Komal Kumar
Height: 5’3
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Languages: English, Hindi
Occupation: Registered Psychologist
Komal, a first-generation Canadian with Fijian-Indian roots, holds three degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, a Bachelor of Education Secondary Route in Science and Health, and a Master’s in Counselling. Her former experience being a grade 6-12 teacher, inspired her to now become a dedicated mental health advocate. She is a Registered Psychologist, and owner of TriUnity Wellness. Komal employs evidence-based, holistic approaches to connect body, mind, and soul, specializing in anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma and confidence building. She also addresses the unique challenges faced by international populations and blended families. As the founder of South Asian Network Therapy Association, she strives to build community to connect South Asian individuals with South Asian therapists, to help breaks down barriers to access counseling. Outside her profession, Komal enjoys family time, competitive hip-hop dancing, cheerleading, soccer, fitness, and traveling to nearly 30 countries. She is pursuing a Psy.D. in Counselling, is an academic published author, and is writing a self-help book based on her years of psychological practice set to launch in 2025.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I love the work I do and all things mental health. I am an omnivert, so I have an extroverted side that loves spending time with family/friends, playing soccer, dancing, yoga, cheerleading, martial arts, foodie, travelling, camping and always am down to try new things. The introvert side of me loves movies, crafting, creating video content, cleaning, organizing, painting, fashion, makeup, hitting the gym. I also strive to always grow, so I love doing that with professional development and also love to grow my business too.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
Dance – 8 years of hip hop training. Past 3 years dancing in competitive groups
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Soccer, basketball, cheerleading, dancing (on teams).
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My 6 year old niece, Alivia. She has influenced me in my life as the perspective of a child is so different than an adults and she constantly reminds me to stay grounded/be in the present moment. When she asks me what something is that’s new in her little world, it’s almost a mindfulness practice to observe and describe things in a way I have never done before. It slows me down and often I notice things I never have before. I am better able to observe the world around me from a micro perspective. In the same breath, as she is young I am also reminded that she is a watchful and observant being. When I hear her say things like she wants to grow up and be a psychologist or go work out at the gym like me, it reminds me that how I carry myself and my behaviours are influential and important. It has allowed for me to engage from a macro perspective of the world in more depth. I have become more mindful with the things I do and live my life intentionally, to be able to be proud to be a role model to a young impressionable little girl. These things I have learned from my niece has helped for me to work towards living my best life possible.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Becoming a Psychologist and not for the fact of being a Psychologist, but rather all the blood, sweat and tears that it took to get to that. In my journey I completed a Bachelor of Science Degree, Bachelor of Education Degree and a Masters of Counselling Degree. In that time was countless sacrifices to ensure success. Being a 1st Generation Canadian, becoming a Psychologist also means I was the first in my family to make it to University. To be able to be independent and live my best life also means my parents hard work and sacrifices paid off, so that’s the biggest accomplishment I could ever have.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
What’s interesting about me is that I feel I have a lot of good luck! Somehow in someway things always just seem to work out for me exactly how I need it to when I am needing it to. It literally will just land in my lap sometimes, so I feel luck is often on my side.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to be a world renowned Psychologist and advocate for mental health. I am in the process as I have already become a Psychologist and started a business. Next steps is to expand my reach to as many people by writing books, use social media platforms to educate, network and create opportunities to speak at events.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job fits in my current job of being a Psychologist. I see so many people struggle with the same issues day to day, so I would love to be a Psychologist that is a Motivational Speaker to help as many people as possible learn to become the best version of themselves and live their best life. It would also be my dream to become a Philanthropist and help others for various causes.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. My childhood was wonderful. I was raised by two immigrant parents who valued education. The weekdays were often filled with studying, structure, routine, extracurriculars such as soccer or basketball. The weekends were a time of connecting with extended family, so we often would have large family gatherings where I would get to play with a lot of my cousins, to whom I’m still close to today. Childhood was also filled with lots of camping, swimming, travelling and fishing.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
The most interesting would be working in a Science Museum.
List any volunteering you have done.
Volunteer on committees for undergraduate/graduate degrees and at places of employment.
What is your most unusual talent?
I clap really loud
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Bosnia – it was so interesting to see buildings that were blown in the war standing next to brand new 5 star hotels! I’ve never seen that anywhere. Also, the people there were so incredibly kind and have gone through so much, so was very humbling. There is a place there also where due to politics architecture was built completely different, side by side. If you stand on a certain line in a certain spot, you have two completely backgrounds and it’s hard to believe it’s the same spot. So cool!
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
I hope to be a Psychologist whose a Motivational Speaker and a Philanthropist, along with having a family of my own.