Harmony Ilunga
Height: 5’7
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English, French, Lingala
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Harmony Ilunga, a model, entrepreneur, and human rights activist originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, grew up in Hong Kong as a refugee. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and completing the Diversity and Inclusion certificate program at Cornell University.
While embracing her Canadian identity, Harmony remains deeply connected to her personal journey. In 2018, she established Harmony HK, a platform aimed at raising awareness and promoting the talents of marginalized individuals. In 2020, she expanded her endeavors to Harmony HK Model Agency by founding the first diverse model agency in Hong Kong, earning her recognition on Forbes’ “30 under 30” list. She aspires to continue to create a platform in Canada where newcomers’ such as immigrants, and refugees stories and experiences are empowered and uplifted. She envisions amplifying the voices of new arrivals, demonstrating how their experiences enhance and enrich our diverse society. Harmony believes in fostering a society where every person feels a profound sense of belonging and has equal opportunities to flourish, recognizing that this not only fosters a sense of belonging but also positively impacts their mental health.
A quote deeply resonated with her, Harmony identifies with the aspirations of immigrants who strive to change their narrative and fight their parents’ unfulfilled battles. She cherishes the opportunity to be in Canada, experiencing unparalleled freedom and possibilities.
Harmony aims to collaborate with newcomers, immigrants, and refugees, exploring how their unique talents can benefit our society. She firmly believes their stories contribute to Canada’s achievements and collective progress.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I am passionate about a variety of interests and activities. One of my biggest passions is giving back to my community through volunteer work and charitable initiatives. I believe in using my platform to make a positive impact and contribute to the betterment of society. one of the thing that I also enjoy the most is promoting diversity and inclusivity, as I believe that every individual deserves to be respected and celebrated regardless of their background or identity. I actively participate in events and campaigns that promote equality and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
Some of the special training I have had includes:
- Media and Interview Skills: I have undergone media and interview training to effectively communicate with the press, answer questions confidently, and handle media interactions in a professional manner. This training has equipped me with the skills to represent myself well.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Advocacy: I have received training in cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness to better understand and appreciate different cultures and promote inclusivity.
- Fitness and Wellness: I have received training in fitness and wellness to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. This includes regular exercise, nutrition, and self-care practices to keep my body and mind in optimal condition, allowing me to be a positive role model for health and wellness.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I have participated in soccer, field rugby and other sport activities.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Rihanna has had a significant influence on my life, even though I have never met her in person. Her success story as a businesswoman and her journey from a humble background has inspired me in many ways.
Firstly, Rihanna’s entrepreneurial spirit and success in various industries, including music, fashion, and cosmetics, have shown me that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Her ability to turn her passions into successful businesses is truly admirable and has motivated me to pursue my own goals and dreams.
Secondly, Rihanna’s background and upbringing resonate with me. She grew up in a small town in Barbados and faced many challenges on her path to success, including financial struggles and personal hardships. Her resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity have inspired me to overcome my own obstacles and push through difficult times.
Finally, Rihanna’s commitment to giving back to her community and using her platform for social change has inspired me to make a positive impact in my own life and the lives of those around me. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for important causes, such as education and health care, have shown me that success is not only measured by personal achievements but also by the impact one can make on society.
Overall, Rihanna’s success story and values have had a significant influence on my life, and I am grateful for the inspiration she has provided me to pursue my goals, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact in the world.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Being listed on Forbes 30 under 30 in 2022.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
As a psychology major, I think that’s the most of interesting thing that has happened. I have learned so much that has lead me to be a strong advocate for mental health awareness and self-care. I believe that taking care of our mental well-being is crucial to leading a healthy and balanced life. I enjoy engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to maintain my own mental wellness, and I strive to raise awareness and provide support to others who may be struggling with their mental health.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to promote diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry between Asia and Canada while giving back to society. I believe that fashion has the power to unite people of different cultures and backgrounds, and I am committed to using my platform to promote this message of inclusivity and acceptance.
To accomplish this goal, I plan to collaborate with fashion industry leaders in both Asia and Canada to create events and initiatives that showcase the beauty of diversity and highlight the importance of inclusion. I also plan to use my voice to advocate for greater representation and opportunities for people of all backgrounds in the fashion industry.
Furthermore, I believe that giving back to society is essential in achieving my career ambition. As such, I will be working with organizations that support underprivileged communities and provide access to education and other essential resources. Through these partnerships, I will use my position to bring awareness to important issues and create opportunities for positive change.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My ultimate career aspiration is to leverage my passion for social justice and my keen interest in the fashion industry to travel the world and work with underprivileged communities. Through this work, I aim to identify individuals who possess a raw talent in fashion, and invest in them to help turn their dreams into a reality.
Central to my approach is an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful impact by promoting diversity, inclusivity, and talent representation within the fashion industry. I envision this being achieved by working closely with modeling agencies across the globe, helping talented individuals with diverse backgrounds secure contracts and achieve their full potential.
In summary, my dream job would entail a life of constant travel, fostering meaningful connections with underprivileged communities, and helping individuals from diverse backgrounds reach their full potential within the fashion industry. I am resolute in my pursuit of this career aspiration, and I am excited about the potential to make a significant and lasting impact on the world.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and at the age of 12, I moved to Hong Kong, where I grew up as a refugee. Life during my formative years was challenging, and I faced numerous obstacles that tested my resolve and resilience. However, through these experiences, I learned the importance of perseverance and grit, regardless of the challenges life may bring.
Despite the difficulties I faced, I remained determined to succeed and worked tirelessly to create a brighter future for myself. Through hard work and dedication, I was able to achieve my academic and personal goals, ultimately leading me to my current position.
My experiences have instilled within me an unwavering sense of determination and a deep-rooted belief in the power of resilience. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the person I have become as a result, and I look forward to utilizing these values to make a meaningful impact in the world.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
Some of the interesting jobs I may have had are modelling and being an entrepreneur.
List any volunteering you have done.
I volunteered at Charities in Hong Kong such as Centre for refugees and Learning Together where I taught refugees basic English. I also volunteer at my church every Sunday with children age 2 to 3 teaching them some basic bible classes.
What is your most unusual talent?
I am very good at spotting talents in people.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Hong Kong and Canada
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
Over the course of the next decade, my aspiration is to embark on a journey around the globe with the purpose of discovering exceptional talents and investing in their potential for success. I recognize the importance of laying a solid foundation for my future, and as such, I have a long-term goal of starting a family and establishing a stable home base. By combining my passion for travel with a strategic investment approach, I aim to expand my knowledge, broaden my horizons, and contribute to the growth of promising entrepreneurs worldwide.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
I am looking forward to being part of Miss Universe Canada.