Mina Khtaria | Miss Universe Canada 2012

Age: 21

Height: 5'8"

Hometown: Surrey

BIO: Mina grew up in the small town of Port Alberni, BC as a first generation Indo-Canadian. Being exposed to the diversity within Canada Mina developed an interest for other cultures, societies, and people from all around the world.

This interest has lead her to complete her Degree in Sociology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Living in the Vancouver area, Mina is naturally a huge Canucks fan and can be found on game nights cheering on her team.

In keeping with her love of an active life style Mina enjoys baking, zumba, yoga, volunteering, travelling, and dining out.

Of all things Mina enjoys doing, volunteering is one of her favourites. She finds it very important to give back to her community and does this by regularly raising money for different charities.

She especially loves to work with children.

This past year, mina accomplished a life long goal by travelling oversees to volunteer in an orphanage and teach English.

Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language).

English and Punjabi

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I enjoy cheering on the Canucks hockey team, Baking, Zumba, Yoga, Volunteering, Travelling, and Dining Out.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

Child Care Training, Debate Training, Softball Umpiring

In what sports, if any, have you participated

Cheerleading, Softball, Tae kwon do,

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

The person who has had the most influence on me was a professor I had at Kwantlen. I was inspired by his positive worldview, and his emphasis on finding one’s own path in life. He inspired me to challenge my limitations and pursue my goals.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

My proudest personal accomplishment would be making the decision to volunteer abroad. Going to Ghana to work in an orphanage and teach English was by far the best experience I have had in life. To travel oversees and work with children in need had always been a dream of mine and to be able to accomplish this goal was very fulfilling.

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 that have happened to me was a case of mistaken identity. During my travels in Western Africa, I was often stopped by locals who thought I was a Bollywood actress. I suppose not many people of Indian decent travel to this part of the world and so their greatest exposure to the culture was through TV and film. I thought it was quite cute!

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

While many people would feel confused or lost without a career path laid out before them, I am excited by the endless opportunities yet to come. If I were asked tomorrow to be a model, a pastry chef, a politician, a volunteer, or a teacher I would jump at any of those opportunities and would see where life took me.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job would be to have my own cooking/baking television show. I would love to bake for people and share my passion. As a child I would always cook in my kitchen while pretending to speak to a live audience.

Are you currently a student?

Yes at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Area of study:

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

As a first generation Indo-Canadian my heritage played a very important role in the way I was raised. I grew up in a bilingual home learning both English and Punjabi. By learning about my culture I developed a unique perspective on life. Growing up in the small town of Port Alberni, BC I found myself living the best of both worlds. I got to be a regular Canadian kid at school while having a more traditional life at home. Furthermore, I loved the sense of community that comes from always knowing your neighbors and having my friends close by.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

In my grade 12 year, I worked at a cucumber farm packaging and boxing cucumbers for 30 days.

List any volunteering you have done.

Volunteered in Ghana for 4 months in an orphanage and teaching English.
Surrey Food Bank
British Columbia Youth Parliament
BC Summer Games
BC Winter Games
Port Alberni Parks and Recreation- Children’s Day Camps
Port Alberni Senior Centre
Cancer Relay for Life
Raised funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Raised funds for the Canadian Kidney Foundation
Raised funds for the Terry Fox Foundation
Raised funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation
Raised funds for Cops for Cancer
Raised funds for World Vision

What is your most unusual talent?

An unusual talent I have is being really good at directions! No matter my circumstances I can always figure my way around.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

The most interesting place I have been to would be Amsterdam. Being a sociology major I enjoy learning about other cultures and I found the Dutch culture to be very full of life. I especially found Amsterdam interesting because they have more bicycles there than people!

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years I hope to be living life to the fullest and enjoying wherever life has taken me. I would like to be well traveled, having seen and done things all over the world that most people only dream about doing. Whether it’s at work or play I try to enjoy every moment that I have and I hope to be doing the same a decade from now.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

Attended Youth Climate Action Seminar

Participated in the World Vision 30 Hour Famine

Attended Student Congress

Attended the Ministry of Environment Youth Seminar

3 Year Member of British Columbia Youth Parliament

Youth Representative of Spirit of BC Community Committee

Was a member in the Job’s Daughters Youth Group