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

I’m an outgoing and energetic individual with a passion for health and wellness! Besides my typical student and work life, I enjoy being active (going to the gym, being outdoors) or cooking up a new recipe! I’m also an avid philanthropist, being a host for my platform called “Voices for Change” in which I spread awareness on a diverse range of Canadian stories, in relation to immigration and newcomer challenges. I enjoy being able to create meaningful connections and to spread a positive message.

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

I have formal training in runway and public speaking, which has helped me develop a strong stage presence through consistent practice and performance. Additionally, I am a self-taught pianist and have been playing since I was 8 years old. This journey has significantly contributed to my growth in confidence and my ability to take on new challenges.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

Growing up, I was actively involved in both track and swimming. Both sports played a key role in teaching me perseverance, discipline and a passion for maintaining physical fitness.

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

Aside from the unwavering support of my hardworking parents, the individual who has had the most influence on me is Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu. As the first Punjabi-Sikh woman to be crowned Miss Universe, she shattered barriers and redefined representation on a global stage. Her journey inspires me to lead with authenticity and to fearlessly use my voice to stand up for what I believe in. I hope to make history, just like her, and to become the first Punjabi-Sikh woman to win Miss Universe Canada.

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

My proudest personal accomplishments span many areas of my life, so I would say that my journey itself is my greatest achievement. From being an Urban and Regional Planning student, to be able to maintain a 3.7 GPA, I’m proud of the career I’m pursuing and my contributions as a student. I’m also proud of my growth as a model, including the incredible opportunity to walk prestigious runways like Toronto Fashion Week. However, I’m most proud of myself when I’m able to create a positive impact, or to spread a meaningful message. This includes the creation of my podcast series “Your Story Matters”, and finding ways in my day to day life where I can help someone in need. By simply creating space for others to feel seen and valued, those are the moments that truly define who I am.

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 love a good chess game! I have played competitively in local chess tournaments, in some cases where I was the only female, and have also won! This is more of my “nerdy” side that I fully embrace. I love that it’s a unique part of who I am and something that always surprises people!

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

I hope to pursue a career that allows me to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s through urban planning, my humanitarian work, or one day launching my own business. As an Urban and Regional Planning student, I’m passionate about addressing real-world issues, especially in housing development and infrastructure that directly affect the well-being of communities. I’m driven by the idea of creating spaces that are not only functional but inclusive and sustainable. My ultimate goal is to work on projects that uplift entire communities, improve quality of life, and ensure that everyone has access to safe, vibrant, and equitable environments. Being able to make a lasting, positive impact on both a local and broader scale is the kind of career I aspire to build.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

I would consider my career ambitions to be my “dream job”—a role where I can lead and inspire others by blending my passion for humanitarian work with my studies in urban planning. On top of that, I also aspire to represent Canada internationally at Miss Universe!

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

I am a first-generation Canadian, raised by my Punjabi-Sikh immigrant family as an only child. Growing up, I moved over 8 schools, 5 houses, and 3 cities. My exposure early in my childhood led me to adapt to many different environments. Being a quiet and shy young girl, with classmates and other students not being the most friendly, forced me to overcome issues of bullying and gaining independence at a very young age. Like many immigrants and newcomers in Canada, my parents had to work countless hours to provide for me and my family. This resulted in me spending a lot of time to myself. However, in a positive light, I gained very positive and valuable experiences and shapes me as the person I am today, at 19 years old. Being reserved in my early years taught me the value of using your voice, a lesson I now live by and hope to pass on to future generations.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

At 17, my first job was as a hostess at a busy sports bar. It wasn’t easy—handling demanding customers, organizing crowds during playoff games, while learning everything on my own. But through those challenges, I gained a strong appreciation for the hard work that goes into customer service. Something as simple as kindness, can really make a big difference to someone.

List any volunteering you have done.

• SickKids Foundation – Helped organize charity events and assisted in fundraising campaigns like walkathons and donation drives. Hosted a painting sale.
• Toronto Habitat for Humanity – Joined volunteer teams to help build homes for families in need, and assisted in organizing local fundraising events and charity runs.
• Vaughan Food Bank – Volunteered to sort and package food donations, and helped coordinate holiday food drives during Thanksgiving and Christmas that provided essential supplies to families in need within the Vaughan community.
• Daily Bread Food Bank (Toronto) – Volunteered with food sorting and packaging to fight hunger in the Greater Toronto Area.

As a humanitarian, I’m always looking for meaningful ways to give back to my community in my day-to-day life, I hope to continue growing my involvement!

What is your most unusual talent?

I’m not sure if I would consider this an unusual talent, but I have an unusual amount of astronomy fun facts. I’ve spent countless hours watching space documentaries, so now I have a collection of fun astronomy facts stored in the back of my mind, ready to share at any time!

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

The most interesting place I’ve been to is New Delhi, India—my parents’ home country. Being raised in Canada, I never got to experience the life that my parents lived before they immigrated. I can definitely say the life is very different. Everything from education, opportunities, societal norms, etc. It’s surprising yet so beautiful to learn about the different lives that people live across the globe. For this reason, I aspire to travel more in the future.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I will be 29. By the time I am 29 years old, I hope to be established in my career as a planner. Making a difference in communities through development, and working on projects that uplift communities, improve quality of life, and ensure that everyone has access to safe and equitable environments. My humanitarian work will remain consistent. Whether that is through being more actively involved in giving back to my community, or leveraging my platform to advocate for crucial causes. I aspire to have a successful side business as well, in health and wellness or in relation to my career. Ultimately, I want to look back and be proud of the positive mark I’ve left, whether through my accomplishments as a Miss Universe Canada finalist, a runway model, or as someone who made a genuine difference in the world.

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

I’m honoured and incredibly grateful to be a part of Miss Universe Canada! I look forward to being a representation of my community, and to make history as the first Punjabi-Sikh woman to win this prestigious title. I’m confident in my ability to showcase the beautiful diversity of our country on an international level, while remaining authentic and genuine every step of the way.