Plus-size model Sara Milliken, 23, is making headlines after being crowned Miss Alabama over Memorial Day weekend.
She was delighted when she won first prize in the National American Miss pageant; However, her happiness was short-lived as vile trolls quickly began mocking the winner for her appearance.
Sara was met with an avalanche of hate online, with people calling her a “sick shame” and wondering, “Is that really considered attractive in Alabama?”
“Even what you write on a screen can leave a lasting impression on people,” says the model. WKRG. She is determined not to let harsh criticism stop her as she prepares for the national finals in Florida over Thanksgiving.
Here, MailOnline looks at who the new Miss Alabama Sara Milliken is and how she came to win the famous pageant.
Plus-size model Sara Milliken, 23, is making headlines after being crowned Miss Alabama over Memorial Day weekend.
Who is the new Miss Alabama Sara Milliken?
Sara is a plus-size model from Atmore and her dream of becoming Miss Alabama has been “eight years in the making.”
This is not his first time competing in the pageant, as he competed for the crown twice before, taking victory on his third attempt.
She was 15 years old when she first entered a Miss National American pageant and “desperately wanted to win”, however she was disappointed to discover that she had not placed.
Sharing her story on Instagram last week, she wrote: ‘At 16 I came back as a teenager. I worked very hard and changed everything about myself.
‘I became who I thought they wanted. Days before the contest, a bad boy told me that he was “too ugly” to win. I was going to prove him wrong, so I went into contest weekend with a fire under me. I didn’t even place it.
She continued: “I felt humiliated and hung my head thinking that my lack of location meant one thing. He was right. I vowed never to compete again. So I didn’t do it. For seven years.
‘This weekend I returned to the NAM stage to prove to myself that I didn’t give up. I could do this. I was more than the bad things they said to me.’
Sara is a plus-size model from Atmore and her dream of becoming Miss Alabama has been ‘eight years in the making.’
She was delighted when she won first prize in the National American Miss pageant; However, her happiness was short-lived as vile trolls quickly began mocking the winner for her appearance.
He responded to an open call and competed by participating in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.
Scoring in the contest is based on “personality, trust and communication,” according to the organizers.
“Braces, glasses, skin problems, different heights, weights and appearances are all part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate,” the website states.
About his Parade Planet In her profile, Sara revealed that she wanted to be “the first plus-size Miss Alabama NAM to show other women that they can do anything they set their minds to.”
She added: “I plan to grandly break glass ceilings to create a path for other women to pursue their dreams, no matter their shape or size.”
The model is also a podcast host on Girls Gotta Glow, which aims to promote confidence and empower women.
Hosted by Sara, the weekly podcast highlights conversations on topics ranging from body positivity, mental health, women’s empowerment, and navigating childhood.
Her description on Spotify reveals that Sara “aspires to be real, raw and honest to inspire others to shine like themselves.”
The model is also the host of the Girls Gotta Glow podcast, which aims to promote confidence and empower women.
Sara is also the first Atmore woman to win the prestigious title.
The podcast host and model attended Reid State Technical College, where she completed Cosmetology School, before becoming a professional makeup artist.
He started the company after experiencing the negative effects of social media and how it can “paint perfection.”
The podcast host and model attended Reid State Technical College, where she completed Cosmetology School, before becoming a professional makeup artist.
According to her LinkedIn page, she is also a promotions specialist and volunteer.
Sara boasts the accomplishment of being a recipient of the President’s Service Award, as well as being an outspoken advocate for mental health.
She founded The Buddy System, which has been advocating for older people since 2020: the initiative encourages people to bridge the generation gap and create friendships regardless of their age.
Sara is also the first Atmore woman to win the prestigious title.
In a post on National American Miss Alabama’s official Instagram page after her win, she gushed: ‘All things will come with a little time when you believe.
‘Hello friends! I’m sara! It is my great honor to stand as your 2024 National American Miss Alabama.
‘This is a dream I’ve been brewing for 8 years. I can’t believe I have the opportunity to live it and share it with you through the official Miss Alabama account.’
While she has been able to dust herself off, she highlighted that it is not as easy for other victims of cyberbullying and urged people to be kinder.
What has Sara Milliken said about the backlash?
Sara admitted she was shocked by the hateful response to her win, but has since received an outpouring of support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook in a single night.
In a post on NAM’s official Instagram page, he explained that he “feels it’s important to address” what was going on.
The winner wrote: ‘The things some people were saying were really disgusting. I choose not to dwell on it.”
While she has been able to dust herself off, she emphasized that it is not as easy for other victims of cyberbullying and urged people to be kinder.
He added: ‘The best way to prevent this from happening is to simply spread kindness. Our mom taught us the best: if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
“No matter what your body is, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,” Sara said after her victory.
‘I met so many amazing, successful women. “That was definitely the best part.”
Since then, hundreds of Sara’s followers have flooded her inbox with offers on everything from dresses to beauty products worth thousands of dollars to help her through the next round.
It is currently being prepared for the national final to be held in Florida on Thanksgiving.