- Miss Universe Canada finalist
Sri Lankan-born Talia Haleem is currently a finalist for Miss Universe Canada, and if she wins, stands a chance to represent Canada at Miss Universe 2022 while also flying the flag for Sri Lankan heritage on the global stage.
A Master’s student studying international law, 24-year-old Talia migrated to Canada at the tender age of eight. Sharing her story with Brunch, Talia opened up about the tragic accident which inspired her to pursue her dreams, her journey navigating a foreign country as an immigrant, and the importance of being your true authentic self regardless of your circumstances.
This being your first experience with beauty pageants, we’re curious; how does one become a finalist for Miss Universe Canada?
Becoming a finalist for Miss Universe Canada entails a long interview process and a fair bit of work. This year there are 55 amazing ladies competing for the crown from all around Canada. All these women are extremely hard-working, and they come from all walks of life and career paths, seeking to make a difference and impact the world.
Post initial application process and interviews, the contestants are contacted by a representative of the organisation and go through an extensive interview process to determine accomplishments thus far, personal goals, how they plan to use the platform to make a change in the world, and what they chose to do about it. The entire process takes nearly three months, after which the finalists are contacted, congratulated, and given all the amazing and exciting details of what’s in store for us next.
You were Sri Lankan-born and very young when you migrated to Canada. However, those years you spent in Sri Lanka, what were they like?
I am fortunate enough to say that I had a great childhood and that it’s all because of my parents and the sacrifices they have made in their lives to help me pursue my dreams.
I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada at the age of eight due to my father having to relocate for work. When I was living in Sri Lanka I attended St. Bridget’s Convent, which instilled a lot of great values and principles in me. Growing up in Canada I made some great friends, who taught me a lot and instilled a lot of the fundamental values and beliefs that I possess. I had a great childhood as I was exposed to Sri Lankan values, customs, culture, and history by my parents with a combination of Canadian values, culture, and history from my friends, teachers, and colleagues. My multicultural and diverse upbringing significantly shaped the woman I am.
I consider myself blessed to live in Canada as an equal given my multicultural background as a third culture kid. I feel it is also important to get in touch with your roots as it keeps you grounded and humble to count your blessings and push forward to greater heights.
Once you left Sri Lanka, what was your journey like in Canada navigating a foreign country as an immigrant?
I am blessed to say that integrating into Canadian culture came with ease for me, given that I was quite young when I moved. I know that sometimes this may be a struggle to some, however, in my case, being surrounded by an amazing support system that was my parents and friends truly made the transition an easy one.
I strongly believe that when moving to a new country it is important to go in with an open mind and heart and embrace the culture, values, customs, and identity of the country.
How and when did you enter the beauty pageant industry?
This is my first time competing in a beauty pageant. Growing up, my mum and I used to love watching Miss Universe together as it was empowering to see women from all parts of the world come together and find unity and solidarity with one another. I never imagined that I’d actually take the step and apply, but here we are and what a positive life-changing decision it has been for me.
Tell us a little bit about your decision to participate in this particular pageant and what ignited your interest in competing for Miss Canada?
My decision to participate in Miss Universe Canada came after experiencing extreme hardships and adversity. In 2020 I was involved in a major car accident that really changed my life and my perception of life. I learned how blessed we all are to be here and that in the blink of an eye everything could change. Therefore, after that day I made up my mind to seize any opportunity that came my way and to pursue all my dreams and goals.
You are now a finalist, what does this accomplishment mean to you?
I am extremely proud of getting this far. There is an amazing bunch of ladies competing for the title this year who are all intelligent, strong, ambitious women, therefore I consider myself very blessed to be even considered for such an opportunity. For me entering this entire process was a win in itself, and I never expected to make it this far.
My ultimate goal is to use this platform to advocate for gender and racial justice globally. I want to be a voice for minority communities everywhere and bring awareness to pressing issues these communities face.
I do believe that every girl competing in this competition has a good chance of winning. However, I firmly believe that what makes me stand out is my emphasis on the humanitarian aspect and giving back to local communities and populations. I want to use my multicultural and diverse background to represent Canadians everywhere, as Canada is made up of a beautiful mosaic of multiculturalism and diversity.
Who has supported you throughout this journey?
I am so grateful to have such an amazing support system surrounding me. My parents have been my rock and have done so much for me my entire life and leading up to the competition. I am also lucky enough to have amazing support from other family members and friends, especially my two cousins Melissa Peters and Lyandra Diaz and my good friends Charissa Gederon, Chloe Hodkin, and Katia Tchorbadjiyska.
Regardless of the outcome of this competition, what are your plans for the future?
Regardless of the outcome of this competition, I plan to continue my education and work. I am currently completing my MA in International Law and I plan on writing my Solicitors Qualifying Exam in the UK and working for an NGO or the Canadian Government.
Sri Lanka is currently experiencing turbulent times. As a Sri Lankan would you like to share some words of solidarity or comfort with your fellow Lankans?
I would like to say that I stand strong and proud with the citizens of Sri Lanka. I am proud of the courage and unity shown by the nation in fighting for their rights and in fighting for a brighter future for future generations. It is a beautiful thing to see the unity within the nation, free from discrimination, all coming together to fight for a just cause.
Finally, drawing from your experience in this competition, what would you like to say to young people, especially girls, when it comes to both pursuing their dreams and also about the nuances of the beauty/pageant industry?
I would encourage young girls to enter the competition for themselves. Do it for you, don’t do it looking for fame or glory – do it to better enhance yourself and become the best version of yourself. Competitions such as these are amazing opportunities that give you the platform to make a real difference in the world and therefore you should find what you are passionate about and use this platform to advocate for good, and most importantly always be true to yourself and be authentic to who you are.
Instagram: @_itstalia
