IN CONVERSATION WITH Talia Haleem

Talia Haleem is a finalist at the Miss Canada for Miss Universe 2022 pageant. She is of Sri Lankan origin and holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Calgary, Canada. Talia is an Advocate for Gender and Racial Equality, Social Justice, Human Rights and Body Positivity within her community. At present she is reading for her Masters in International Law at the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London (UK). The 2022 edition of Miss Universe Canada is all set to be held in the city of Toronto on the 14th May 2022, where delegates from all over the country will compete for the national crown. The winner will succeed Miss Universe Canada 2021, Tamara Jemuovic, and represent Canada at Miss Universe 2022. We sat down with Talia via Zoom for a quick informal conversation. 

What is something that most people don't know about Canada? 
Something that most people don’t know about Canada is that over twenty percent of Canada’s population is foreign born. Which is reflected in the widespread diversity and multiculturalism embedded within Canadian society and within the Canadian Constitution. 
 

What is your proudest personal accomplishment? 
My proudest personal accomplishment is completing my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Calgary (Bachelor of Arts in International Relations) especially through the adversities that I overcame in my final year. For context, I was involved in a serious car accident on January 20, 2020, which I was very blessed to have survived. This period, made me stronger as a person and showed me that with perseverance, hard work and resilience you can overcome any adversity. I view my accident as my second chance in life to make an impact and difference in the world. It enhanced my love for life and really showed me that there are no set limitations as to what you can accomplish; anything is possible if you are willing to work hard and achieve your dreams.

What is your dream job?
I would ideally like to work for the Canadian Government as an Ambassador to Canada to bring Canadian culture, customs, and values to the rest of the world and highlight the true essence of Canadian diversity, multi-culturalism, hardworking ethic, great food, and hospitality. My dream job would consist of an opportunity that I get to make a meaningful impact on the world, through advocacy, and hope.

Share with us any volunteering activities you have engaged in? 
Culture and Operations Assistant, Misdiagnosis Association and Research Institute, Vancouver. Research Assistant at She Grows, Washington. Volunteer at Mustard Seed, Calgary. Volleyball and Basketball Coach at Father Scollen Junior High School, Calgary.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like? 
I am fortunate enough to say that I have had a great childhood and that is 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. I really enjoyed my childhood and even during my teen years, I visited Sri Lanka frequently. With each visit, I got to experience the Sri Lankan culture, my family and childhood friends and learnt many things you would not typically learn in a classroom. 
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, and to count your blessings and push forward to greater heights. 
Growing up in Canada, I made some great friends, who have 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.
 

What do you think is the biggest problem facing the world right now, and what should be done to solve it?  
I personally view the current situation in Sri Lanka as one of courage and unity. I commend the citizens of Sri Lanka for coming together and standing as one nation and fighting for their rights and freedoms. It is imperative to use democratic privileges in any nation and Sri Lanka is no different. I sincerely hope citizens of Sri Lanka appoint competent leaders that hold themselves accountable for their actions and act with integrity and respect the sovereignty and rule of law in the country. 
 

Please describe your National Costume and what the inspiration is behind it. How did you come up with the concept? 
My national costume was designed by Charini Suriyage. It is currently a surprise but what I will say is that it represents me and my Canadian multicultural roots and my Sri Lankan heritage.

If you have the power to change one thing about the world today, what would it be? 
It would be to advocate for greater humanitarian efforts globally. Especially, considering the current events within the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, I encourage people everywhere to embrace a perspective of empathy, love and courage and practice gratitude and meritorious deeds, especially if one is blessed with a life of privilege.