Finalist Miss Canada 2022

Being born and living in Canada my whole life, I grew up valuing the diversity and culture this country has to offer.

I am a 22 year old student in my final year of her Bachelor in Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science at the University of the Fraser Valley. I aspire to gain admission into a physiotherapy program post graduation in hopes of working with a professional sports team.

Growing up with vitiligo was not something my parents thought I would have to face; however, at the age of 5, I developed vitiligo around my eyes. Over time, this led to me wanting to learn more about my skin condition, and the risks associated with the light therapy I was undergoing at the
time, and that is when I came across the Save Your Skin Foundation.

This foundation is the only patient-led organization in Canada that primarily focuses on providing care for patients living with skin cancers/skin disorders. Working with the SYSF, this inspired me to inspire not only younger women, but anyone else living with vitiligo or a physical difference to
not only take care of their skin but also “love the skin they are in.”

In order to be the change I needed when I was younger, I am in the process of publishing a children’s picture book. The children’s book is geared toward elementary school-aged students. I will be publishing this book in March 2022, with hopes to distribute the book in April 2022. I hope to work with my local libraries and local school districts to reach the audience I am aiming to inspire.

I am also working on a project with the SYSF to provide elementary schools and my local communities with the tools to manage UV exposure during the upcoming summer months.

Over the summer, I aspire to read my book to children in partnership with the Fraser Valley Huskers, and their ready, set, read program. Working with them this past season has really driven the importance of community home for me. As the pandemic has altered the way we are able to
interact with one another, we will be working together to create a Youtube channel on which I will be able to read my book, and other books with them, to increase literacy and empowerment in my local community.

I believe positive, permanent change can only come from educating the youth in regards to skin health/skin disorder awareness. I am hoping to represent the vitiligo community on the Miss Canada 2022 stage, and inspire younger individuals who may be living with a physical difference
that they are capable of great things.

Aman