifty one incredible empowered women on that stage
last night. I want to see women in positions of power,
and I think that we are seeing that again. There
were entrepreneurs, business owners, scholars, academics. I mean the range,
the depth and breadth of people on that stage last night.
(23:12):
I highly encourage people to read every single bio from
that stage because the women are amazing. And if you
need inspiration, please go and find these women on social
media because each and every single one of them are incredible.
I truly think that through community, through building bonds and
breaking down barriers, bridging gaps, that is the way that
(23:35):
we find ourselves in these spaces to then overcome adversities
that we face, and then once there and we find
our seat at the table, speak up and use our voice,
to use our personal experiences and stories to make change.
I think that fundamentally is at the core of what
you know women empowerment is about. And I really hope
that through my brain I can continue to share a
(23:57):
message of service with so many people.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
So don't be afraid to speak up, ladies. We really
sometimes we're scared to ask for what we want. Any
tips on how to ask it in a I guess
polite way, because sometimes when you ask right for what
you want, even if it's polite, people seem to say
you're difficult, not you, but women, or you know, we're
asking for too much. Any way that we can learn
maybe from you you seem to have a some boundaries,
(24:22):
but also can ask you know, for respect as well,
with any like a tip or two that we can.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
I mean, I ultimately would just say, at the end
of the day, you are the only you, and that's
all that you can offer is just being so true
to yourself, and at times you can truly feel like
the only you, truly feel like there is no one
else who is on this path with you that you
are on the the not so taking trail. I think
(24:52):
that is when you have to look into your core
and see, you know, why am I here? What is
my purpose? And focus on that answer that question for
yourself and that will push you through any adversity you face.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
That's a great answer. We're moving forward now to your
boyfriend speaking about support, who's been so super supportive, which
is amazing because we talk about dating on Chanelle in
the city and we incorporate that with everyone's lifestyle of
how do you so, you know, you got to pick
the right partner, especially in a career like this, to
be supportive. How important was it for you to be
with someone who was supportive of this journey? You know?
Speaker 1 (25:29):
Well, I my boyfriend who just has always been my
number one fan. I feel like he I remember I
told him about a month before I decided to compete
for Miss Michigan. I just on the whimb, was like, yeah,
I really one day I really want to compete I
Miss Usa. I think that would just that that's always
been a dream of mine, that's been on vision board,
(25:49):
and yeah, that's something I've always really wanted to do.
And he was like, oh my gosh, that is amazing,
and I was like thank you. So then about a
month later, I was getting ready to cheer at a
basketball game at Stanford and I was a cheerleader last year,
and I called him and I was like, I made
a decision today and I wanted to share with you
(26:10):
after the game, but I'm going to tell you right now.
I'm going to compete. And the pageant is in like
two and a half months, but I'm going to do this,
and he was like, we got this. When do we start?
What do you need me to do? And I think
that when you find people in your life, friends, partners,
family who are with you through the good, the bad,
(26:33):
the ugly, but every single time, know you at your
core and know what your purpose is, know where your
heart is, that is an induscribable feeling. Again, I'll go
back to saying it that it's one thing to chase
your dreams, but it's one thing to chase your dreams
with what feels like an army of us supports some Yeah,
and I can only hope that I can be a
(26:56):
source of inspiration for other people to truly go after
whatever it is the passion of Well.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
I love it. You're very inspirational. I mean, I think
every woman should hear this because a lot of times
people have they come and ask us, I'm no gourer
on dating because I can barely keep a man, which
I'm trying to learn from you. But it's hard. It's
hard to date and a lot of men aren't supportive
or a lot of men want to dim your light.
So I think this. I think you're a good example
to show women that you can pick a partner that
(27:22):
will be supportive and not intimidated by your success and
push you to be a better person and better a
better Miss USA, right, because yes, together you can be better.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
And I truly believe that when we light someone else's candle,
it doesn't make ours any dimmer. It makes the room brighter.
And because of that, that truly is what Again. I
go back to being on a stage with fifty incredible delegates,
all from their respective states, shining their light, and we'd
(27:52):
never once dimmed anyone's light, but that room shined incredibly
bright for sure.
Speaker 2 (27:57):
See that's amazing because I don't think we should put
people down, your right, and you're an example for it.
It's like you don't have to put people down in
order to be a star, and you want fair and
square with putting all your colleagues up and inspiring them
and supporting them and being vulnerable and even saying, hey,
it takes an army, it takes a village. It's not
just me. So that's why we thank you for the vulnerability.
(28:20):
It's just being real, I think. And then when somebody
is real, you can actually relate to them and buy
into it even more, you know, what I mean of
what they want to do for the world. What's your
thoughts on without getting too into politics and too deep,
but what's your thoughts on what's going on in the
world and any tips on how we can create more
peaceful environments with diverse within When it comes to diversity.
Speaker 1 (28:45):
I truly believe that the ability to create dialogue and
to have tough conversations about things that we are all
thinking about is what is necessary to provide unity and
to provide opportunity for people to find hope and to
find dialogue that is encouraging and inspiring for one another,
(29:07):
because at the end of the day, we are all people,
and there is something to be said about going through
this experience of life alongside people that you care about,
alongside people that you love, and that truly should be
at our course. Dialogue, even though it may be difficult,
but dialogue was very important and I think that's the
best step forward when when thinking about past for this
(29:31):
for this.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
Country, great answer. I love that that's very rational answer.
Instead of fighting, we don't like to fight. We love peace.
Who is one pageant? Well, who I guess throughout the
years of Miss USA, Who is somebody you looked up
to that you want to talk about that? You were
very like, oh my god, this is such a great moment.
I want to I just would love to call her
(29:51):
or yeah, talk to us about a Miss USA.
Speaker 1 (29:54):
Deshauna Barber. When she won Miss USA, she became the
first service member to win the title of this USA.
And I was going into my junior year of high
school when she won, and I was thinking about applying
to West Point, and I just thought to myself, oh
my goodness, this is amazing. Like again, I have this
(30:16):
dream of being on the stage, but this woman just
showed me that it is possible to be in the
Army and win this title. And while I may never
see another young woman emulate this so niche of an
example of what I'm trying to do. Ever, again, I
need to hold onto this. This is so inspiring, and
so I just I follow her. She's a motivational speaker
(30:39):
and I just love her message and I truly have
found so much inspiration in it, and in times when
things were really difficult or when I was thinking, you know,
maybe this is this is just a crazy path, This
is nuts. This you know, maybe people are right, this
is crazy. No one's ever done this before. Da da
da da da. I would look to her video and
(31:00):
I would say, if she did this, then I can
find hope and inspiration in it and carry on to
the path that I am truly passionate about, which is
to put service at the forefront of this platform, on
this opportunity. So for me, my biggest just ah like
fangirl moment for a Miss USA would have to be
(31:22):
Deshauna Barber.
Speaker 2 (31:22):
For sure, love that that's awesome. She's awesome. She really is?
Speaker 1 (31:26):
Is she is?
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Any miss usays that have reached out to you that
was really cool or give you advice they want to wait?
Speaker 1 (31:36):
I mean, just such a gem of an individual, Uma
Sophia has reached out to me. Just very kind women
who also are a part of this and a part
of this journey. I mean, I am so grateful for
the love and the outpouring of support that they have showed.
And I know that as Miss USA, I'm going to
continue as a pillar of service for this organization and
(31:58):
be eager to serve and willing to leave.
Speaker 2 (32:00):
I love that. We'll wrap up on a few I
was just a couple of rapid fire questions. What would
you say was your prep process. I know people get nerves.
How do you calm yourself down mentally? How do you
prepare before each set you're going on stage on yeah,
with each costume.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
Yes, I would say, I like to dance, even if
I'm dancing poorly. I will still dance, even if it's
just a little two step in line or something or
less girl. And it was so fun being backstage. And
there was one gentleman who would play music on mic,
a little little a little boombox, it was like one
(32:40):
attached to his pocket, and before we went on stage
for finals, he was playing every like dance song you
could think of. And we were just backstage crapping and jamming.
And then we had like a little dance circle and
then you'd see like Kentucky get in the dance circle,
and then you'd see like someone else get in the
dance circle, like oh my gosh, and then they're like
(33:01):
thirty seconds look, oh my gosh, So you start dancing
a little bit more. I really just think that dancing
for me is the best way to get the nerves out,
to remember that I am a human being and that
you know, this is just this is just a part
of this is just a part of the human experience.
I'm just gonna go out there, be myself and take
this energy with me. I think that was really special
(33:24):
to share with all of the women backstage. And yeah,
that's for sure, definitely how I get the nerves out,
I would say, I love that.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
And you know, speaking of validation, you know, I know
you spoke about a little bit in your speech of
getting more validation from yourself as opposed to others. Do
you feel that helps you stay strong? And how do
you I mean, any tips you can share with us
in the audience of like how to not I guess
always people please but trust your intuition, trust who you
are as a human.
Speaker 1 (33:53):
Yeah, I mean I would say that the learn to
know yourself and going through challenges I think is the
best way to know yourself. That's how you build your
character is by finding times when you're like, man, this
is really hard and how am I going to respond
to it? Those are the moments that you build your character,
and those are the moments that you truly show what
(34:14):
you are made of and what you stand for. And
I think that to me, being challenged at Leas's point,
being challenged at Stamford those are times where I've forged
my character and that's what I rely on in my
work ethic and my integrity and what I want to do.
And I think that you know, in times when you
do have moments of self doubt or you're thinking, toself
(34:36):
oh well, maybe I can't do this, or I've never
seen someone do this before, just relying on the fact
that you have overcome challenging things before. People before you
overcome challenging things before, and again, you are the only
version of youth. So own that to the fullest extent
and lean into that, because that truly is what makes
(34:56):
you beautiful.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
So you heard it here first everyone from Miss USA herself.
That's true. I meant to that any celebrities along the way,
because I know there's a bunch of celebrities that love
watching Miss USA. They're obsessed with it. Anyone you've met
that you want to share, like an experience with that
was cool with you.
Speaker 1 (35:12):
Taking a photo with Patrick Todd was unreal.
Speaker 4 (35:17):
I thought to myself, Oh my gosh, Like I fangirl
at Sapphora when I see like the new products that
are out, and then you are here in real.
Speaker 1 (35:27):
Life seng like I was like, whoa, this is a
dream that's awesome. People that I am fangirling over as
well in preparation formas to USA are the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.
Speaker 2 (35:43):
Damn yes there.
Speaker 1 (35:44):
I watched the series as I was getting ready for
Miss USA. I mean, it came out at the perfect time.
I was like rooting for Reefs, and then I was
rooting for Charlie, and then I was I mean, I
was just so invested in these women their stories because
I found a lot of similarities to the Paget world
and seeing women chase their dreams, move across the country
(36:07):
to chase their dreams and only come down to thirty
six women and then to stand on stage was fifty one.
I mean, there were so many similarities that I found
throughout watching that series, and oh my goodness, I just
was like, Okay, if they can dance it in that
big stadium, I can walk on that stage. So yeah,
I love that.
Speaker 2 (36:26):
And you cheered too, yourself, I mean, how was that
experience being a cheerleader? You said similar yayes.
Speaker 1 (36:32):
I cheered for one year at Stanford during my first
year as a graduate student, and I just had a blast.
I really felt like being in a place where, you know,
I've never cheered before my life. But again, I had
this dream of ever since I was a little girl.
I wanted to be a cheerleader from watching the Dallas
Cowboys cheerleaders, and I thought, you know, what better a
(36:53):
time to do it than you know, at a university
was so much spirit and pride and such a big,
beautiful community, and getting that opportunity as a graduate student
was so so much fun and so neat because I
am committed to being a lifelong learner. I think that,
you know, I never want to be the smartest person
in the room. I always want to learn. I always
want to learn, I always want to grow. And I
(37:15):
definitely learned and grew a ton of being on the
cheer team having never cheered before, maybe taking a couple
of dance classes when I was younger, and like, I
did gymnastics for one year, but I couldn't climb the
road but at that time, so I was like, oh,
I just can't be a gymnast, I can't be some mobiles.
But yeah, I really enjoyed being a cheerleader and just
(37:37):
being a part of just the Stanford spirit and community.
Speaker 2 (37:40):
I love that it's you know, it's funny because you know,
in terms of doing all this, it's a lot of work.
You know, what do you want to say to women
out there? Can can you be at all? Can you
be beautiful? Can you be sexy?
Speaker 1 (37:52):
Can you be smart?
Speaker 2 (37:53):
Can you do work?
Speaker 1 (37:54):
You know? If anything? I really mean that anything, because
I just I just think about what it would mean
to me to see anyone who is committed to so
many different passions in their life and wanting to uplift
voices and uplift marginalized populations. I wish I had a
(38:17):
similar role model to that growing up. And there have
been times when I've doubted this experience in my dreams
because you know, no one's ever no one's had all
these different paths and roads and turns. But I like
to say that this dream has been delayed but never denied,
and that whatever it is that you are dreaming of,
or a passion project or business you plan on starting,
(38:37):
whatever that may be, you can do it because your
circumstances never define your destiny. For one and two, success
is always accessible when you demand excellence of yourself.
Speaker 2 (38:47):
Love that have there any been low moments last night
where you thought it might you know, maybe someone might
not come out of it great or cope with it.
Greade that you were like, oh, thank God, you know,
like the Steve Harvey moment, but you know that thing
God didn't happen last last night. And they hired a
woman to host was on top of her game.
Speaker 1 (39:09):
She really was no the okay, one thing we did say.
All the contestants were saying were that the hosts of
the show were amazing. I was like, I feel like
I'm watching the show, but I'm in the show, right.
I think that there. I just when I know, years
(39:29):
from now, when I look back at this experience, this
journey and it all starting last night, that I will
reflect on the fact that I just had so so
much fun and at the end of the day, whether
I won or lost, I was going to walk away
saying I've made so many great friends and that I
truly had a last and just seeing I mean, I
(39:52):
can't truly describe what it felt like to just look
into the monitor, see a red light on and know
that I was being broadcast to so many and knowing
that I mean, my volleyball coaches from high school, their
young daughters were watching it. Just filled my heart with
so much joy to know that young girls all across
(40:12):
the country, all across the globe, saw so many different,
diverse women with incredible stories. And I hope that, you know,
they can find inspiration in that and just go into
their Monday, go into their week knowing that whateverage and
they're looking to chase it is possible.
Speaker 2 (40:30):
That's really important is about having fun, and I think
we forget that and lose sight of that. And I
think that's the secret. And everyone wants to ask how
do I make it in the industry, And it's really
about having fun and letting go. And that's where your
personality shines. And we saw it last night, you know, Oh.
Speaker 1 (40:45):
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (40:48):
Yeah, I mean it's important, right, personality in these pageants
is important, being kind, being a team player, right, That's
all that goes a long way for sure. I love that.
What anything else do you want to share with us?
Like how it's changed since last night? Has Like did
you think your whole life would change over? And I
like Cinderella, like what's going on now?
Speaker 1 (41:10):
I remember thinking when I remember when I wait being
backstage and speaking with different media and taking photos. I
just thought people kept asking me do you believe it?
Is it real? And I was like, I need to
watch it, like I need to physically see it, because
I feel like this is a dresser versus There's no
way that this all happened in the past hour. And
(41:32):
I just remember getting back to my phone and just
seeing so many text messages and photos and videos and
just sweet kind messages from people, and that to me,
I mean, even before going into the competition, just people
giving me so much love, family, friends, classmates, just so
(41:53):
much joy. I just think, you know, being on that
stage and with Connor Perry, Miss Kentucky incredible for and
I remember knowing and hugging her and just thinking no
one else in the world feels this moment like we do,
and everyone's at the edge of our seat, but there's
just some unique energy being in, you know, standing on
(42:15):
that blue X and just us to you there, and
I just really wanted to relish in that because it
truly is a celebration of every single person's story on
that stage and every single person who's dreaming to hopefully
be on that stage some day. Toub did anyone's story
stand out to you like a specific story that you
were like, you know what, even though I'm gonna win,
I love her story. You know, I'm just kidding, Yes, yeah, yes, Well,
(42:40):
Connor Perry is a professional dancer, and I was like,
I'm doing like the two step backstage. I'm like, she
can dance, she can dance, and she just has such
a kind heart. And I think that her energy and
the way she just lights up the stage lit up
the room. It was just so beautiful to see backstage.
(43:00):
Myself Connor Perry known me Miss Pennsylvania, and then Miss
Ohio Macy Hudson. All four of us are sister queens,
were from the same directorship, so we all have been
on this journey together. Miss Pennsylvania was my roommate and
I remember every time I would see her walk on
stage during rehearsal, I would always yell, that's my room.
Speaker 2 (43:23):
So incredible. And how do you not get jeled? Like,
I mean, this is a silly question, but there's so
many there's so much jealousy. How that's incredible and so
encouraging to me? How do you because knowing that you
might not win, but you're competing and you're sharing rooms,
how do you go through that you just say, oh,
this is my just.
Speaker 1 (43:38):
Say you know what, We're in this together. Everyone else
can feel that moment like you do when you're on
that stage, and it truly takes courage to stand on
that stage, walk across in an evening gown in high heels,
in a swimsuit in high heels, and present yourself with
confidence with your head held high, knowing that you are there,
(43:59):
You're in the moment, and you are truly leaning into
who you are in what you are made of. And
so it is not hard at all to celebrate people
and especially women sisters who are standing alongside each other
and chasing the same dream.
Speaker 2 (44:16):
That's incredible. We need to learn from that. I hope
the audience is really listening in to understand what we
need to do to be there for each other. You
can win, you can lose. There's no point of being
jealous because at the end of the day, there's karma
that comes around and you will get your moment. And
look at this is an example. You got what you
wanted because you were always happy for people and a
team player and you worked hard.
Speaker 1 (44:37):
You know, so, thank you so much. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (44:41):
That goes a long way you went. You said you
went you were a graduate Stanford. What did you go
to school? For people who want to know more of
your background for your studies and your.
Speaker 1 (44:50):
Yes, I currently am a graduate student at Stanford. So
I just finished my first year and I'm going into
my second year of grad school earning my master's in
data science through the night Fannessy Scholarship program. At West Point.
I earned my bachelor's in mathematical science.
Speaker 2 (45:04):
Wow. So we really all have no excuse to not,
you know, because so many people are like, I just
want to make it, and I want to get this,
and I want to get that, but I don't want
to work for it. And then I see you and
you're like getting your graduate degree and you're a Miss USA.
So we don't have any excuses anymore.
Speaker 1 (45:19):
Yes, anyone and everyone can do it. I am just
a firm believer in that. And I just think there's
so many women on that stage. You truly represent that.
Speaker 2 (45:26):
We have one fan who's asking Dolores from Ohio. She
wants to know age. First of all. She says, congratulations,
You're one of my favorite people in the world. Congratulations
and winning Miss USA. I think you're going to do
great for our country. What do you think about agism
with women when it comes to women and does it
play a role in the pageant industry?
Speaker 1 (45:48):
Yes, well, Miss Maryland, her monolist beauty has no expiration
date and I am a firm believer in that. Miss Arizona,
incredible woman. I met her i was getting my evening
gown design and her light shines so bright because the
women on that stage show that regardless of your age,
(46:09):
regardless of your background, you can chase your dreams. And
the fact that they lifted the age limit and are
now allowing anyone, any young woman who wants to chase
their dream to chase it. I think that that is
just so so beautiful.
Speaker 2 (46:26):
I love that. What about and then we got Janet?
We got one more question. Janet from Sorry Virginia is
asking social media. How does social media play a big
part or does it play a big part in miss USI.
Speaker 1 (46:40):
I think that for me, when I think about social media,
I want to use it as a place to cultivate
a community of excellence, a community and a culture of
excellence where people feel celebrated, people feel welcomed, and that
throughout my journey, I want to take people alongside with me.
Social media shouldn't just be a highlight reel, it me
everything all the bits in between. And I think that
(47:04):
with service at the forefront of my heart, I'm so
eager and excited to be able to share different opportunities
and things that come about throughout this journey because it
truly is bigger than myself. And if there's any way
that I can continue to share my message through social
media and be able to truly show that if you
can see me, you can be me.
Speaker 2 (47:22):
I love that. What are your thoughts on Kamala Harris
being a woman running for president for our country, which
is kind of a big deal because we have never
had that. How do you feel about it? And would
you love to work with her someday within service?
Speaker 1 (47:37):
I would love to meet her. I think that would
be incredible. I mean I very briefly met her. She
was the commencement speaker at West Point my graduating year.
So I have a photo from my mentor on stage
where I'm so looming the Vice President of the United States,
Vice President Kamala Harris. That photo means so much to me.
It gives me goosebumps just right now thinking of it
(47:58):
because it just means so much, regardless of your political
views or anything practical, but you see someone who is
representing so much for this country is truly inspiring and incredible.
Speaker 2 (48:09):
I love that. Do you think we're going to see
any acting gigs from you or anything else in the
entertainment industry coming from you?
Speaker 1 (48:14):
You know, I don't know. We'll see, we'll see what
so going through? I mean, I just I'm just taking
in every moment, one good at a time, and just
so so grateful.
Speaker 2 (48:24):
Well, we're wishing you a big congratulations, Miss Usa. We
love you, We're inspired by you. Where can everybody follow
you and tune in if you have a website to
plug in social media and any of the charities that
we can donate or actually get involved in with.
Speaker 1 (48:38):
You, Feeding America please, there's a link in my bio
Alma dot Cooper. Feeding America's LinkedIn my link tree. And
then also, Miss Usa, follow my journey on there as well.
Speaker 2 (48:50):
I love that, And we're going to stay tuned. We're
going to have you back on to God willing, and
we're going to stay tuned on all your progress and
anything you want to you know, promote. We really thank
you for inspiring us and taking the time to
Speaker 1 (49:01):
Be Thank you so much, Thank you so much.
Hi, I'm Miss USA twenty twenty four Alma Cooper, and
you're listening to me on the Shanell on the City
podcast with Shanelle Omari on the iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Hey, everyone, welcome back to another episode of Chanelle in
the City on iHeartRadio. I'm your girl, Shanell A Mari
and we have what a special treat in a special guest.
I'm a lucky girl today. I have been such a
fan of the Miss USA pageants and competition. It's one
of the most watched shows television shows in history in
the world. And here to welcome we have Miss Michigan
(00:34):
who just got crowned Miss USA, representing all women, all
little girls all over the world. I'm gonna get to
your eye help us welcome our dear friend, Alma Cooper,
Miss USA twenty twenty four. Congratulations, How are you?
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Thank you so much. I'm doing so well this today
has been such a beautiful day already, just sharing bits
and pieces of last night and how I felt and
just so many things going through my mind, but all
so positive and just so grateful.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
We are so happy for you. First of all, what
a movement in women history. Take us a little bit about,
you know, for those of those of who have in Tundania,
take us through last night, like some of the highlight
moments and how you were feeling.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
I would say a major highlight for me was the
amount of diversity that was on stage. Just seeing so
much representation for so many young girls who are looking
at that stage and hoping to see someone who looks
like them doing a dream that they may own, they
may have themselves, truly showing that representation matters for one,
but two, not only do these stories deserve to be
(01:43):
up here, but they belong here. And I think that
I've never truly been in a space that has been
so so warm and beautiful and welcoming and united amongst
so many beautiful women. I mean, there just was so
much unity on that stage, just supporting one another and
rooting for one another, looking out in the crowd and
seeing each other's moms, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, and
(02:06):
knowing that each person on that stage has a unique
story that's beautiful and dedicated to a cause and passion
that they are all passionate about. So to me, I
just that is definitely a highlight. I also want to
speak to the amount of gratitude I have to the mentors, professors,
and the outpouring of support from people that are in
the army, people who I'm in my scholarship program with
(02:29):
at Stanford. The love that I have received is so
overwhelming and so beautiful, and it speaks to just the
whole message that I really want to get at this year,
which is this moment, and this year is bigger than myself,
and that is where my heart and my mind are
at the forefront of is serving others. Because I know
that my roles mis Usa is truly an extension of
(02:50):
my service and uniform.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
I love that that so beautifully said that, you know,
I want to get into that a little bit because
a lot of people stereotype or sometimes there's a negative sigma.
They don't understand how hard you all work, you know,
to whether achieving the wind or the crown, but also
to just it's beyond you. It's beyond the message. A
did you think you were going to win last night?
I mean, you know, because no one knows, right, So
(03:13):
every did you have a feeling like how does it go?
The process usually take us through the proc.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
I mean every time they announced my name out of cut,
I was genuinely shocked because everything goes by so fast.
I mean, I could I remember walking off stage in
opening number and getting ready to announce the top twenty,
and I just thought, you know, even if this is
my last time on the stage to night, what a
ride this has been, and it's not even over yet.
(03:39):
I still would have continued as Miss Michigan and been
able to serve the State of Michigan in every capacity
that I could I possibly could, which is working in
the realm of food and security and providing healthy and
nutritious foods for every single person who needs access to
fresh produce in their homes. To me, that is a
key point in what I want to do as in
(04:00):
this USA. But I think that, you know, every time
I stepped on that stage, I just tried to have
the mentality that if this was my last time, I
want to just put it all out there and leave
nothing left in the tank, just give it all I had.
But genuinely, I can't even speak to the amount of
joy I had every single time another young woman's name
was announced, because that's someone else's dream that's still continuing,
(04:23):
that's still alive, and that there are young girls who
are looking at them from maybe their hometown or their
home state, We're like, oh my gosh, I see iowall,
I see Colorado. You know, maybe I can be like
them when I'm older. And that, just in and of itself,
is just I think, such a powerful message women supporting women.
I think that is something that needs to continue in
(04:44):
this year and in two years to come. I think
on social media there's so much there's so many things
that often divide us. And I am here to use
my platform to be a beacon of hope, to be
a beacon of unity, to be a connector across this country,
because I think that's what truly matters.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
What an amen to that, because that is true. We
have to continue this supporting women, supporting women, the genuine
aspect of it. But also, you know, standing by your
message and explaining why this is so important, right, like
why we need you to be Miss the USA. There
is more than just a crown and the vanity of
it or the superficiality. There's more to it, you know,
(05:20):
take us through what makes so through the process, What
makes you win or how do you get to a
certain stage, like what creates I guess what makes you
Miss USA?
Speaker 1 (05:30):
Right, like, yes, yes. There are a couple of phases
of competition. One is interview with the judges, and that
I think is just the time to show who you are.
I mean, the one thing that made every single one
of us unique is that each of us are our
own individual person, and we bring to the stage so
many unique qualities that only we can truly represent about ourselves,
(05:51):
so that the interview room is definitely the time to
share those bits and pieces. On stage, you see swim
we're in evening gown, and that was done during the
preliminary competition with all fifty one delegates, and then on
finals that's where the top twenty are picked based off
of the preliminary competition as well as the interview. And
on that twenty you do a swimwear competition, which is
so crazy to me because I felt like, you know,
(06:14):
every time you look at a camera, it's not just
a red light that's reporting for your VCR at home,
it's for national television. So that way it came through
my mind a couple of times, but was still so exhilarating.
And then from there they cut it down to ten
you do evening gown, and then from ten you go
to five, and that's when you do the final question,
and then they crown whoever's going to be this.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
USA and that's according to the judges, it's not the
public correct. Wow. And then we had you had the host,
Garcelle from Housewives of Beverly Hills's also been crowned and
as well as in the pageants her whole life and
an actress. How how did that feel to have her?
Speaker 1 (06:51):
I mean, it was so surreal. It's like when you're
growing up you watch these amazing, incredible celebrities hosts the
show and they keep you on the edge of your toe,
like the edge of your seat. You're just like, oh
my goodness, who's going You're picking your like top twenty
each time there's a commercial break, and then to be
there and standing next to them and to answer a
(07:12):
final question next to them. It I just go back
to watching young women like Olivia Coppo, Olivia Jordan, Deshauna
Barber go through that same moment and have an impact
on so many people like myself, and I just hope
that whatever I said could hopefully have an impact on
at least one person out watching at home.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
I love that, you know, talk to us a little
bit about the competition. I know that in every industry.
I know I'm a comic and a host, but you know,
everyone experiences a lot of competition in their industry and
people always ask me how do I cope? And we
leave it up to the celebrity guest that come on,
you know, to tell us how do you cope with that?
So I'm sure there was so much competition. There is
sometimes cattiness. How do you not let the hate and
(07:53):
the that get the noise get in the way.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
I knew that going into mess USA, I wasn't competing
against fifty other delegates. I was competing right in between
my ears. And that's my mentality going in. It's that
this is not an outcome based success. Whether I walked
away with the crown or not, success can still be
defined as success because I'm trying. My message is to
uplift other people. Success is not when you cross the
(08:16):
finish line. It's when you bring others with you to
cross alongside you. And that's exactly what I plan to
do with this platform. Whether I won or not, that
was the goal. And so now being in this position
with this platform, I think that is the key message
to me and that really was my mentality from day
one when I won this Michigan usay, I knew that
this was bigger than myself and that what my journey
(08:37):
was going to be would be what I made of it.
And if I were to make this journey solely about
the glitz and the glamour and being on stage, then
it would not be used to the most beneficial for
every single person I could possibly impact. So to me,
I'm just so so grateful, and I know that with
a servant heart and a willingness to be a leader
(08:59):
and a transformation one that I hope to have a
large impact across the globe.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
A man, that's amazing. Let's take it back to Miss Michigan,
because you know you've been through this for a long
time before Missy USA. What made you want to get
into pageants?
Speaker 1 (09:14):
I had always watched pageants like it was the super
Bowl in my home, I mean, with bowls of popcorn
and being on on every screen in the house. It
was the one thing in our household that we all
marked the calendar for.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
And I remember hearing my mom just growing up, always
just telling me about when she was younger, she competed
in the Miss America system, and she couldn't afford her
pageant fees, and so she taught dance lessons at a
dance studio to.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
Help fund her pageant fees. And to me, I just
was so inspired by the fact that my mother was
compelled to share her story and be a representative for
her hometown while also being someone who was so dedicated
to service as well. So when I grew up watching
the pageants, I saw young women who emulated intelligence, integrity,
(10:02):
who had amazing work ethics and wanted to make a
really large impact on so many people. And I said,
you know what, maybe one day I want to see
myself on that stage and hopefully get the chance to
compete for the Miss USA title. And that truly is
how all of this came about, is just watching it,
being inspired by women in my own life and hoping
to be an example for so many others out there.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
How many so? How many pageants do you have to
go into or to compete in until you win THESS Michigan? Right,
But then until you guys, will get submitted to Miss USA.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
Yes, so there's you can win a preliminary competition in
your hometown or in your region of your state and
then from there you go and compete at the state
level to become a delegate for the Miss USA competition.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Amazing and you, so what does Miss USA mean to you?
I love how you said. It's more when you were
talking about your mission statement and your message, what was
going on before that? What was inspiring you to say?
You know what I do because I agree with you.
I do want to work on healthy produce in people's homes.
You know, we work with city harvests, and it's important,
whether you're homeless, whatever income, you have to always be
(11:09):
exposed to nutritious stuff because that is what makes a
world test. So I just want to know where, Yeah,
what is Miss USA mean to you? And what was coming?
What went into your speech and plan? This is so fascinating.
I love it.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Well. I think that when I think about Miss USA,
I think about my experience with people like Miss Minnesota
this week. I mean instantly, we just clicked off the bat,
We walked into the hotel, ran into each other. We're like,
oh my gosh, we standing extreme each other, next to
each other in line. We're gonna be going through rehearsals
all the time together. When we walk out, we'll always
be next to each other, and that to us just
(11:42):
gave us so much comfort. And it's the fact that
fifty one women stood alongside each other in unity for
what we can bring to hopefully our home states and
to young women watching across the globe. And the fact
that you know, hopefully bringing people an idea of unity
and hope and be a beacon of hope for other people,
(12:02):
and hope is addictive. So I mean being a catalyst
for change and for good is at the forefront of
my heart. And knowing that I get to use this
platform with service at the core of my message. That
to me is what is going to make this experience
worthwhile because it's not what you know. It's not about
(12:25):
the glits and the gland. To me, it's about making
change and being a force for good because I truly
want to share that coming from humble beginnings, that no
matter what your circumstances are, they never define your destiny
and that if you can see me, you can be me.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Wow. I love that talking about seeing you and being you. Diversity.
Talk to the audience a little bit about your background,
your nationality, because it's very important to us, especially for
me of a woman of You know, I look white,
but I come from a background of color, and and
you know my parents are met Middle Eastern So how
did you know? Watching you that made me feel like, wow,
I can relate. So talk to us about that where
(13:03):
you come from and how much you incorporated that you
know growing up in pageants?
Speaker 1 (13:07):
You know, Yes, as an African American Latina woman, I
think that just being I am a firm believer that
knowing that you can fill spaces and have a seat
at the table and that your voice is not only heard,
but it's valued. That to me is what makes you
know chasing your dreams worthwhile and being a source of
(13:30):
representation for other people and hoping to uplift them and
their pursuits. I had the chance well at West Point
to be a part of a program called Elevation, where
the core message is to uplift high potential minority cadets
who show such great potential to do so many great
things and maybe just need that extra push of encouragement.
(13:51):
And doing that and being a part of that in
a community is what makes you know. Opportunities bloss and
grow and flourish because you're being watered and you're being
you know, nurtured by a group of people who want
to see you succeed. And I think that when you
(14:12):
see people who look like you in places that you
want to occupy, that fuels the fire a little bit
more for you, and that sparks a couple more flames
in the inferno, and then all of a sudden you're
taken off. So I think that, you know, being a
source of representation truly is an honor and a privilege.
But I do think that I am standing on the
shoulders of giants. I would not be here if it
(14:34):
were not for young women and leaders who have paved
the way for me. I know for sure that West
Point women have paved the way for me. There are
incredible people out there who have dedicated themselves to service
time and time again, and I know that they have
laid the foundation for where I stand, and I hope
to continue to build a path forward.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
I love that that's so inspirational. You know, we like
to give our audiences, especially like inspiration. Knowing that a
lot of the guests are in this show out didn't
have it always so great, right, You had to work
really hard to get to this point of being Miss USA.
Any stories you can share with us for hope that
maybe some people along the way were discriminating or you
(15:13):
felt bad or were not nice or did put you
down and said you're never going to win, You're never
going to do this. I mean, what do you tell like,
how do you feel now a And what do we
tell those people when we want to achieve our dreams?
You know, I remember telling people, you know, one day
I really want to compete at Miss USA, or one
day I or hey, I think I want to go
to West Point after having competed in Miss MICHIGANTINU USA
(15:34):
when I was younger, and people you know, laughing or
thinking there's no way that I could ever see you
one going to West Point, but two even finishing, not
even doing well, just finishing.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
And I thought, okay, watch me. So I think that
I'm the type of person that when I see a challenge,
I don't run away from it. I run towards it,
and I try to welcome it with an open mind
and a calloust mind, one that understands that I've overcome
in firstus before and that with that in the core
of my heart, my work ethic will drive me forward
(16:05):
past these tribulations that I may be facing. I think
that whatever it is that someone is looking to do,
whether they're the first, the only they can forge a
pass for themselves and build one for others to follow
after them. I again, if you can see me, you
can be me. And at the core of my message
it is that if you demand excellence in yourself, success
(16:27):
truly is accessible to all.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
I love that any other jobs that you've been working on,
I know you know, even have you been modeling before
that where you're doing some I know you were doing
some charity work and stuff. Talked to us about some
of the charity organizations you've worked with and that you're
passionate about, and also other like you know, I'm sure
jobs that you've been passionate about that you that have
set you up for this.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Yes, working with Forgotten Harvest in Michigan, which is a
farm that truly at the core of this message, wants
to bring again healthy, fresh produce to families across the
state of Michigan. They constantly are you know, harvesting the
food that they are growing on their land to then
give out and give to homeless shelters and places like
(17:12):
soup kitchens to give people the opportunity to find meals
for themselves that aren't just from a box or a can,
because food truly is the root of community. When you love,
you bring family in together. People come into town, what
do you do for them? You cook them a home
cooked meal and you take pride in that. And so
to me, fostering community, fostering community through healthy, nutritious foods,
(17:36):
that is something that connects us and every single day,
you know, people, the one thing we do every day
is we get we share meals with each other. And
so what better way to do that than to take
the foods and the produce that's harvested Afrigone harvest and
share it with people who truly truly need it. They're
an organization that I'm really passionate about Feeding America, working
(17:57):
with them, and again just hopefing to be a force
for good within that organization because forty four million people
across the country suffer with food insecurity. In Michigan, eleven
point seven percent of Michiganders suffer with food and security,
And I think that really it's just about tackling this
challenge across the globe. This is something that every single
(18:17):
state across the country faces every county in this country
bases food and security regardless of the meeting income in
that county. So this is something that truly is affecting
a lot of people. And if there's any way that
I can use this platform to bring awareness to it
and to advocate for it, I'm going to do that.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
I love that. Talk to us a little bit about
the outfits that you got to wear on Miss USA
last night, which was incredible, because you know, we love
we live for the fashion as well, or how does
that go or how do you go about picking you know,
your outfits?
Speaker 1 (18:54):
Well, Henry's Cloud nine. I there were my official gown
sponsor through the State of Michigan, and I had Givanni
Custom make my gown. God, Like, fifteen year old me
would have loved this for prompt like this is every
girl's dream, Like you get to just basically be Barbie
for a day and pick a gown that you may
(19:16):
have always wanted to wear and rocket on stage with
fifty other incredible women. I mean if we were backstage
going like Hi Barbie, Hi Barbie, Hi Barbie. Because it
really feels like that everyone is dressed to the nines
in their own personal style and reflecting at their core,
what they want to show on that stage and what
(19:37):
accentuates them best. Another thing was being sponsored by Heat Swimwear.
We got to wear their swimsuits on stage, which was
super exciting. Everyone looked so good. We kept saying that
the cameras were better than our eyesight because everyone looked
fallless on stage. I would look at the camera and
(19:58):
then I'd see myself on the TV under and I
was like, I don't remember any other time in my
life I have looked this good. And the same way
when I went backstage and I got to see Colorado Iowa, DC,
every single young woman looked absolutely incredible and yeah, I
mean somewhere evening gown and of course the opening number
(20:18):
gowns by Sherry Hill were so so beautiful. They radiated
on that stage. Every single person's color fit their skin
tones so perfectly. It was just I will remember that
last night for the rest of my life for sure.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
That's amazing. You looked incredible. All the women looked incredible.
I was like feeling, I'm like, this is where I
have to be. I feel too insecure on the stage
in comedy with a sweatshirt and sweatpants because it's really important.
I think the message too is to constantly and always
when you take care of yourself. It's part of loving yourself.
And you know, I want to know your tips on
what you go through in terms of mental health, but
(20:54):
also loving yourself, like what do you do for you?
You know, to make sure you're up to par and
you can be focused and you can be loving and
you know, nurturing like you have been, but you also
have to take care of yourself, right, So that's that's hard.
Speaker 1 (21:08):
Yes, Well, I'm incredibly grateful for the support system I have.
I mean, people who I haven't even met in real
life but have followed my story and have offered love
and support in their journey through the Miss USA organization.
They have been cores. It been a part of my
core and foundation in the support that I feel throughout
this journey and knowing that I am not alone, that
(21:29):
there are people who love me and support me and
are hear from me every single step of the way,
and that to me means the world. I mean, there
is something to be said about chasing your dreams, but
chasing your dreams with a support system like no other
is an undescribable feeling. Truly, I know that I would
not have been able to take this sleep into even
competing in this organization if it were not for my
(21:51):
core support system, friends, family, my boyfriend, support online, just
so many amazing people who either connect with my story
or want to share my story with their daughters or
their niece. It all means so much, and I truly
read every single message that I get because it is
so inspiring and so impactful on me to continue on
with what I'm doing. But in terms of knowing when
(22:13):
to take breaks, I mean, it is really important to
me that I stay strong in my message of service
and I do not waver in that. And I want
to make sure that I am at the best of
my abilities physically, mentally, and spiritually to be able to
do that to the best of my abilities, So that
will be something that I maintain throughout with my village
and my support system.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
What do you think it takes for us as women
to progress even further right to have more equal rights,
to more equal respect, and you know, just not have
this stigma on what's you know with women in society?
You know that men run the world. What do you
think we need to do.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
Well I'm a firm believer that you know, women are empowered.
I saw fifty one incredible empowered women on that stage
last night. I want to see women in positions of power,
and I think that we are seeing that again. There
were entrepreneurs, business owners, scholars, academics. I mean the range,
the depth and breadth of people on that stage last night.
(23:12):
I highly encourage people to read every single bio from
that stage because the women are amazing. And if you
need inspiration, please go and find these women on social
media because each and every single one of them are incredible.
I truly think that through community, through building bonds and
breaking down barriers, bridging gaps, that is the way that
(23:35):
we find ourselves in these spaces to then overcome adversities
that we face, and then once there and we find
our seat at the table, speak up and use our voice,
to use our personal experiences and stories to make change.
I think that fundamentally is at the core of what
you know women empowerment is about. And I really hope
that through my brain I can continue to share a
(23:57):
message of service with so many people.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
So don't be afraid to speak up, ladies. We really
sometimes we're scared to ask for what we want. Any
tips on how to ask it in a I guess
polite way, because sometimes when you ask right for what
you want, even if it's polite, people seem to say
you're difficult, not you, but women, or you know, we're
asking for too much. Any way that we can learn
maybe from you you seem to have a some boundaries,
(24:22):
but also can ask you know, for respect as well,
with any like a tip or two that we can.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
I mean, I ultimately would just say, at the end
of the day, you are the only you, and that's
all that you can offer is just being so true
to yourself, and at times you can truly feel like
the only you, truly feel like there is no one
else who is on this path with you that you
are on the the not so taking trail. I think
(24:52):
that is when you have to look into your core
and see, you know, why am I here? What is
my purpose? And focus on that answer that question for
yourself and that will push you through any adversity you face.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
That's a great answer. We're moving forward now to your
boyfriend speaking about support, who's been so super supportive, which
is amazing because we talk about dating on Chanelle in
the city and we incorporate that with everyone's lifestyle of
how do you so, you know, you got to pick
the right partner, especially in a career like this, to
be supportive. How important was it for you to be
with someone who was supportive of this journey? You know?
Speaker 1 (25:29):
Well, I my boyfriend who just has always been my
number one fan. I feel like he I remember I
told him about a month before I decided to compete
for Miss Michigan. I just on the whimb, was like, yeah,
I really one day I really want to compete I
Miss Usa. I think that would just that that's always
been a dream of mine, that's been on vision board,
(25:49):
and yeah, that's something I've always really wanted to do.
And he was like, oh my gosh, that is amazing,
and I was like thank you. So then about a
month later, I was getting ready to cheer at a
basketball game at Stanford and I was a cheerleader last year,
and I called him and I was like, I made
a decision today and I wanted to share with you
(26:10):
after the game, but I'm going to tell you right now.
I'm going to compete. And the pageant is in like
two and a half months, but I'm going to do this,
and he was like, we got this. When do we start?
What do you need me to do? And I think
that when you find people in your life, friends, partners,
family who are with you through the good, the bad,
(26:33):
the ugly, but every single time, know you at your
core and know what your purpose is, know where your
heart is, that is an induscribable feeling. Again, I'll go
back to saying it that it's one thing to chase
your dreams, but it's one thing to chase your dreams
with what feels like an army of us supports some Yeah,
and I can only hope that I can be a
(26:56):
source of inspiration for other people to truly go after
whatever it is the passion of Well.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
I love it. You're very inspirational. I mean, I think
every woman should hear this because a lot of times
people have they come and ask us, I'm no gourer
on dating because I can barely keep a man, which
I'm trying to learn from you. But it's hard. It's
hard to date and a lot of men aren't supportive
or a lot of men want to dim your light.
So I think this. I think you're a good example
to show women that you can pick a partner that
(27:22):
will be supportive and not intimidated by your success and
push you to be a better person and better a
better Miss USA, right, because yes, together you can be better.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
And I truly believe that when we light someone else's candle,
it doesn't make ours any dimmer. It makes the room brighter.
And because of that, that truly is what Again. I
go back to being on a stage with fifty incredible delegates,
all from their respective states, shining their light, and we'd
(27:52):
never once dimmed anyone's light, but that room shined incredibly
bright for sure.
Speaker 2 (27:57):
See that's amazing because I don't think we should put
people down, your right, and you're an example for it.
It's like you don't have to put people down in
order to be a star, and you want fair and
square with putting all your colleagues up and inspiring them
and supporting them and being vulnerable and even saying, hey,
it takes an army, it takes a village. It's not
just me. So that's why we thank you for the vulnerability.
(28:20):
It's just being real, I think. And then when somebody
is real, you can actually relate to them and buy
into it even more, you know, what I mean of
what they want to do for the world. What's your
thoughts on without getting too into politics and too deep,
but what's your thoughts on what's going on in the
world and any tips on how we can create more
peaceful environments with diverse within When it comes to diversity.
Speaker 1 (28:45):
I truly believe that the ability to create dialogue and
to have tough conversations about things that we are all
thinking about is what is necessary to provide unity and
to provide opportunity for people to find hope and to
find dialogue that is encouraging and inspiring for one another,
(29:07):
because at the end of the day, we are all people,
and there is something to be said about going through
this experience of life alongside people that you care about,
alongside people that you love, and that truly should be
at our course. Dialogue, even though it may be difficult,
but dialogue was very important and I think that's the
best step forward when when thinking about past for this
(29:31):
for this.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
Country, great answer. I love that that's very rational answer.
Instead of fighting, we don't like to fight. We love peace.
Who is one pageant? Well, who I guess throughout the
years of Miss USA, Who is somebody you looked up
to that you want to talk about that? You were
very like, oh my god, this is such a great moment.
I want to I just would love to call her
(29:51):
or yeah, talk to us about a Miss USA.
Speaker 1 (29:54):
Deshauna Barber. When she won Miss USA, she became the
first service member to win the title of this USA.
And I was going into my junior year of high
school when she won, and I was thinking about applying
to West Point, and I just thought to myself, oh
my goodness, this is amazing. Like again, I have this
(30:16):
dream of being on the stage, but this woman just
showed me that it is possible to be in the
Army and win this title. And while I may never
see another young woman emulate this so niche of an
example of what I'm trying to do. Ever, again, I
need to hold onto this. This is so inspiring, and
so I just I follow her. She's a motivational speaker
(30:39):
and I just love her message and I truly have
found so much inspiration in it, and in times when
things were really difficult or when I was thinking, you know,
maybe this is this is just a crazy path, This
is nuts. This you know, maybe people are right, this
is crazy. No one's ever done this before. Da da
da da da. I would look to her video and
(31:00):
I would say, if she did this, then I can
find hope and inspiration in it and carry on to
the path that I am truly passionate about, which is
to put service at the forefront of this platform, on
this opportunity. So for me, my biggest just ah like
fangirl moment for a Miss USA would have to be
(31:22):
Deshauna Barber.
Speaker 2 (31:22):
For sure, love that that's awesome. She's awesome. She really is?
Speaker 1 (31:26):
Is she is?
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Any miss usays that have reached out to you that
was really cool or give you advice they want to wait?
Speaker 1 (31:36):
I mean, just such a gem of an individual, Uma
Sophia has reached out to me. Just very kind women
who also are a part of this and a part
of this journey. I mean, I am so grateful for
the love and the outpouring of support that they have showed.
And I know that as Miss USA, I'm going to
continue as a pillar of service for this organization and
(31:58):
be eager to serve and willing to leave.
Speaker 2 (32:00):
I love that. We'll wrap up on a few I
was just a couple of rapid fire questions. What would
you say was your prep process. I know people get nerves.
How do you calm yourself down mentally? How do you
prepare before each set you're going on stage on yeah,
with each costume.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
Yes, I would say, I like to dance, even if
I'm dancing poorly. I will still dance, even if it's
just a little two step in line or something or
less girl. And it was so fun being backstage. And
there was one gentleman who would play music on mic,
a little little a little boombox, it was like one
(32:40):
attached to his pocket, and before we went on stage
for finals, he was playing every like dance song you
could think of. And we were just backstage crapping and jamming.
And then we had like a little dance circle and
then you'd see like Kentucky get in the dance circle,
and then you'd see like someone else get in the
dance circle, like oh my gosh, and then they're like
(33:01):
thirty seconds look, oh my gosh, So you start dancing
a little bit more. I really just think that dancing
for me is the best way to get the nerves out,
to remember that I am a human being and that
you know, this is just this is just a part
of this is just a part of the human experience.
I'm just gonna go out there, be myself and take
this energy with me. I think that was really special
(33:24):
to share with all of the women backstage. And yeah,
that's for sure, definitely how I get the nerves out,
I would say, I love that.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
And you know, speaking of validation, you know, I know
you spoke about a little bit in your speech of
getting more validation from yourself as opposed to others. Do
you feel that helps you stay strong? And how do
you I mean, any tips you can share with us
in the audience of like how to not I guess
always people please but trust your intuition, trust who you
are as a human.
Speaker 1 (33:53):
Yeah, I mean I would say that the learn to
know yourself and going through challenges I think is the
best way to know yourself. That's how you build your
character is by finding times when you're like, man, this
is really hard and how am I going to respond
to it? Those are the moments that you build your character,
and those are the moments that you truly show what
(34:14):
you are made of and what you stand for. And
I think that to me, being challenged at Leas's point,
being challenged at Stamford those are times where I've forged
my character and that's what I rely on in my
work ethic and my integrity and what I want to do.
And I think that you know, in times when you
do have moments of self doubt or you're thinking, toself
(34:36):
oh well, maybe I can't do this, or I've never
seen someone do this before, just relying on the fact
that you have overcome challenging things before. People before you
overcome challenging things before, and again, you are the only
version of youth. So own that to the fullest extent
and lean into that, because that truly is what makes
(34:56):
you beautiful.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
So you heard it here first everyone from Miss USA herself.
That's true. I meant to that any celebrities along the way,
because I know there's a bunch of celebrities that love
watching Miss USA. They're obsessed with it. Anyone you've met
that you want to share, like an experience with that
was cool with you.
Speaker 1 (35:12):
Taking a photo with Patrick Todd was unreal.
Speaker 4 (35:17):
I thought to myself, Oh my gosh, Like I fangirl
at Sapphora when I see like the new products that
are out, and then you are here in real.
Speaker 1 (35:27):
Life seng like I was like, whoa, this is a
dream that's awesome. People that I am fangirling over as
well in preparation formas to USA are the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.
Speaker 2 (35:43):
Damn yes there.
Speaker 1 (35:44):
I watched the series as I was getting ready for
Miss USA. I mean, it came out at the perfect time.
I was like rooting for Reefs, and then I was
rooting for Charlie, and then I was I mean, I
was just so invested in these women their stories because
I found a lot of similarities to the Paget world
and seeing women chase their dreams, move across the country
(36:07):
to chase their dreams and only come down to thirty
six women and then to stand on stage was fifty one.
I mean, there were so many similarities that I found
throughout watching that series, and oh my goodness, I just
was like, Okay, if they can dance it in that
big stadium, I can walk on that stage. So yeah,
I love that.
Speaker 2 (36:26):
And you cheered too, yourself, I mean, how was that
experience being a cheerleader? You said similar yayes.
Speaker 1 (36:32):
I cheered for one year at Stanford during my first
year as a graduate student, and I just had a blast.
I really felt like being in a place where, you know,
I've never cheered before my life. But again, I had
this dream of ever since I was a little girl.
I wanted to be a cheerleader from watching the Dallas
Cowboys cheerleaders, and I thought, you know, what better a
(36:53):
time to do it than you know, at a university
was so much spirit and pride and such a big,
beautiful community, and getting that opportunity as a graduate student
was so so much fun and so neat because I
am committed to being a lifelong learner. I think that,
you know, I never want to be the smartest person
in the room. I always want to learn. I always
want to learn, I always want to grow. And I
(37:15):
definitely learned and grew a ton of being on the
cheer team having never cheered before, maybe taking a couple
of dance classes when I was younger, and like, I
did gymnastics for one year, but I couldn't climb the
road but at that time, so I was like, oh,
I just can't be a gymnast, I can't be some mobiles.
But yeah, I really enjoyed being a cheerleader and just
(37:37):
being a part of just the Stanford spirit and community.
Speaker 2 (37:40):
I love that it's you know, it's funny because you know,
in terms of doing all this, it's a lot of work.
You know, what do you want to say to women
out there? Can can you be at all? Can you
be beautiful? Can you be sexy?
Speaker 1 (37:52):
Can you be smart?
Speaker 2 (37:53):
Can you do work?
Speaker 1 (37:54):
You know? If anything? I really mean that anything, because
I just I just think about what it would mean
to me to see anyone who is committed to so
many different passions in their life and wanting to uplift
voices and uplift marginalized populations. I wish I had a
(38:17):
similar role model to that growing up. And there have
been times when I've doubted this experience in my dreams
because you know, no one's ever no one's had all
these different paths and roads and turns. But I like
to say that this dream has been delayed but never denied,
and that whatever it is that you are dreaming of,
or a passion project or business you plan on starting,
(38:37):
whatever that may be, you can do it because your
circumstances never define your destiny. For one and two, success
is always accessible when you demand excellence of yourself.
Speaker 2 (38:47):
Love that have there any been low moments last night
where you thought it might you know, maybe someone might
not come out of it great or cope with it.
Greade that you were like, oh, thank God, you know,
like the Steve Harvey moment, but you know that thing
God didn't happen last last night. And they hired a
woman to host was on top of her game.
Speaker 1 (39:09):
She really was no the okay, one thing we did say.
All the contestants were saying were that the hosts of
the show were amazing. I was like, I feel like
I'm watching the show, but I'm in the show, right.
I think that there. I just when I know, years
(39:29):
from now, when I look back at this experience, this
journey and it all starting last night, that I will
reflect on the fact that I just had so so
much fun and at the end of the day, whether
I won or lost, I was going to walk away
saying I've made so many great friends and that I
truly had a last and just seeing I mean, I
(39:52):
can't truly describe what it felt like to just look
into the monitor, see a red light on and know
that I was being broadcast to so many and knowing
that I mean, my volleyball coaches from high school, their
young daughters were watching it. Just filled my heart with
so much joy to know that young girls all across
(40:12):
the country, all across the globe, saw so many different,
diverse women with incredible stories. And I hope that, you know,
they can find inspiration in that and just go into
their Monday, go into their week knowing that whateverage and
they're looking to chase it is possible.
Speaker 2 (40:30):
That's really important is about having fun, and I think
we forget that and lose sight of that. And I
think that's the secret. And everyone wants to ask how
do I make it in the industry, And it's really
about having fun and letting go. And that's where your
personality shines. And we saw it last night, you know, Oh.
Speaker 1 (40:45):
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (40:48):
Yeah, I mean it's important, right, personality in these pageants
is important, being kind, being a team player, right, That's
all that goes a long way for sure. I love that.
What anything else do you want to share with us?
Like how it's changed since last night? Has Like did
you think your whole life would change over? And I
like Cinderella, like what's going on now?
Speaker 1 (41:10):
I remember thinking when I remember when I wait being
backstage and speaking with different media and taking photos. I
just thought people kept asking me do you believe it?
Is it real? And I was like, I need to
watch it, like I need to physically see it, because
I feel like this is a dresser versus There's no
way that this all happened in the past hour. And
(41:32):
I just remember getting back to my phone and just
seeing so many text messages and photos and videos and
just sweet kind messages from people, and that to me,
I mean, even before going into the competition, just people
giving me so much love, family, friends, classmates, just so
(41:53):
much joy. I just think, you know, being on that
stage and with Connor Perry, Miss Kentucky incredible for and
I remember knowing and hugging her and just thinking no
one else in the world feels this moment like we do,
and everyone's at the edge of our seat, but there's
just some unique energy being in, you know, standing on
(42:15):
that blue X and just us to you there, and
I just really wanted to relish in that because it
truly is a celebration of every single person's story on
that stage and every single person who's dreaming to hopefully
be on that stage some day. Toub did anyone's story
stand out to you like a specific story that you
were like, you know what, even though I'm gonna win,
I love her story. You know, I'm just kidding, Yes, yeah, yes, Well,
(42:40):
Connor Perry is a professional dancer, and I was like,
I'm doing like the two step backstage. I'm like, she
can dance, she can dance, and she just has such
a kind heart. And I think that her energy and
the way she just lights up the stage lit up
the room. It was just so beautiful to see backstage.
(43:00):
Myself Connor Perry known me Miss Pennsylvania, and then Miss
Ohio Macy Hudson. All four of us are sister queens,
were from the same directorship, so we all have been
on this journey together. Miss Pennsylvania was my roommate and
I remember every time I would see her walk on
stage during rehearsal, I would always yell, that's my room.
Speaker 2 (43:23):
So incredible. And how do you not get jeled? Like,
I mean, this is a silly question, but there's so
many there's so much jealousy. How that's incredible and so
encouraging to me? How do you because knowing that you
might not win, but you're competing and you're sharing rooms,
how do you go through that you just say, oh,
this is my just.
Speaker 1 (43:38):
Say you know what, We're in this together. Everyone else
can feel that moment like you do when you're on
that stage, and it truly takes courage to stand on
that stage, walk across in an evening gown in high heels,
in a swimsuit in high heels, and present yourself with
confidence with your head held high, knowing that you are there,
(43:59):
You're in the moment, and you are truly leaning into
who you are in what you are made of. And
so it is not hard at all to celebrate people
and especially women sisters who are standing alongside each other
and chasing the same dream.
Speaker 2 (44:16):
That's incredible. We need to learn from that. I hope
the audience is really listening in to understand what we
need to do to be there for each other. You
can win, you can lose. There's no point of being
jealous because at the end of the day, there's karma
that comes around and you will get your moment. And
look at this is an example. You got what you
wanted because you were always happy for people and a
team player and you worked hard.
Speaker 1 (44:37):
You know, so, thank you so much. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (44:41):
That goes a long way you went. You said you
went you were a graduate Stanford. What did you go
to school? For people who want to know more of
your background for your studies and your.
Speaker 1 (44:50):
Yes, I currently am a graduate student at Stanford. So
I just finished my first year and I'm going into
my second year of grad school earning my master's in
data science through the night Fannessy Scholarship program. At West Point.
I earned my bachelor's in mathematical science.
Speaker 2 (45:04):
Wow. So we really all have no excuse to not,
you know, because so many people are like, I just
want to make it, and I want to get this,
and I want to get that, but I don't want
to work for it. And then I see you and
you're like getting your graduate degree and you're a Miss USA.
So we don't have any excuses anymore.
Speaker 1 (45:19):
Yes, anyone and everyone can do it. I am just
a firm believer in that. And I just think there's
so many women on that stage. You truly represent that.
Speaker 2 (45:26):
We have one fan who's asking Dolores from Ohio. She
wants to know age. First of all. She says, congratulations,
You're one of my favorite people in the world. Congratulations
and winning Miss USA. I think you're going to do
great for our country. What do you think about agism
with women when it comes to women and does it
play a role in the pageant industry?
Speaker 1 (45:48):
Yes, well, Miss Maryland, her monolist beauty has no expiration
date and I am a firm believer in that. Miss Arizona,
incredible woman. I met her i was getting my evening
gown design and her light shines so bright because the
women on that stage show that regardless of your age,
(46:09):
regardless of your background, you can chase your dreams. And
the fact that they lifted the age limit and are
now allowing anyone, any young woman who wants to chase
their dream to chase it. I think that that is
just so so beautiful.
Speaker 2 (46:26):
I love that. What about and then we got Janet?
We got one more question. Janet from Sorry Virginia is
asking social media. How does social media play a big
part or does it play a big part in miss USI.
Speaker 1 (46:40):
I think that for me, when I think about social media,
I want to use it as a place to cultivate
a community of excellence, a community and a culture of
excellence where people feel celebrated, people feel welcomed, and that
throughout my journey, I want to take people alongside with me.
Social media shouldn't just be a highlight reel, it me
everything all the bits in between. And I think that
(47:04):
with service at the forefront of my heart, I'm so
eager and excited to be able to share different opportunities
and things that come about throughout this journey because it
truly is bigger than myself. And if there's any way
that I can continue to share my message through social
media and be able to truly show that if you
can see me, you can be me.
Speaker 2 (47:22):
I love that. What are your thoughts on Kamala Harris
being a woman running for president for our country, which
is kind of a big deal because we have never
had that. How do you feel about it? And would
you love to work with her someday within service?
Speaker 1 (47:37):
I would love to meet her. I think that would
be incredible. I mean I very briefly met her. She
was the commencement speaker at West Point my graduating year.
So I have a photo from my mentor on stage
where I'm so looming the Vice President of the United States,
Vice President Kamala Harris. That photo means so much to me.
It gives me goosebumps just right now thinking of it
(47:58):
because it just means so much, regardless of your political
views or anything practical, but you see someone who is
representing so much for this country is truly inspiring and incredible.
Speaker 2 (48:09):
I love that. Do you think we're going to see
any acting gigs from you or anything else in the
entertainment industry coming from you?
Speaker 1 (48:14):
You know, I don't know. We'll see, we'll see what
so going through? I mean, I just I'm just taking
in every moment, one good at a time, and just
so so grateful.
Speaker 2 (48:24):
Well, we're wishing you a big congratulations, Miss Usa. We
love you, We're inspired by you. Where can everybody follow
you and tune in if you have a website to
plug in social media and any of the charities that
we can donate or actually get involved in with.
Speaker 1 (48:38):
You, Feeding America please, there's a link in my bio
Alma dot Cooper. Feeding America's LinkedIn my link tree. And
then also, Miss Usa, follow my journey on there as well.
Speaker 2 (48:50):
I love that, And we're going to stay tuned. We're
going to have you back on to God willing, and
we're going to stay tuned on all your progress and
anything you want to you know, promote. We really thank
you for inspiring us and taking the time to
Speaker 1 (49:01):
Be Thank you so much, Thank you so much.
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