Laura Kaeppeler
A Miss America who used her platform to advocate for children of incarcerated parents, turning a personal family story into a national conversation.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Miss America 2012·Birthday: March 2·Millennials
Biography
Laura Kaeppeler entered the Miss America pageant with a platform that was deeply and unusually personal: mentoring children of incarcerated parents, a cause born from her own father's imprisonment for mail fraud when she was a teenager. Representing Wisconsin, her poised advocacy and operatic singing voice distinguished her in the 2012 competition. Her victory broke a nearly 40-year drought for her state. As Miss America, she traveled the country, speaking to lawmakers and community groups, pushing for support systems for a often-overlooked demographic of children. Her tenure was less about glamour and more about substantive, policy-adjacent work, shifting the public perception of what a pageant winner could accomplish. After her year of service, she remained involved with the organization and pursued a career in philanthropy, her crown having served as a powerful megaphone for a quiet struggle.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Laura was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Laura Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Laura's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Crowned Miss America 2012, the first winner from Wisconsin since 1973.
- Championed the platform 'Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents' during her national tour.
- Served briefly on the board of directors for the Miss America Organization after her reign.
Did You Know?
She is a classically trained soprano who performed opera during the Miss America talent competition.
She earned a degree in Music and Political Science from Carthage College.
She worked as a development officer for a children's museum after her reign.
Her father was released from prison and was in the audience when she won the Miss Wisconsin title.
“I advocate for children who have a parent behind bars.”
