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’

Plus-size model, Sara Milliken, 23, is making headlines after being crowned Miss Alabama over Memorial Day weekend.

She was overjoyed when she won the top prize at the National American Miss pageant, but her happiness was short-lived when mean trolls soon started taunting the winner about her appearance.

Sara faced a barrage of hate online, with people labeling her an “unhealthy shame” and wondering, “Is that even considered attractive in Alabama?”

“Even something you type across a screen can leave a lasting impression on people,” the old model said WKRG. She is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national finals held in Florida over Thanksgiving.

Here, MailOnline investigates who the new Miss Alabama Sara Milliken is and how she won the famous competition.

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 isn’t her first time competing in the pageant, as she has competed for the crown twice before, taking victory on her third attempt.

She was 15 when she first entered a National American Miss pageant and “desperately wanted to win” but was disappointed to discover she had not placed.

Last week she shared her story on Instagram and wrote: ‘At sixteen I came back as a teenager. I worked so hard and changed everything about myself.

‘I became who I thought they wanted. Days before the election, a mean boy made me say I was “too ugly” to win. I wanted to prove him wrong, so I went into election weekend with a fire under me. I didn’t even post.’

She continued, “I was humiliated and lowered my head because I thought my non-placement meant only one thing. He was right. I vowed never to compete again. So I didn’t. For seven years.

‘This weekend I returned to the NAM stage to prove to myself that I have not given up. I could do this. I was more than the mean things that were said to me.”

She responded to an open call and participated by taking part in a series of interviews, volunteering and presentations.

According to the organizers, scoring in the election is based on ‘personality, trust and communication’.

“Braces, glasses, skin problems, different heights, weights and appearances are all part of creating the special and unique person that you are and that we want to celebrate,” the website says.

On her Parade planet profile, Sara revealed that she wanted to be “the very first plus-size NAM Miss Alabama who showed other women that they can do anything they put their mind to.”

She added, “I intend to shatter glass ceilings in pageantry 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 self-confidence and empower women.

The weekly podcast, hosted by Sara, highlights conversations on topics ranging from body positivity, mental health, female empowerment, and navigating girlhood.

From the description on Spotify, Sara “strives to be real, raw and honest and inspire others to shine as their authentic selves.”

She started the business 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 prides herself on being a President’s Service Award winner and an outspoken mental health advocate.

She founded The Buddy System, which has been advocating for seniors since 2020. The initiative encourages people to bridge the generation gap and make friendships, regardless of their age.

Sara is also the first woman from Atmore to win the prestigious title.

Posting on the official National American Miss Alabama Instagram page after her win, she excitedly joked, “All things will come with a little time if you believe in them.”

‘Hello friends! I’m Sara! I am so honored to introduce myself as your National American Miss Alabama 2024.

‘This is a dream I have been working on for eight years. I can’t believe I get the chance to experience it and share it with you on the official Miss Alabama account.”

What did Sara Milliken say about the response?

Sara admitted she was shocked by the hateful response to her win, but has since received support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook overnight.

On the official NAM Instagram page, she explained that she “thinks it is important to indicate” what was going on.

The winner wrote: ‘The things some people said were truly disgusting. I choose not to dwell on that.’

Although she has been able to dust herself off, she stressed that it is not so easy for other victims of cyberbullying as she urged people to be kinder.

She added: ‘The best way to prevent this is to simply spread kindness. Our mother taught us best: if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.’

No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you put your mind to,” Sara said after her win.

‘I have met so many amazing and talented 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 get to the next round.

She is currently preparing for the national finals to be held in Florida about Thanksgiving.