Leigha Vegh, BA 15, preparing for Miss Universe Canada | Photo: Courtesy of Leigha Vegh
Vegh will compete in this year’s pageant — along with 61 other women — in Toronto beginning on June 6. This marks the 13th edition of a national contest that has included an Aboriginal activist and a television producer among past winners.
As Vegh notes, the Miss Universe Canada pageant is all about empowerment. She hopes to advance awareness of domestic aggression.
“I am a survivor of child abuse. I wasn’t able to speak out against it back then. Now I have that opportunity to raise awareness — that interests me,” says Vegh.
As Vegh says, many of the pageant’s expectations defy popular opinion.
“Miss Universe encourages women to be the best version of themselves,” says Vegh of the contest, which is limited to participants within the age-range of 18 to 27.
She notes there is a strong philanthropic aspect. Miss Universe Canada fundraises for Operation Smile — a charity that helps children with cleft palate.
“In developing countries, kids can receive a life-changing operation for as little as $240,” says Vegh. The top five Miss Universe Canada contestants will embark on a humanitarian trip to Nicaragua where they will meet beneficiaries of the surgery.
Leading up to the first day of the pageant, contestants volunteer at community-based events.
“Last year, I know that some of the women went to high schools to speak against bullying,” says Vegh, who was a target herself.
Concordia: An education that supports ambitions
Vegh is making the most of the opportunities presented by Miss Universe Canada — thanks to her Concordia education.
“The university helped me with my communication skills,” says Vegh, who studied in the Department of English. “I know that’ll help me express myself with the audience and judges.”
Vegh’s involvement at her alma mater went beyond the classroom. She was vice-president of the Concordia Association for Students of English. Writing copy for the university’s student-run newspaper, The Link, helped Vegh discover her penchant for journalism.
“Working for the paper was a turning point for me,” says Vegh. “Concordia gave me that window.”
A marketing elective taken at the John Molson School of Business is proving to be another asset, says Vegh.
“Miss Universe is about raising awareness for important causes — learning about promotion in school is helpful,” she says.
Preparing for Miss Universe Canada requires three essentials
- Show off (a little). “There’s a talent aspect of Miss Universe Canada. I play piano and really pour my heart out!”
- Be savvy of current affairs. “I’ve been reading the news. I really want to focus on sharpening my mind.”
- Find support. “Most of us need to gain sponsorship. That could be financial or it could be through pro bono services — such as for hair or makeup.”
The winner of Miss Universe Canada will go on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas.
You can vote for Vegh at: missuniversecanada.ca/vote-2016
#CUalumni #MissUniverseCanada
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