nora ali

Nora of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, is America’s Junior Miss for 2007. Being only the second Junior Miss from Minnesota to win the title, Nora wowed the audience and judges with her self-confidence and intelligence, and received overwhelming crowd approval when she played the violin for her talent. In addition to her title, Nora also received the official gold AJM medallion and a $50,000 cash scholarship to use at the college of her choice.

Nora won more than $57,000 in cash scholarships through her participation in America’s Junior Miss in the local, state, and national finals. She plans to use her scholarship money to pay for her education at Harvard University where she plans to study Business Management and Finance. Ultimately, Nora would like to become a CEO of a major organization.

Since she was very young, Nora has been playing the piano and violin. She has been a soloist with seven orchestras, First Violinist for the Greater Twin Cities Orchestra and the Xaqialer String Quartet, and has performed the National Anthem on the violin for Major League baseball games. She was also featured on WCCO TV (CBS) for her academic and musical excellence.

Among many accolades that she received in high school, Nora was a National Merit Scholar, a recipient of the Murray Glauberman Award, Valedictorian, an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate, and an Academic All-Star for KARE-11/NBC TV. She teaches science and math classes, conducts stem cell research at the University of Minnesota, and plays for fundraising concerts and educational music shows.

As America’s Junior Miss, Nora will represent the program at events throughout the country, while promoting AJM’s, Be Your Best Self program. She will travel to New York City for media appearances, participate in Veteran’s Day activities in Mobile, and will take part in the GMAC Bowl and Senior Bowl.

Nora is the daughter of Zaki and Mahfuza Ali of Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

Nora in the Media

Nora instantly became a role model when she was named America's Junior Miss 2007. Immediately after returning home following the AJM National Finals, Nora was greeted with reporters at her home waiting to talk to her about her experience. To see some of the press coverage of Nora Ali, click the links below.

Nora: My Experience as AJM 2007

The AJM program has influenced my life more than I ever expected. I entered the local program because I was searching for college scholarships, and although I didn’t know much about AJM at the time and certainly didn’t expect to get this far, I am eternally grateful that my parents encouraged me to pursue the AJM experience.

Through the local, state and national programs, I have learned how to truly by my best self. Through the interview process, I have learned how to speak freely, intelligently and confidently. By watching the talents of all the Junior Misses and seeing al of their scholastic achievements, I have come to believe that our future is in very good hands.

I was amazed by the diverse backgrounds of the girls in the national program, and I was proud to be able to share my Bengali-American heritage with them.

Finally, I have been humbled by the support and enthusiasm of the entire community in Mobile and I hope to spread the passion for AJM to the rest of the United States. Not only will AJM help me in paying for my education at Harvard University, but it will also provide me with many opportunities and will open many doors. I look forward to representing Junior Misses around the country and to representing today’s youth. I hope to spread the message of Be Your Best Self in what will surely be an amazing year as AJM!

With Love,
Nora Ali, AJM 2007