Who is Sara Milliken? Meet plus-sized Miss Alabama winner as she divides the internet with pageant victory - and slams trolls after being branded an 'unhealthy embarrassment'
- Sara's dream of becoming Miss Alabama has been 'eight years in the making'
Plus-sized model, Sara Milliken, 23, is making headlines after being crowned Miss Alabama over the Memorial Day weekend.
She was overjoyed when she bagged the top prize in the National American Miss pageant - however, her happiness was short-lived as vile trolls quickly began taunting the winner about her appearance.
Sara was met with a barrage of hate online, with people branding her an 'unhealthy embarrassment' and questioning: 'Is that actually considered attractive in Alabama?'
'Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people,' the model old WKRG. She is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national final which will be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.
Here, MailOnline looks into who the new Miss Alabama Sara Milliken is, and how she came to win the famous competition.
Plus-sized model, Sara Milliken, 23, is making headlines after being crowned Miss Alabama over the Memorial Day weekend
Who is the new Miss Alabama Sara Milliken?
Sara is a plus-sized model from Atmore and her dream of becoming Miss Alabama has been 'eight years in the making'.
This is not her first time competing in the pageant as she competed for the crown twice before, scooping the win on her third try.
She was 15 when she first took part in a National American Miss pageant and 'wanted so desperately to win,' however was disappointed to find out she didn't place.
Sharing her story on Instagram last week, she wrote: 'At 16 I came back as a Teen. I worked so hard and changed everything about myself.
'I became who I thought they wanted. Days before the pageant, I had a mean boy tell me I was 'too ugly' to win. I was going to prove him wrong so I went into pageant weekend with a fire under me. I didn't even place.'
She continued: 'I was humiliated and hung my head low thinking my non-placement meant one thing. He was right. I vowed to never compete again. So I didn't. For seven years.
'This weekend I returned to the NAM stage to prove to myself I didn’t give up. I could do this. I was more than the mean things that was said to me.'
Sara is a plus-sized model from Atmore and her dream of becoming Miss Alabama has been 'eight years in the making'
She was overjoyed when she bagged the top prize in the National American Miss pageant - however, her happiness was short-lived as vile trolls quickly began taunting the winner about her appearance
She responded to an open call and competed by taking part in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.
Scoring in the pageant is based on 'personality, confidence and communication', according to organizers.
'Braces, glasses, skin problems, varying heights, weights and appearances, are all a part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate,' the website states.
On her Pageant Planet profile, Sara revealed that she wanted to be 'the very first plus-size NAM Miss Alabama to show other women they can do anything they put their mind to'.
She added: 'I plan to shatter glass ceilings in pageantry to create a path for other women to chase 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 about topics ranging from body positivity, mental health, women's empowerment, and navigating girlhood.
Its description on Spotify reveals that Sara 'aspires to be real, raw, and honest to inspire others to glow as their authentic self'.
The model is also a podcast host on Girls Gotta Glow, which aims to promote confidence and empower women
Sara is also the first woman from Atmore to win the prestigious title
The podcast host and model attended Reid State Technical College where she completed Cosmetology School, before going on to become a professional makeup artist
She began the venture 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 going on to become a professional makeup artist.
According to her LinkedIn page, she is also a promotions specialist and a volunteer.
Sara boasts the achievement of being a President's Service Award Winner, as well as an outspoken a mental health advocate.
She founded The Buddy System, which has been advocating for seniors since 2020 - the initiative encourages people to bridge the generational gap and create friendships no matter their age.
Sara is also the first woman from Atmore to win the prestigious title.
Posting to the official National American Miss Alabama Instagram page following her win, she excitedly quipped: 'All things will come with a little time when you believe.
'Hi Friends! I'm Sara! I'm so honored to introduce myself as your National American Miss Alabama 2024.
'This is a dream that has been 8 years in the making for me. I cannot believe I get 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 stressed it is not as easy for other victims of cyberbullying as she 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 influx of support from across the world gaining 2,500 followers across Instagram and Facebook in a single night
Posting to the official NAM Instagram page, she explained that she 'feels it's important to address' what was going on.
The winner wrote: 'The things some people were saying truly was disgusting. I choose not to dwell on that'.
While she has been able to dust herself off, she stressed it is not as easy for other victims of cyberbullying as she urged people to be kinder.
She added: 'The best way to prevent this from happening is by simply spreading kindness. Our mama’s taught us best- If you can’t say something nice don’t say nothing at all.'
No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,' Sara said following her victory.
'I met so many amazing and accomplished women. That was definitely the best part.'
Hundreds of Sara's supporters have since flooded her inbox with offers of everything from dresses to thousands of dollars worth of beauty products to help her in the next round.
She is currently preparing for the national final which will be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.
