Aslihan Morali
Height: 5’8
Hometown: Ancaster, ON
Languages: English, Turkish
Occupation: Executive Administration at McMaster Children’s Hospital
Aslihan Morali was born in Edremit, Turkey; raised in a small town of 5000 near the Aegean Sea; until the age of 6, when Aslihan and her family embarked on a journey towards a brighter future in Canada; with about $500 and two luggage’s each. As immigrants, her family relied significantly on food banks throughout her community to feed her family. Having endured poverty as a child; as an adult, she is driven to support other families with difficulties and tribulations of similar challenges. Today, she is eternally grateful for the difficult beginnings; as those experiences were crucial in creating of the foundation of the compassionate, resilient woman she is today. Upon graduating college with honours, she secured her role within the hospital; the past 5 years, Aslihan has maintained a permanent executive administrative role at a Children’s Hospital, where she was an integral part of creating processes for the hospital clinic operations during COVID-19. In her spare time, Aslihan loves spending time with her adorable cat, Cookie, family and friends, loves to travel and experience different cultures, Pilates are her workout of choice, cooking, dancing, painting, photography, content creation, listening to audiobooks, meditation and seeking out different experiences in life bring her the most fulfillment and joy.
Deeply conscious of her privilege, Aslihan is an active volunteer of Global Medic; a Canadian organization that provides humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of natural disaster and armed conflicts. Whether in her personal or professional life, she has always strived to be a beacon of kindness and empathy, and to help as many people she can within her capacity. Aslihan is an entrepreneur and small business owner; in 2021 she created her own candle brand; Mias Modern. Aslihan’s mission is rooted in being an example of compassion, using her platform to inspire and uplift. Providing one-of-a kind custom candles, while simultaneously educating the importance of natural ingredients in our everyday candles to keep ourselves, families, and pets safe from toxic chemicals, the importance of compassion, and educating on the broad spectrum that is, mental health. Through the profits of her candle company, Aslihan has contributed to causes she is passionate about, including global education for children, mental health, women empowerment; and more. As someone who has endured experiences that so many others share, whether that is loss, mental health, poverty, among others; she aims to be a vessel that communicates the universally shared human experience and to empower and uplift those facing similar situations.
Aslihan’s greatest dreams would be to become Miss Universe Canada 2023, and to serve as the minister of mental health for her Canada in the future; to create and lead the necessary conversations around the type of education and resources needed to combat these incredibly important issues that affect many Canadians today.
A philanthropist Aslihan hopes to emulate, is Princess Diana. Aslihan’s initial introduction to humanitarian work was through learning about Princess Diana’s work and the differences she made, and the impact she had on the world. She aspires continue to lead with understanding and compassion, to connect and to tread in the paths of historic philanthropists. A saying she abides by is “wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life”.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
My interests encompass a vast range of activities. What I enjoy the most is investing in myself and becoming immersed in my life. Meeting new individuals, volunteering, TRAVEL. I appreciate travelling and gaining priceless experiences through travel. I am by definition a creative person. Whether it be creating videos, daily vlogs, aesthetic editing, makeup tutorials, short films, or photography, painting, I enjoy the process of having an idea and then bringing it to life, regardless of the nature of the idea. Having said that, I do have a tremendously large responsibility as a cat mama. I adore spending time with Cookie, my cat. I cherish spending time with my loved ones and creating memories with them. My effort is to always make moments memorable. I really value listening to audio books and learning about topics that interest me. Whether it’s psychology, short essays, or fan fiction, I like to broaden my horizons by hearing new ideas and perspectives. One of my favourite books ever is “100 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think”, the title is self-explanatory; and was life-changing for me, it began my journey to start incorporating reading more into my life. I enjoy exercising via cycling, meditation, and Pilates. One of my favourite hobbies (candle making) eventually led to the creation of my own candle brand, Mias Modern. I am a certified cosmetics artist with expertise. I work with brands on TikTok, as a content creator; some brands include brands from Sephora such as Grande Lashes, Dr. Murad, and more. I consider myself a great listener. I also consider myself to be an excellent communicator who is also compassionate, analytical, and eloquent; I am also fluent in Turkish. Other interests include self-management, networking, critical thinking, marketing, leadership, the ability to progress beyond failure and learn from it, creativity, problem solving, computer literacy, video production, self-motivation, self-discipline, and positivism, among others.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
As far as special training I have had, growing up I participated in dance training, hip-hop specifically. At the age of 11, I had watched the moving “Step Up” with Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum and a week after my mother had signed me up for hip-hop dance class because I absolutely begged her non-stop and she had never seen me so excited for something. I would love to get back into dancing, it truly brought me so much joy.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
In addition to dancing; I also played basketball for several years, throughout my elementary years into high school. Sports taught me the value of discipline and the importance of teamwork – some of my best memories of growing up are the weekends, barely able to keep an eye open the first half hour of the morning, carpooling with my friends, blasting Hannah Montana (our poor mothers & fathers who had to drive us around), then getting the adrenaline before you step on the court. Playing basketball with my friends from school; gave me a sense of community when I joined my first basketball team.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Aside from my mother, one person has had the most influence on me; the answer would have to be Princess Diane Spencer, the people’s princess. I first saw her face when I came upon a coffee table décor book of Princess Diana’s autobiography, and I recall becoming completely captivated by her story. My initial introduction to humanitarian work was through Princess Diana’s work and the differences she made and the impact she had on the world. The more I had researched her, the more I was touched by who she was and what she stood for. When I think about her, the first term that springs to mind is “COMPASSIONATE.” She taught the world the value of compassion and empathy for one another by her example, simply by being herself. Princess Diana advocated for issues she believed in, including children, AIDS-related causes, and landmine victims. She was right there, standing up, educating, and advocating for these causes, from leprosy to domestic and mental health. In my life, I hope to do the same type of work. I want to be myself, like Princess Diana was; I want to lead with understanding and compassion, to connect and to tread in Princess Diana’s footsteps.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
For me, determining my best personal achievement is a multi-faceted question. The first thing that comes to me is resiliency, as well as the woman I’ve been, the woman I am, and the woman I will become. I can trace my roots back to my first day of grade one in a foreign country, the bravery I had when I was learning a new language and immersing myself in Canadian culture. My parents divorced when I was in middle school, and I am proud of the strength I displayed when I stepped in to protect my mother. Following those years, I worked two jobs from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., went home, showered, and worked again from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to successfully save enough money to purchase my own car, driving license (which I obtained by renting a driving instructor on my own because my family and I did not have a car), and post-secondary education. For always being the type of person in whom my friends and family feel comfortable confiding and chatting. For falling often, making mistakes, but learning from them and evolving as a human being with each experience. Graduating from college with honours and receiving an offer of employment on my third day on the co-op of my school placement, working my way to the top and securing a permanent executive administrative position after being an integral part of creating systems and processes for the hospital clinic operations during COVID-19. During that time, I founded Mias Modern, a candle company with the purpose of offering gifts for coworkers, friends, and families while being anchored in kindness. The purpose then began to expand, and what began as a hobby became a passion endeavour. I became an entrepreneur through my company and earned so much confidence as a woman. I realized how capable and creative I was, how passionate I could be, and how much I had to offer the world. I learnt how to develop my own website, advertise myself, create content for myself, utilize a professional camera, and was able to contribute in the company’s growth. Because I recognized the power and importance of giving back as a result of this, I made charitable work my initiative with the chance that came with the creation of MIAS Modern. MIAS Modern forced me to confront my capabilities. Another milestone of mine is placing in the top 30 for Miss Turkey 2022, which was my first experience with pageants. I felt pleased of myself for taking a gamble on myself, for demonstrating courage, and for pursuing a long-held desire of mine. It didn’t work out, but I consider it a blessing since I believe I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I can’t talk about how incredible it is to be in the running for Miss Universe Canada without stating how proud I am of myself for the effort I’ve put in and will continue to put in. My greatest achievement will always be the effort, compassion, and passion I put into my life in order to make the most of it all; to learn from this complex, yet beautiful universal human experience.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
The definition of what is considered “interesting” varies from person to person. That said, if you have a passion for cars, my experience driving multiple luxury cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, and possibly a GTR as a birthday gift may interest you! It was an undoubtedly exhilarating experience that left me feeling exhilarated. I had the opportunity to attend a Master Makeup Class by none other than Makeup by Mario, a renowned celebrity makeup artist. It was truly an unforgettable experience that has inspired me to keep developing my passion for the craft of makeup. Embracing life’s adventures and exploring diverse experiences is truly invigorating. Soaring above the crystal-clear waters of Punta Cana, feeling the wind rush past you as you glide through the sky has also been one of my favourite adventures. I welcome every chance to develop and transform myself. I have also taught myself the art of candle-making, web development, social media analytics, content creation, and professional photography. It’s been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I am proud to have honed these skills to create a successful business. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of building a business from scratch and watching it flourish into a thriving success. I’ve crafted candles that embody the essence of my life’s journey. From candles that inspire and uplift, to those that define and empower, my most cherished creation is my “Women Empowerment” line. Through this line, I celebrate the beauty and diversity of women from different ethnicities. The best part is that the profits from this line have enabled me to collaborate with a Turkish charity and sponsor the education of three girls for an entire year. Although, if you were to ask my mom, it would be the fact that I was walking at 10 months old. So much so, that as a 3-year-old; I had accidentally ran away from home, back when we were living in Turkey at the time. My mom was cleaning, and my neighbour who was supposed to be watching me didn’t pay attention; and I was gone like the wind, until another neighbour found me on the route to the grocery store my mother and I would always take; put me in his bike basket, and brought me home. With that being said, I’m sure I’m forgetting something!
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
At this point in my life, my career aim would have to be to become Miss Universe Canada, then to advance inside that incredible responsibility and win the Miss Universe crown. I am actively pursuing my objective as a national delegate with the Miss Universe Canada program. I’m investing in myself by working with a pageant coach, seeking constructive criticism so that I may be better than the day before, and going to the gym; all for the sake of my body, mind, and spirit. Reading, continuing to learn about psychology, learn about the human experience, understanding myself, working every day to be the most patient, thankful, compassionate, and evolved version of myself. By maintaining the discipline of always performing the work; actively volunteering with Global Medic and giving back to my community. Becoming one with the roles and expectations that one must have in their goal. Another thing that is true is that I will be successful regardless of what I do because I work hard; I have integrity; I have discipline; I know the value of an incredible opportunity, and I believe in my ability to use the prestige title of Miss Universe Canada; and to seek out opportunities in the pursuit of moving forward change, being in the room, and providing a voice to the experiences of so many Canadians that I have also personally had. This is something I’ve demonstrated in my job at the children’s hospital. I’ve demonstrated my capacity to climb the cooperation ladder, and I’ve put in the time to do so (5 years), which demonstrates my loyalty. But the possibility to be Miss Universe Canada 2023 national representative ignites my soul, and motivates me every morning when I wake up.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
Imagine waking up every day knowing that your work is making a positive impact on the world. That’s what I envision for my dream job, which lies within the realm of humanitarianism. My soul is set ablaze with passion when I think about the incredible opportunity of becoming Miss Universe. It’s not just about the title, but the endless possibilities and unimaginable experiences that come with it. To be the voice of change, the beacon of hope, and the driving force behind a movement that empowers women and serves the greater good. That’s my dream job – to lead with passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world. By shedding light on important topics like mental health, social media, and self-love, I would have the power to provide valuable perspective and help others navigate these complex issues. My hope would be to be a beacon of hope for those in need, a true global ambassador for charitable organizations like Smile Train, UNICEF, Canadian Red Cross, and beyond. If I had it my “dream” way, I wouldn’t stop there, I’d use my experience to create a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and providing resources for those struggling with mental health. Through my personal journey, I have come to understand the challenges that come with being an immigrant and the essential resources needed to establish a strong foundation for a fulfilling life. My goal would be to create safe spaces and provide valuable resources for those who need support in navigating these difficult issues. The beauty of the human experience is truly remarkable and I want to cherish every moment and make the most of our time here on earth. Life is a precious gift and we have the power to leave a positive impact on the world. On top of it all, to be an entrepreneur; where I can create jobs, inspire change; inspire motivation for others. I want to leave value in this world, I want to inspire, and be a part of evolution; be a part of the good. My dream job would be to be in a position where I can empower women, serve others, and communicate the universality of the human experience. To be a transformational leader in both my community and my country.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
My first six years of life were spent in Akcay, Turkey, a town of roughly 5000 residents by the Aegean Sea. I grew up with my mother and cousins; there was no daycare at the time. I spent a lot of time with my family by the ocean, being a kid; getting into things I shouldn’t have been, but I was a free-spirited young girl who was definitely a bit of an extrovert; I would put on belly dancing shows for my family to entertain them while they had people over! Those years were beautiful and formative for me, as I look back on them. Things became a little more difficult for me at the time, when my family decided to relocate us from Turkey to Canada. A decision for which I will be eternally grateful for. We travelled to Canada with two luggage each and around $500 in our pockets. During that period, we relied significantly on food banks throughout my community to feed our family. I recall being perplexed and struggling to acclimatize to culture shock for the first few years. My family and I arrived in July 2001, and 9/11 happened just a few months later; as a Muslim, I faced a lot of discrimination during those years. Despite these obstacles, I remained a lively bundle of energy. Aslihan, 7, really enjoyed editing music videos on her desktop computer while her mother vacuumed in the background! My family and I fought for years to establish roots in a particular city; by the sixth grade, I had moved four times. Finding my position in the world took some time, but I am grateful for the childhood I had. As an adult, I realize that all of the difficulties and tribulations, as well as the times when I identified as tough, actually shaped who I am and the sort of authentic, caring, fearless, kind, resilient, woman of integrity that I am today.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I’ve worked a wide variety of jobs over the years. However, working at a dry cleaner has to be the most intriguing or unusual. My first job was keeping score at hockey tournaments, and then I moved on to Tim Hortons. The rest were probably very standard; there was a lot of retail and customer service, and the food business. It’s odd, though, to find someone who works at a dry cleaner and a tanning salon. In particular, the dry cleaners, because the building where I had worked also housed a Dry Cleaner the size of a small apartment, and it was enormous. That meant that at the age of 19, I was handling big machines without any guidance. I was employed from April through November, during which time the HEAT was constant. Even if it exceeded 35 degrees outside, the temperature inside would soar to 45-50 degrees, and I would spend the day steaming away, pressing pants and dress shirts while also working reception.
List any volunteering you have done.
Since high school, volunteering has been a vital part of my life. I’ve volunteered for Halloween for Hunger and Ramadan Giving, which is a charity organization of Muslims in my town who prepare foods throughout the holy month of Ramadan for families living in poverty and low-income conditions to be able to break their fasts. Last but not least, Global Medic. On weekends, I volunteer with Global Medic, a Canadian charity organization that provides humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of natural catastrophes and armed war. With everything that is going on in the world right now, our modest actions have a big influence, especially when multiplied by communities.
What is your most unusual talent?
My most unusual talent is being able to recite Dwight’s “Perfect Crime” monologue from The Office. I possess extraordinary toe strength, allowing me to lift up objects with my toes. I can sing almost every song off Hilary Duff’s first album “Metamorphosis” with zero hesitation. In addition, I can speak “bird” language in Turkish, which is similar to “pig-Latin” in that it has the same concept but distinct techniques.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
It’s challenging to narrow down to just one destination as the most fascinating I’ve ever visited, but if I had to choose, it would be Lebanon. The visit I took to the “Tyre World Heritage Site” was quite educational. Tyre, a city in Lebanon, has a recorded history stretching back approximately 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world. I’ve been extremely fortunate to be able to do a lot of travelling over the course of my life. My travels have taken me to Montreal, Niagara Falls, Izmir, Istanbul, Bursa, Bodrum, Los Angeles, New York City, Florida, Miami, Mexico, Jamaica, Punta Cana, and Beirut. I hope to keep exploring the world and to continue adding to the growing list!
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
Over the next ten years, I intend to continue laying the groundwork for a meaningful, successful, and peaceful existence. By the age of 37, I would like to be in harmony with my health and purpose in my profession. To be aligned and content with where I am in life, to have achieved love and prosperity, and to be continually fostering the relationships around me. In ten years, I aspire to have made a significant contribution to my community and played an important role in assisting immigrants’ integration into Canadian society. To be a voice for women’s empowerment, to support the mental health epidemic, and to be a part of the solution. I want to keep growing into the woman I am and making myself and my nation proud as a Miss Universe Canada and Miss Universe alumnus. Last but not least, I hope to be writing my second or third book, as I am currently writing my first, about the universal human experience and communicating what I have learned during my life.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
Thank you. Thank you for this opportunity.
One of my greatest aspirations is to become a transformational leader across generations. To know that I have made a difference in the lives of others by solely inspiring them, reassuring them that they are not alone in their experiences, and providing them with the tools they need to navigate similar situations. Whether in my personal or professional life, I have always strived to be a beacon of kindness and empathy, and to help as many people I can within my capacity. I believe I am making a difference in the world by continuing to show others that they are not alone in their struggles and by providing them with the resources they need to overcome them. To be a living example of a person who has endured the most gruelling of gruelling times, but has emerged from those experiences with the greatest possible success.
Being crowned Miss Universe Canada would entirely transform my life and allow me to realize my most profound and significant aspiration to date. The sheer honour of being a part of Canada’s heritage and history would profoundly alter my existence. Miss Universe Canada would indicate that I have inspired those around me, that they trust me to represent our country with the uttermost respect, and that I am deserving of continuing this legacy. Becoming Miss Universe Canada would represent the pinnacle of my life’s goals. To be physically present in the room. To partake in conversations as a voice. To be able to impart my personal knowledge. Using a megaphone to emphasize the most critical and vital issues in order to aid others as much as feasible. To serve as a transformative leader in my community and nation. That would imply that I would be recognized as the most qualified candidate for the position to which I wish to devote my entire life. Being Miss Universe Canada would be the culmination of my greatest aspiration. To be a transformative leader in both my community and country. It would imply that I would be considered the best candidate for the position to which I intend to dedicate my entire life. For me, bearing the title of Miss Universe Canada is everything, the entirety of existence. Coming face to face with your goal is at once thrilling, uplifting, inspiring, and terrifying. All of my past experiences have prepared me for this moment, and I accept this responsibility with great humility.
My wish is that I am able to communicate who I am as best as I can, and I hope I have done so today. I am filled with immense gratitude for this amazing opportunity to express my thoughts and ideas with all of you. Together, we can embark on a journey that will lead us to great heights. I am incredibly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime chance, thank you, Miss Universe Canada, for this opportunity.