Miss Universe Canada

Michelle Leung

Michelle Leung

Height: 5’4
Hometown: Ajax, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Pilates Instructor

Michelle Leung embodies resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Her journey reflects bold transitions, unwavering determination, and the belief that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.

Following high school, Michelle entered the workforce, following her mother’s footsteps into banking. She built a strong foundation in investment and wealth management, completing the Canadian Securities Course. As her family grew, she sought a more flexible schedule, transitioning into the hotel industry. Subsequently, she embarked on a nearly three-decade career in aviation, before returning to banking as a mortgage specialist.

Throughout her diverse career, Michelle’s passion for wellness remained constant. Grounded in a lifestyle of movement, mindful eating, and mental clarity, she found her true calling as a Pilates instructor. Today, she empowers others to prioritize their health and embrace holistic living—mind, body, and soul.

Inspired by the legacy of her mother and aunt, both former beauty contestants, Michelle steps onto the Miss Universe Canada stage with pride and purpose. She trained diligently for five months leading up to pageant week, embracing the platform as a celebration of all women—regardless of age or background.

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Q&A

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

I am deeply passionate about holistic wellness and empowering others to embrace a balanced lifestyle. As a Pilates instructor, I find joy in guiding individuals toward improved physical health and mental clarity. Beyond that, I cherish quality time with my family, including my children and grandchildren, which brings me immense fulfillment. I also enjoy engaging in activities that promote personal growth and resilience, reflecting my belief that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.

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

I have undergone extensive training in Pilates, focusing on both physical conditioning and mental wellness. This training has equipped me to guide others in achieving holistic health. Additionally, my experience as an actor and model has provided me with insights into performance arts, enhancing my ability to connect with diverse audiences and express myself creatively.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I’ve been actively involved in tennis, golf, women’s softball, volleyball, and swimming—I completed lessons up to one level below lifeguard certification. I love staying active and believe that movement is truly my medicine. Pilates, weight training, and tennis are part of my ongoing commitment to physical wellness and a lifestyle I deeply value.

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

My grandmother, affectionately known as Aunt Cis, was one of the greatest influences in my life. She helped raise me during my most formative years, from birth until the age of six, laying the foundation for the woman I would become. Widowed at 64, she lived with quiet strength and selfless devotion, pouring her love into her grandchildren with unwavering grace. She was the embodiment of resilience, independence, and dignity, living to 96 years young. Her presence in my life taught me what it means to lead with love, to endure with courage, and to age with purpose. I carry her legacy with me every day.

In a different but equally inspiring way, Jane Fonda has also influenced my path. Her ability to continually reinvent herself, whether as an actress, activist, or wellness icon—reminds me that purpose evolves, and that every stage of life offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

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

My proudest personal accomplishment is not a single moment, but a lifetime of resilience. Raising my two daughters while building a fulfilling career across multiple industries. From banking to aviation to wellness, I faced countless challenges, yet remained steadfast in my commitment to provide, grow, and lead by example. Watching my daughters become strong, compassionate women and now being a grandmother fills me with profound pride. It’s proof that perseverance, love, and purpose can rewrite any story, no matter the odds. This journey of balancing motherhood, career reinvention, and self-discovery has shaped me into the woman I am today—resilient and authentically whole.

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

The most interesting thing about me is the journey I’ve taken through many chapters of life, each one shaped by growth, courage, and curiosity. From banking to aviation, from motherhood to acting, and now embracing wellness and pageantry, I’ve welcomed each transition with heart and intention.

My story is one of continuous expansion—choosing to grow, to dream again, and to evolve at every stage. Life has taught me that we’re not limited to one path, and our ability to keep becoming is what makes each chapter meaningful.

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

My career ambition is to guide others toward healing, strength, and self-discovery through movement. Teaching Pilates is more than a profession—it’s a calling that allows me to help others reconnect with their bodies, find balance, and build lasting resilience.

Movement has been my compass. It’s carried me through reinvention, motherhood, and personal transformation. Through it, I’ve learned that wellness is not just physical—it’s a way of living with intention and clarity.

While Pilates is my anchor, I remain open to what’s ahead. Being part of Miss Universe Canada is a powerful extension of my purpose, offering a platform to inspire others, share stories of growth, and prove that transformation is always possible.

Whether in the studio, on stage, or in everyday life, I strive to empower others to move with purpose and live from a place of strength, grace, and possibility.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job is one where I live my purpose every day—empowering others through movement, wellness, and storytelling. Whether I’m guiding a Pilates session, performing on screen, or speaking to women who are rediscovering their strength, I want to inspire people to reconnect with themselves and believe that it’s never too late for a new beginning.

It’s not about chasing titles. It’s about creating impact. I want my work to help others feel seen, supported, and capable of rewriting their own narrative. A dream job, for me, is any space where I can use my voice, my experiences, and my heart to lift others toward their fullest potential.

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

I was born in Jamaica and moved to Canada at age 10. As the oldest of three siblings, I learned early the importance of responsibility and leading by example. My parents valued adventure, keeping us active through sports and outdoor activities, and emphasized education as the foundation for success.

Though my family has faced health challenges, including mental health struggles and physical setbacks, my parents’ commitment to each other has shown me strength and resilience. We have lived in the Durham Region/GTA for over 40 years, and while my sisters live away, our family bonds remain strong.

This upbringing taught me the importance of perseverance and compassion. Wellness is my passion. I stand for movement—both physical and transformational—which guides my journey and fuels my commitment to mental health advocacy and personal growth.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

One of the most interesting jobs I’ve had was working as a tour manager on contract for a seniors’ travel company. I had the unique opportunity to travel the world with groups ranging in age from 55 to over 90. These travelers shared incredible life stories and a deep curiosity for culture and history. What truly stood out was their zest for life and commitment to staying active—proof that movement truly is medicine at every age.

List any volunteering you have done.

At 13 years old, I began volunteering at the local hospital in Whitby, where I assisted nurses by making beds, delivering snacks, providing companionship to elderly patients, and entertaining children who were hospitalized. This early experience sparked my lifelong commitment to caring and service.

In recent years, I have stayed actively involved in volunteering by planting trees with a community group organized through my workplace at the bank, participating in walk and ride events for cancer awareness, and during my years working at the airline, joining fundraising efforts with colleagues to support causes especially focused on children.

What is your most unusual talent?

My most unusual talent is my ability to connect deeply with people across generations and cultures, whether guiding seniors on travel adventures or empowering individuals through movement and wellness. This gift for building trust and inspiring others comes from years of diverse experiences, and it allows me to create meaningful, lasting impact wherever I go.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

One of the most fascinating places I’ve visited is Dubai. Its futuristic skyline and bold architecture are truly awe-inspiring, symbolizing a vision of innovation and ambition that transformed a desert into a global hub. The city’s remarkable infrastructure represents resilience, forward-thinking, and the power of dreams realized.
Yet, as incredible as Dubai is, there’s a special place in my heart for home—Canada. Every time I see the maple leaf proudly displayed on our national carrier’s tail, I’m reminded that no matter where I travel, there’s truly no place like home. Canada’s spirit of kindness, diversity, and natural beauty grounds me and inspires everything I do.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I see myself continuing to teach Pilates, guiding others toward physical and transformational wellness. At the same time, I remain open to new opportunities that align with my passion for movement, holistic health, and personal growth. Life is a journey of evolution, and I embrace each chapter with purpose and an open heart.

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

I would like to share that my heritage is beautifully blended. I’m a Black Canadian with mixed heritage—my last name Leung comes from my Chinese grandfather’s lineage. Growing up in Canada, I’ve come to see my multicultural background as my greatest strength. It inspires me to champion inclusion, bring people together, and remind everyone that our diversity is what truly unites us. Canada is who I am.