Susan Belter
Hometown: Coalhurst, AB
Occupation: Personal Lines Insurance Broker
Susan Belter’s journey began in Eswatini, where she was raised by a Swazi mother and a German father. After arriving in Canada in 1995 at 22, Susan pursued a diploma in administrative assisting with a focus on legal studies at Lethbridge College. While working in administrative roles, including at the Lethbridge School Board, a lifelong dream called her. At 30, she enrolled at the Medicine Hat Masters School of Cosmetology, earning her hairstyling diploma and becoming an award-winning stylist early in her career. Susan’s journey has been anything but ordinary—Susan is pursuing her lifelong dream of modeling for petite women. She is currently working on being signed by a modeling agency in Calgary and building her portfolio. At 30, she followed her passion into hairstyling, and now at 53, she breaks barriers again by stepping onto the Miss Universe Canada stage. From the moment she entered hair school at 30, she has shattered expectations, and now, as a model, she continues to redefine what is possible at every stage of life. After transitioning due to physical challenges, she became a licensed insurance broker, using the skills she honed in college, and she has excelled in this field for the past 11 years.
At around 23 years old, Susan faced an overwhelming storm of challenges—she was battling undiagnosed PTSD, schizophrenia, and severe depression, all while navigating a divorce. Thirty years ago, these conditions were shrouded in uncertainty, and Susan also found herself in a foreign land, facing a daunting Canadian culture shock. Yet, through the strength of her faith, Susan not only survived, but thrived—transforming each obstacle into a stepping stone toward her dreams.
Thirty years later, Susan stands as a beacon of hope—as a certified mental health coach dedicated to guiding others through their own battles. Drawing from her personal lived experience with PTSD, schizophrenia, and depression, she offers powerful strategies and tools to help others overcome. In an era when PTSD was barely understood, Susan not only survived; she thrived—and now she empowers countless others, all while chasing her own dreams and passions.
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What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I’m passionate about staying active, whether that be working out, walking or spending time family and friends. I love connecting with others, especially through church, I enjoy cooking and board games, card and some reading. Some of my interests include fashion and makeup.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I’m a licensed hairstylist with years of experience and I’m actively involved in community events through the Southern Alberta Afro Canadian Association.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Women’s soccer, swimming, netball. Volunteered as score keep for basketball when my children were younger.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Joyce Meyer. Her teachings have been transformative, especially in helping me develop my character. Her book “The Battlefield of the Mind” was a lifeline during a difficult mental challenge I faced and gave me practical biblical strategies to regain peace and clarity.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
I becoming and journeyman marker for hairstylists after the completion of their apprenticeship. As well I was an educator for a short period of time prior to taking on a management position at the salon I worked and as well as well as winning the service award for multiple years in a row and also broke the record for the highest sales in my region.
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 child I learned to read and write in Mandarin, and I can still speak very little today, even though I’ve lost some of it over time.
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 recognised model in both local and Canadian markets. Right now I’m working toward being signed by a modelling agency in Calgary, and my goal is to build my portfolios and gain experience on both a regional and national scale. My focus is on modelling for mature women particularly in the petite size category, as a 53 year old woman and 5’3.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
Would be to become a recognised petite model with years of experience, who inspires other women, especially in the mature category, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in Swaziland by a Swazi-born African mother and a European German father. I had a relatively good childhood until my father passed away and then I was raised by a single mother who never remarried. The culture there was very family-oriented and respectful, especially toward elders. English is my first language, and Siswati is my second. I also understand Ndebele and Zulu, which are very similar. Since Swaziland was a British colony, I also have a bit of what some might call a British accent! Food played a big role in my upbringing, we ate a lot of beef, and the cuisine was very cultured and rich, especially compared to typical North American food. We often had spicy dishes and vibrant flavours that really shaped my palate.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
When I arrived to Canada in 1995 at 22, years old my first part-time job was at a 24-hour convenience store. I really appreciate this job because it helped me become familiar with the Canadian currency and gave me the opportunity to adapt the local accent and way of life!
List any volunteering you have done.
Streets Alive – Feeding the Less Fortunate in my community, Church activities, Free haircuts for under-privileged individuals, teaching Sunday school, assisting with the toddlers as well, making coffee and preparing it during Sunday services, teaching on different biblical topics at my local church, street cleaning through my church.
What is your most unusual talent?
I have a real passion for cleanliness and detail. I have a real passion for cleanliness and organisation, and also have a keen eye for art and creativity.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Cape Town seeing and being on top of it was breathtaking experience.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
I hope to enter more pageants for mature women and win some titles as well as become a pageant coach as well as grow in my modelling career 🙂 its never too late.