Sukhleen Chane

Height: 5’8
Hometown: Abbotsford, BC
Languages: English, Punjabi
Occupation: Student at University of Fraser Valley (Bachelor of Science – Biochem major)

Sukhleen, a 20-year-old born in Toronto and raised in Vancouver, is currently pursuing a Biochemistry major at the University of Fraser Valley with the intention of furthering her education by attending graduate school to become a physician. Her passion for mental health advocacy and awareness led her to co-found Empower Your Mind Association, where she presently holds the position of co-president. The non-profit is committed to raising funds for youth mental health and spreading awareness of the issue. As someone who had experienced mental health issues firsthand, Sukhleen is motivated to devote her time to helping others in similar situations.

In addition to her dedication to the non-profit, Sukhleen has volunteered at various vet hospitals, collaborated with professors on chemistry research at her university, and worked as a tutor. Her exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements have earned her several scholarships. While she maintains a broad range of interests, travel is her foremost passion. Sukhleen has traversed North America, exploring five provinces and seven states. Travelling since childhood, Sukhleen views it as a crucial component of her identity, enabling her to develop a greater understanding of herself.

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I am most passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. I enjoy a variety of interests, such as hiking, swimming, dancing, and baking new recipes I find on Pinterest. These activities not only allow me to stay healthy but also add a fun element to my routine. Whenever I feel like being active, I go hiking, swimming or dancing, and whenever I want to indulge my taste buds with healthy snacks, I bake something new. Furthermore, I derive a sense of fulfilment from volunteering in my community. Currently, I serve as a co-president at Empower Your Mind Association, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for mental health. This cause holds a special place in my heart, and I find it immensely gratifying to work with my team towards this goal.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

• Traditional Indian dance (Giddha)
• Traditional Indian instruments (Harmonium)

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I have participated in swimming, basketball and volleyball.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

My brother has had a huge influence on me. Although he is my younger sibling, his hard work and ambition to achieve his goals have always inspired me to get out of my comfort zone. He isn’t only my brother but also my best friend.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

My most cherished achievement is serving as a co-president and co-founder of a mental health non-profit. My involvement with this organization provided me with the opportunity to support a cause that is deeply meaningful to me. Having personally experienced anxiety and panic attacks in the past, I can relate to those who struggle with mental health issues. Being able to promote awareness and raise funds for mental health initiatives brings me great satisfaction, because I know that I am making a difference in the lives of others. Through this non-profit, I have had the privilege of participating in various community events to raise awareness of mental health and even organized successful bake sales to raise funds. Donating my time to this noble cause is my proudest achievement.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

My love for travelling has always made me an adventurer at heart. Ever since I was a child, my parents took my brother and me on road trips, instilling in me a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. I find travelling to be an enriching experience because it allows us to discover new terrains beyond our hometown. Exploring different regions across Canada and the US gave us an insight into the different cultural and social differences across North America. So far, I have travelled across five provinces and seven states, each journey presenting me with a unique opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth, and broadening my understanding of the world.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

My career ambition is to become a physician. I highly value the importance of health and I would love to help people become the healthiest versions of themselves to live their life to the fullest. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science, majoring in biochemistry. I am planning on pursuing graduate school soon. I am also a co-president of a mental health non-profit called Empower Your Mind Association. I use this platform to increase awareness and raise funds for mental health. This non-profit gives me an opportunity to fulfil my passion for empowering individuals to achieve optimal health and wellness.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job would be to work as a physician remotely and be able to travel the world while helping my clients. I aspire to establish a brand that focuses on health and wellness as a physician. In addition, I would love to create a platform, such as a podcast, that educates individuals on how to achieve optimal health and become their most authentic selves.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was born in Brampton, Ontario and l spent half my childhood there. The majority of my days consisted of playing with my neighbourhood friends and exploring new places! However, my life took a new turn when I moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in fourth grade. The move proved to be difficult because I struggled to make new friends and adjust to my new environment. Nevertheless, this experience helped me develop my resilience and forge lifelong bonds. The following year, I moved again, this time to Abbotsford, British Columbia. Initially, I was disappointed not to return to my hometown of Brampton. But over time, I grew to love Abbotsford even more than Brampton!! After living here for 10 years now, I’ve grown to love everything about this place, from the stunning mountains to the rich wildlife and the warm, welcoming community. Overall, my childhood was quite eventful, but these experiences helped shape me into the person I am today.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

I’ve worked many jobs including retail, tutoring and fast food however by far the most interesting may be working as a research assistant for my university’s chemistry department. We research the effect of solvents under high pressure. It was an incredible experience that involved collaborating with professors and contributing my own thoughts and ideas to their research! I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work with these professors, as it allowed me to acquire knowledge about chemistry outside of the classroom and gain practical, hands-on experience in the field. Overall, my time as a research assistant was an exceptional learning opportunity that continues to shape my academic pursuits.

List any volunteering you have done.

I absolutely love giving back to my community. I have volunteered at many places including the following:

• Camp leader at Gurmat Center
• Meeting coordinator at Special Olympics
• Co-president of Empower Your Mind Association (Mental Health Nonprofit)
• Member of the Senate of Student Appeals at the University of Fraser Valley
• Canada Day Volunteer for the City of Abbotsford
• Volunteer Vet Assistant at Clearbook Animal Hospital, Clayburn Pet Hospital, and Townline Pet Hospital

What is your most unusual talent?

I am an expert hula hooper! I can hula hoop while doing crazy tasks.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

I consider myself fortunate to have travelled to many places, but India stands out as the most captivating of them all. The country is filled with amazing landscapes, food and culture. Going to India was a huge cultural shock because I did not know how different Eastern and Western culture is even though I am of Indian ethnicity. However, visiting this country was a blessing because I was able to experience where my parents grew up and therefore indulge in my culture even more! From the bustling streets of Punjab to the stunning Taj Mahal, my trip to India not only broadened my horizons about the world but also allowed me to deepen my understanding of my own identity.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In the next 10 years, I hope to have established a health and wellness brand as a physician that helps millions of individuals live healthier and more fulfilling lives. I will be travelling often for business and personal trips with my husband, family and friends.