Jaspreet Kaur-Batra

Height: 5’8
Hometown: Nelson, BC
Languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi
Occupation: Public Servant, BC Public Services

Jaspreet Kaur Batra, a remarkable individual born in India, embarked on a transformative journey to Canada in 2017 as an international student. Falling in love with the country, she decided to establish her roots in Canada. Currently residing in Nelson, BC, she takes immense pride in her Canadian citizenship. Jaspreet exemplifies courage, compassion, and a holistic mindset, and firmly believes in personal growth and development.

With a background as a dental surgeon from India, Jaspreet’s deep passion for healthcare and entrepreneurship was ignited through her family’s business ventures. Pursuing fields such as business management, health administration, and business analytics in Canada, she firmly believes that local businesses and healthcare are the pillars of a thriving community. Recognizing the importance of effective communication, she obtained training in technical communication from the esteemed University of British Columbia. In her dedicated efforts to uplift her community, she has played a pivotal role in spearheading the success of five local businesses in three different cities across British Columbia and contributing to the community’s growth.

Jaspreet derives immense energy from empowering others and setting them up for success. Over the past 12 years, she has selflessly volunteered her time for various causes – women’s empowerment, combating food insecurity, leading tree plantation drives, promoting mental health, and facilitating personal and professional development. Her commitment to making a difference is further demonstrated through her role as a director on the West Kootenay Women’s Association board and her advisory position at Dress for Success, Kelowna. In her pursuit of building a thriving community, Batra is establishing support services for educated immigrants. These services aim to assist newcomers in establishing industry connections within their desired fields, facilitating their integration into the community, and fostering their success as well as contributing to the Canadian economy. Jaspreet finds solace in nature and rejuvenates through hiking and forest strolls. She is deeply committed to lifelong learning and looks forward to pursuing her MBA in 2024, believing that cultivating a growth mindset requires self-belief and a thirst for knowledge.

Why Miss Universe? Jaspreet’s journey towards Miss Universe is driven by her struggles with identity and adversity faced through body-shaming from a young age. Raised in an environment that opposed feminism, she discovered the oppression she had endured when she ventured beyond her restricted surroundings. Guided by compassion, she believes that it holds the key to solving the world’s problems.

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

I am passionate about helping others and empowering them to succeed. I believe in having a growth mindset and dedicate a considerable amount of time to my personal and professional development. I enjoy learning about various topics such as nutrition, women’s health, mind-body connection, and entrepreneurship. Apart from this, I love going on adventures, hiking, pottery, and card-making. Traveling rejuvenates me, and I always look forward to learning about different cultures and perspectives. My curiosity drives me to explore neuroplasticity, positive psychology, and ways to increase human potential. Volunteering in the community is an essential part of my life, and I’m committed to promoting inclusivity and empowering women. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies, and I appreciate how books can make you think, see, feel, and wonder at the same time.

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

I am a culinary arts professional with three years of experience in some of the top restaurants in Kelowna. My passion for food revolves around creating a perfect balance of flavors. I have a deep understanding of the ingredients and how they come together to create a masterpiece. I believe that food is not just a necessity but also a means to bring people together and build a community.

I also received some training in Bhangra and some other folk dances of Punjab, India.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

When I was growing up, I was a big fan of badminton and volleyball. I found sports to be fascinating, and I believed they provided both physical and mental stimulation. Unfortunately, my family did not support my interest in sports, so I had to quit my teams. Nowadays, whenever I have the opportunity, I love to go horse riding.

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

My grandmother had a huge influence on my life, but she passed away when I was only eight years old. Growing up everybody called me the younger version of my grandmother. I think I inherited my strong sense of compassion from her. She was always taking care of everyone in the community with love. Even though she’s gone, I still draw strength and encouragement from her memory. I feel like she’s guiding me on my path as I prepare to spread a message of compassion to the world.

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

I am proud to say that I achieved my dream of becoming a doctor in India. This achievement is particularly meaningful to me as it was my late grandparents’ dream to see me become a doctor and serve humanity. I am proud to have completed my education with a gold medal. Additionally, receiving my Canadian citizenship is one of my proudest personal accomplishments.

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

I am naturally drawn to spirituality. I believe it is my superpower.

I find this question intriguing because I don’t believe that anything happened to me. Instead, I worked extremely hard to achieve the things I have in life, and I am immensely grateful for that. Every day, I live with contentment and gratitude. I believe that making efforts can be challenging, but it is these efforts that lead to growth. If you focus your efforts in the right direction, you will undoubtedly learn and succeed.

I started learning to appreciate the things I already have and that changed my life.

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

I aspire to be a global educator and public speaker, inspired by the outstanding work of Gabor Mate and Brene Brown. Their ability to explain trauma, vulnerability, and healing motivates me to spread the message of compassion. I strongly believe that every human being on this planet is going through some form of pain or hardship, and they require immense healing and compassion. My goal is to promote this message of compassion to the world. I am working on starting my master’s in business administration this year and I am very excited for this next chapter.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job is to become a spiritual teacher or guide. I believe that everyone has in them to reach their fullest potential, as there is a simplicity that exists within every human being that transcends all the superficiality. I aspire to master the art of achieving my own best self and guiding others to do the same

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

I was born and raised in India, and my childhood was quite confusing. I always sought validation from others and grew up in an unstable home filled with chaos. Despite this, I am grateful for my spiritual upbringing, which helped me cope from a young age. I was born into a patriarchal household with extreme opinions on the role of women, but I am grateful that as an adult, I had the choice to raise myself on my terms.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

I have worked as a dental surgeon in India and organized and participated in 15 rural dental camps supporting the underserved with free dental treatment.

As a child, I wasn’t given the freedom to choose my career, and everyone around me expected me to become a doctor. However, when I came to Canada, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to explore various jobs and learn about the culture. I have worked in several unique positions, such as a bookstore associate in Dawson Creek, called Faking Sanity where I met wonderful people, and I even received cook training from some of the restaurants I worked at.

List any volunteering you have done.

• Director, Nelson & District Women Centre, West Kootenay Women’s Association, Nov. 2023 to Present
• Advisor, Dress for Success, Nov. 2022 to Present
• Coordinator Chairside/Dental Assistant, Access Dental Centre, Nov. 2022 to Jan. 2023
• Volunteer, Central Okanagan Community Food Bank, March 2022 to September 2023
• Volunteer, Okanagan Fruit Tree Project, March 2021 to September 2022
• Mentor, Junior Achievement British Columbia (JABC), Nov. 2022 to April 2023
• Harvest Leader, Okanagan Fruit Tree Project Society, July 2021 to Oct. 2022
• Student Leader Volunteer, Northern Lights College, August 2018 to April 2019
• Team Leader/ Fund Raising, Mizpah Transition House, South Peace Community Resources Society, Sept. to Nov. 2018
• Coordinator, 20th Indian Orthodontic Society PG Students Convention, March 2016
• Volunteer, Dental Surgeon, Guru Teg Bahadur Charitable Hospital, July 2016- April 2017
• Volunteer Coordinator/Team Lead, Sambhav NGO, June 2015 to Dec. 2015

What is your most unusual talent?

I believe that my courage and my ability to communicate my thoughts and feelings with authenticity and curiosity are my greatest strengths. I don’t mind being vulnerable in front of others, and I feel grateful to have a voice that inspires people to overcome their fears. Many have complimented me on my ability to help them, and I’m proud to be a source of inspiration for them.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

I believe that the most fascinating and motivating place I have ever visited is Montreal. I enjoyed strolling through the art galleries and admiring the beautiful mural art created by some of the most talented artists. I was also moved by the live music performances by the street performers. This trip brought out my creative side, which had been dormant for many years, and I started painting again. I loved the culture, diversity, and vibrant colors of the city. I am planning to visit Montreal again soon.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

I aim to learn a musical instrument, discover more about myself, write a book, and empower those around me.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

I want to emphasize that humanity thrives when we work together toward the goal of a beautiful and sustainable future. Everyone has a story to share and inspire, and it’s important to listen to and acknowledge others. Even small acts of kindness and consideration can make a big difference. In the end, what truly matters is who made you feel loved, heard, seen, and valued. It’s crucial to take care of yourself and those around you and to prioritize the health and well-being of our planet. Thank you for reading, and lots of love.