When Malissa Veroni (pictured right, Renison class of 2006) was a young girl, she enjoyed watching the Miss America pageants. The image of the beauty pageant contestant was largely shaped by television images: sparkling even gowns, shimmering tiaras, adoring fans - and out of reach for most women. As an adult, Malissa was skeptical of the Ms. World Universal Productions pageant system when she first learned of it but, heeding the advice she gives to her own clients, she decided to lean into her own discomfort. She placed third in the global competition.
Traditionally, beauty pageants include swimsuit competitions and evening gowns, but the Ms. World Universal Productions place more emphasis on social and community advocacy. “There were many women there who were involved with education and support roles like social work and other mental health fields” commented Malissa. “The competition is more about how we make a positive impact on our community through our field of work.”
Since beginning her journey as part of the Miss Universal World, Malissa has found that the pageant program has allowed her to build connections, network and spread awareness about issues that are important to her. “It allows me to have a bigger voice and reach more people,” she explains. “I was recently invited to participate in a podcast to help increase awareness about partner abuse, and I’m hopeful that I’m reaching people who I may otherwise have missed.”
Since completing a Social Development Studies degree in 2006, Malissa has become a Registered Social Worker and lives and works in Grand Prairie, Alberta. She works with a wide range of ages, from young people to seniors, and also mentors a couple of Social Workers in Kenya.
Originally from Guelph, Malissa was excited to attend Waterloo, and chose Renison as her home campus for it's small, supportive environment. The welcoming atmosphere and strong academic programming, along with the diverse student population was a great fit for Malissa. Immediately Renison “felt right” says Malissa. The small class sizes meant she could easily make connections with professors like Dale Payne, whose courses helped shape and challenge Malissa’s assumptions about family dynamics and helped her learn more about the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Outside of the classroom, Malissa loved hanging out with International students, learning about other countries and cultures. “Renison was really my first exposure to diversity, and I learned so much about other cultures, and about the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” adds Malissa. “I got to know people from all over the world and my eyes were really opened to experiences that were unlike my own; those experiences shaped me both personally and professionally.”
When asked what she would say to someone who was considering a career in Social Work, Malissa answered eagerly, “Don’t limit yourself.” She explains that many get into the field of Social Work to address a specific need, but once they start learning about the different aspects of the field there might be something that connects more deeply. Malissa has clearly found her place in Social Work, and is now using her position as the inaugural Ms. Italy World Universal 2021-2022 to help represent and empower women of all abilities, identities and diversities to advocate against gender violence for all women and promoting equal rights for all.
Malissa, shown centre wearing a black and white gown, being crowned at the Miss Universal World pageant.
This article was originally published as part of the 2022 edition of Renison Reports.