09/03/2026
“What I’m most looking forward to is the outreach and the opportunity to connect with different communities, causes, and organizations across Canada and internationally.”
Aslihan Morali, a 2018 graduate of the Mohawk College Office Administration – Health program, was recently crowned Miss Universe Canada 2026. Beneath the bright lights of the pageant stage, Aslihan looked back on an incredible journey—one that had taken her from arriving to Canada as a refugee at the age of six to competing on an international pageant stage.
“Education was one of the greatest turning points in my life,” she says. Growing up with limited resources, college provided her with an introduction to the professional world and opened doors she had never imagined.
“Through my college program, I was fortunate to complete a co-op placement at McMaster Children's Hospital and was later hired, which helped jump-start my career. Working in healthcare [throughout] the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly shaped my perspective. It taught me about empathy, the fragility of life, and how meaningful even the smallest act of kindness can be.”
A proud Turkish-Canadian advocate and community leader, Aslihan founded LEAP Global Voices, an empowerment initiative dedicated to helping young girls recognize their potential and rewrite their own stories. “Through LEAP, I share my own story with students and encourage them to understand that where they begin does not have to determine where they end.”
Throughout her reign, Aslihan will continue her community work while preparing to represent Canada at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico this November.
