Diya Sharma
Hometown: Brampton, ON
Occupation: Wealth Management, Credit Analyst
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What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I am fascinated by growth, not just in achievement, but in who we become through our experiences. I enjoy public speaking, competitive dance, and impactful conversations that allow me to connect with people from different walks of life, because every person carries a perspective that can teach us something new. As someone with a background in both finance and the performing arts, I am passionate about challenging the idea that ambition and creativity must exist separately. I believe some of the most interesting lives are built at the intersection of seemingly different passions. Whether through advocating for women in finance, promoting financial literacy, or encouraging others to dream bigger, I am inspired by the possibility of helping people see opportunities for themselves that they may not have seen before. Beyond that, I also enjoy exploring new restaurants, spending time in nature, and painting; activities that allow me to recharge and find inspiration in everyday life.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
My background spans both the arts and leadership. I trained as a competitive dancer in jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics and lyrical, experiences that taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of self-expression. I also attended a regional arts program, where I developed a deeper appreciation for creativity and performance. Beyond the stage, I also grew up playing the flute and piano! I have cultivated strong public speaking and presentation skills through leadership roles, case competitions, and professional speaking engagements. Together, these experiences have shaped my ability to connect with diverse audiences, communicate with confidence, and embrace opportunities that challenge me to grow.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Movement has always been an important part of my life. Growing up, I was involved in a variety of sports, including volleyball, track and field, gymnastics, and figure skating. Each taught me valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and confidence. While I enjoyed exploring different athletic pursuits, competitive dance truly captured my heart and ultimately became my primary focus. Through years of training in jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics and lyrical, I discovered the beauty of honing a craft over time. Dance taught me that growth is not a destination, but a lifelong practice of discipline, curiosity, and continuous refinement. It challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone while embracing both athleticism and artistry, lessons that continue to shape how I approach life today.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
One of the most influential people in my life is my grandmother. She taught me that strength and kindness are not opposites, but partners. Through every challenge she faced, she led with grace, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. She is one of my biggest supporters, never missing an opportunity to encourage me, whether it was attending my dance recitals or celebrating milestones both big and small. She has a deep love for arts and crafts, and her creativity taught me to appreciate the beauty of self-expression and finding joy in life’s simple moments. Her example continues to shape the way I lead, the way I treat others, and the values I carry with me every day.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been breaking into the world of finance through a non-traditional path. As a Marketing student at the Schulich School of Business, one of Canada’s leading business schools, I entered a highly competitive industry without a finance specialization or traditional technical background at the time. I often found myself in rooms where I looked different both on paper and in reality. The experience challenged me to continuously learn, adapt, and believe in myself before others did. Through determination and curiosity, I built a career with experiences in venture capital, capital markets, banking, and wealth management. Today, I am grateful that my journey has led to opportunities to speak, mentor, and encourage other women and women of colour to pursue paths they may not have thought possible. If my journey has taught me anything, it is that your starting point does not define your destination.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
One of the most interesting things about me is that I collect experiences rather than labels. Throughout my life, I have intentionally stepped into rooms that seemed unrelated, from competitive dance and finance to public speaking, community leadership, and entrepreneurship. I have always been fascinated by the idea of growth, which often leads me toward challenges that are unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or difficult. While each experience has been different, they all share one thing in common: they have expanded my perspective. I believe some of the most meaningful lives are built not by staying within one lane, but by having the courage to explore many.
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 leader who creates opportunities for others through finance, education, and advocacy. I am particularly passionate about increasing representation in industries where women have historically been underrepresented, while helping improve access to financial literacy for the next generation. To accomplish this, I continue to invest in my professional development, pursue opportunities that challenge me, and use public speaking and mentorship as ways to share what I learn with others. I have already mentored women entering wealth management and finance, and I am committed to becoming the best mentor I can be. My goal is not only to build a successful career but to create a meaningful impact along the way.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job would allow me to combine finance, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and advocacy on a global scale. I would love to travel to connect with diverse communities around the world, and use those experiences to champion financial empowerment and create opportunities for others. Whether speaking on international stages, building impactful organizations, or inspiring young women to pursue ambitious goals, I hope to help others see possibilities for themselves that they may not have previously imagined. For me, the dream is not one specific title, but the ability to create meaningful impact while continuously learning from the people, cultures, and experiences that shape our world. Through current mentorship opportunities with women pursuing careers in finance, I have already seen the power of women learning from and uplifting one another. It is an impact I hope to continue expanding throughout my career.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised by two immigrant parents who left behind everything familiar in search of greater opportunities for our family. Like many immigrant families, sacrifice was woven into everyday life. I watched my parents work multiple jobs, navigate unfamiliar systems, and make countless compromises so that my siblings and I could have opportunities they never had. While we did not always have the easiest path, we always had determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the value of hard work. Their courage to start over in a new country shaped my perspective from a young age and instilled in me a deep appreciation for opportunity, education, and perseverance. My childhood taught me that success is rarely built by one person alone, it is often the result of generations of sacrifice, love, and hope.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
While completing my business degree, I earned my Real Estate Sales Representative licence. I also founded a digital blog where I interviewed designers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals connected to Hamilton Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. These experiences gave me a unique opportunity to bridge business and creativity while developing valuable skills in communication, relationship building, and storytelling.
List any volunteering you have done.
I have had the opportunity to work in remarkably diverse environments, from supporting entrepreneurs and startups to serving residents in a senior living community and leading large-scale student initiatives. One of my most meaningful experiences was working in a senior living community, where I had the privilege of hearing residents’ stories, learning from their life experiences, and gaining a deeper appreciation for resilience, gratitude, and the perspectives that come with time. Another experience that stands out was serving as Vice President of a charity association during my undergraduate journey, where I led initiatives that raised over $30,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping to make a child’s wish a reality. While these experiences were very different, each reinforced the power of human connection and reminded me that meaningful impact often begins with understanding and serving others.
What is your most unusual talent?
I am ambidextrous and can write with both hands simultaneously in opposite directions! While I am still honing this skill, it has become one of my most unusual talents and never fails to surprise people when they see it. What began as a fun challenge grew into a reflection of my curiosity and willingness to pursue things that are a little unconventional simply for the joy of learning and growth.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
One of the most interesting places I have visited is New York City. During my time there, I had the opportunity to attend New York Fashion Week and events hosted by brands such as Kate Spade, Prada, TRESemmé, and CeraVe. Beyond the excitement of the events themselves, what fascinated me most was being surrounded by people from different industries, cultures, and backgrounds who had all pursued their ambitions in unique ways. As the daughter of immigrant parents who sacrificed so much to create opportunities for our family, it was a surreal moment to find myself in spaces I once only saw in magazines and online. The experience reminded me that dreams can evolve into reality when curiosity, courage, and hard work are met with opportunity.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years, I hope to have collected a lifetime’s worth of experiences. I hope to have traveled widely, loved deeply, remained endlessly curious, and continued saying yes to opportunities that felt bigger than myself. Above all, I hope to look back knowing I lived fully, embraced growth, and never lost my sense of wonder for the people, places, and possibilities that make life extraordinary.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
I am incredibly grateful for the people, experiences, and opportunities that have shaped my journey thus far. It is an honour to be part of Miss Universe Canada and to stand alongside so many accomplished and inspiring women from across the country. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow, connect, and contribute to a platform that celebrates confidence, purpose, and the power of women to create meaningful change. I look forward to embracing every moment of this experience and learning from the remarkable women around me!