Road to Miss Universe

Friday, September 8, 2017

Xinxin
Written by Xinxin Zhang, (BMath ’13)

So I finally got my ears pierced. It might strike you as odd that I had never had my ears pierced. Not once… ever…nada.

It was a logical decision to study Math/CA at the University of Waterloo and eventually find my way into New York City in M&A deal advisory at KPMG. It wasn’t just the math and business that interested me. Throughout university and my post-graduation life, I dabbled in starting my own business and frequenting tech scenes. I stayed passionately committed to all things artsy, such as dancing and, on occasion, strutting down the runway at New York Fashion Week. With my already eclectic life, I wanted to do something more meaningful and impactful.

So I pierced my ears. I’ll be wearing my first pair of earrings on the Miss Universe Canada stage this October 5th and 7th as the only UWaterloo Pink Tie ambassador among 70 finalists.

Ok, so I’m a pink-tie-wearer, woman in finance, and an artist. How does pageantry fit into all of this?

Well, precisely because of my mosaic background and relentless pursuit of all my interests. I feel that I have something unique to offer to the pageant world. Throughout my life, I have always had my mentors and role models to whom I looked up. Now, it’s time to pass on the torch. It would be my honour to use Miss Universe Canada as a platform to showcase to young women that inner drive is what it takes to make dreams materialize and to empower the next generation of women to be all that they wish to be – not having to fit one mold.

Charitable work is another motivation for my attendance in Miss Universe Canada. I have always had a vision that I would work with orphans around the world by teaching them dance and music, which were hobbies that kept me up when I was down. Perhaps, winning the title of Miss Universe Canada could offer me the platform to launch such initiative.

Though this is an exciting opportunity and privilege, I won’t lie that I pay for it through sleepless nights, cold calling for sponsorships, searching for an evening gown designer, planning humanitarian events, and preparing for the talent competition.

Luck was in my hands – I convinced Inspire Financial Solutions Inc. and Candace Daniela to be my key sponsors. Candace Daniela is also a UWaterloo graduate, living a double life as a Bay Street girl and haute couture designer, and she will be designing my evening gown and national costume. We are determined to bring to the national stage the best haute couture and performance to demonstrate just how talented and multifaceted UWaterloo Warriors can be. We are determined to make our university proud!

In September, there will be a window for people to vote for their favourite delegates. I’d like to invite you to help a fellow Warrior represent Canada on the international stage. Please check out the links below to see how you can support my journey.

Follow me here:

Facebook

Instagram @ xinxin_artiste

Vote for me here:

Miss Universe Canada site – voting is now open!

Voting QR code

Join my FB event to get updates on voting period.

Ticket information here:

Preliminary and final show

Biography here:

About me

Feel free to message me and connect with me through any social media platform or email me @ zxinxin2001@hotmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.