Alexia Anand
Height: 5’4
Hometown: Markham, ON
Languages: English, conversational Tagalog
Occupation: Sales Associate
Alexia Anand was born and raised in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Not only is she a proud Canadian, but she also represents her Filipina and Indian heritage. With a passion for politics and the arts, Alexia graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto in 2022. She had a double major in Political Science, Cinema Studies, and a minor in Art History. After many years of dedication and hard work at school, Alexia is excited to pursue law school the following year to achieve her dreams of becoming a family lawyer. Alexia also desires to have a career in the arts after being a trained vocalist for seven years. She has also been a pianist since the age of six.
Alexia’s academic background in politics and the arts makes her not only creative, but also highly analytical. While at university, Alexia volunteered as the finance director of HanVoice and went above and beyond to raise funds to support North Korean refugees in Toronto.
Through her volunteer work, Alexia has become passionate about human rights and protecting women. Her passion for defending women in vulnerable positions makes her an ideal candidate for a career in family law.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I enjoy experimenting with my fashion sense, going to the gym, spending time with friends, playing the electric guitar, and making my own music! I love activities where I can freely express myself. I would say that making music has been an effective outlet for me to personify my feelings. I don’t post my music anywhere, but I share my songs with close friends since I consider it my personal diary most of the time.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I’ve danced ballet competitively for 10 years since I was three years old. I have also taken singing lessons for three years, acting classes for a year, and improv classes.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I started playing recreational golf last year and I really enjoy it. I’ve learned that it’s a fun way to destress and enjoy the sun! I’ve also participated in Sport stacking where a competitor must stack cups at an extremely fast pace. I am proud to say that I have earned multiple medals after competing in those competitions for three years.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
I’ve been an only child all my life, and growing up, I was surrounded by many cousins and considered them my siblings. I would say my cousin Nona is one of the most influential people I have in my life. I consider her my big sister even though we’re the same age. Nona is extremely independent, knows what she wants, is kind-hearted, and has an excellent sense of humour. She inspires me to work hard at everything I do, maintain a positive mindset, and set high standards for myself in every facet of life. From what I’ve learned from Nona, she has helped me become a better person and inspired me to be the leader I am today.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
My greatest accomplishment is staying true to myself ever since childhood. Recently, I stumbled across a project I made when I was 11. I wrote down my goals, my interests, and the people I love. At age 23, it feels as if I made this project yesterday. I realized that I have always been diligent to achieve my dreams and goals since I was a child. It makes me proud to imagine how my 11-year-old self would be thrilled to meet the hardworking, yet genuine 23-year-old Alexia.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
Multiculturalism is one of the things I find interesting about myself. I’m half Filipino, half Indian, and Canadian. Since my upbringing, I’ve explored these three beautiful backgrounds. It’s something I find unique about myself and how I’ve bonded with others. In addition, I am always curious about other cultures as well.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I aspire to be a family lawyer. I am applying to law school this year, and as someone fascinated by human psychology and family dynamics, this is my dream career!
What would be your “dream job” in life?
A job where I can help others, especially women in vulnerable positions. As a family lawyer, I’d like to be a helpful ally to women who have faced domestic abuse for instance, and provide a safe space. From one woman to another, I aspire to be a source of refuge.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in Markham, Ontario Canada. My mom immigrated from the Philippines and my father immigrated from India before I was born. Ever since I was a child, I have ingrained their cultures into my identity. I’m an only child, but I taught myself to be confident and independent at a very young age. My two cultures, including being Canadian, taught me unique ways to express myself through the arts. This includes singing and acting after watching many three-hour Bollywood films and Tagalog teleseryes growing up.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
At the age of ten, I was on a television show where I had to build an alarm clock from scratch for a competition. Although I wasn’t the winner, I earned a rewarding and interesting experience and I’m proud of my younger self for taking risks.
List any volunteering you have done.
In high school, I was in a student-led organization where individuals from Markham organized music-performing events for students. This was a rewarding experience since it gave me the opportunity to sing in front of unfamiliar crowds. It was also fulfilling watching other like-minded individuals pursue their musical passions as well.
At university, I volunteered for UN Women. I created Instagram infographics by researching gender and race inequalities against women.
Another volunteer experience I enjoyed at school was HanVoice, a charity supporting North Korean refugees in Toronto. I was the finance director and organized fundraising goals and allocated funds.
I was also a mentor for pre-law students by guiding mentees through their academic careers, offering helpful advice, and being a friend to chat with.
What is your most unusual talent?
Opera singing. To be fair, I love karaoke with my friends and family but the opera singing is something I usually keep to myself since I genuinely have no idea when that skill could come in handy.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
The most interesting place I have been to is Rome, Italy. At the University of Toronto, I minored in Art History. There, I enriched my knowledge about the fine arts in Rome, including seeing one of the world’s most breathtaking works of art – the Colosseum. Having one of the most beautiful buildings in the world in front of you is a remarkable experience. It’s fascinating to think about how different pieces of art have been interpreted differently by millions of individuals throughout history.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
Since I am passionate about health and fitness, I hope to be the healthy and happy self I envision for the future Alexia. In ten years, I expect to continue fostering deep relationships with myself, my friends, and my family. At the same time, I hope to accomplish my career as a successful family lawyer and start a family of my own.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
As my first pageant, I am extremely grateful to be a delegate this year! I’m excited to be supporting a platform that I am passionate about to help other people. I’m also looking forward to making new friends, learning more about myself, and having the experience of a lifetime.