Nova Stevens, Miss Universe Canada 2020 representative [INTERVIEW]

When people dedicate themselves to change the world, there are many degrees of commitment and possible avenues. You can write letters, collect bottles or stamps, donate money, volunteer, run for office, or you can throw yourself body, soul, and spirit into unreservedly identifying with the problem, understand the cause and become an indispensable part of the solution.   

Nova Stevens is the Miss Universe Canada 2020 representative, yet but she is truly a global citizen, having originally been a citizen of nowhere. She was born to South Sudanese parents when they fled to Kenya to escape the bloodshed and fighting. Nova’s journey has taken her from refugee to athlete, model, actress, social activist, author, and in a few days, she steps on the Miss Universe stage representing her adopted country of Canada and as the first woman of South Sudanese descent, and Kenyan born. The meaning is not lost on her. She clearly sees politics as a path for using her voice and passion to effect change.

She is a co-author in the inaugural 2020 edition of Pursuit:365 and co-founded the Juneteenth and Freedom and Rights Marches in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. That was instrumental in getting Emancipation Day, August 1st declared in Vancouver in 2020 and this year, recognized federally, thereby changing the status quo in her City and on a federal level. She found her voice. She knows she does not have to speak louder to get her point across, she has to be strategic. 

Nova has big plans. These include using the Miss Universe platform to expand her already growing global reach started with her volunteering and leadership as a teen. With her “Go SuperNova” Foundation, and her We*R One global project started in the middle of a pandemic, there have already been significant actions taken in the areas of equality, education, reunification, access to health and testing services as well as peaceful co-existence. She personally took those messages last month to New York, Dubai, Ethiopia, and Southern Sudan, along with over ten thousand HIV and COVID-19 tests and arranged for lab processing as a first step.  

Most people see just the surface glitz and glamour of deciding to become part of a Pageant. I asked Laura Guzman, a former Miss Universe Canada finalist in 2016, what needs to happen beyond the smile and obvious beauty. Laura is also no stranger to adversity, having fled her native country of Colombia at 16, after family members were kidnapped. Nova was already born in Kenya as a refugee and separated from her parents and siblings at 6 years old to come to Canada. Nova was finally reunited with her family less than a month ago after 21 year. Her mother had recently completed an arduous 24-day journey, often by foot from a South Somali UN Refugee Camp. 

Laura gives us an insider perspective. “I have personally witnessed Nova’s journey through her career in pageantry, blossoming into more of who she is, becoming more comfortable with herself, and ultimately transforming into who she is today. She emanates an aura of grace and happiness that can’t be contained. She constantly displays a genuine and deep sense of courage and compassion for all people-especially those who do not have a platform of their own, to speak up for justice and equality. Because of her heart for humanity and servitude, she is considered, what I believe to be, the People’s Queen.”

Nova Shares why Miss Universe is a steppingstone to the world.

Did you have mentors in school and what lessons do you feel have served you the most during all these intervening years and going into your Miss Universe pageants? 

My teachers and coaches in high school have become more like family to me. They taught me that love sees no colour and that family is not always blood bound. They also taught me the importance of having a good support system and choosing those in your circle carefully. Lastly, it’s ok to ask for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. I am Miss Universe Canada and excited to compete for Miss Universe because I have amazing people in my corner that believe in me and have helped me during this journey, especially as this all happened during the Pandemic with its own very unique, ever changing and restrictive considerations that meant we had to be very resourceful, and I cannot say enough about my team and sponsors who stood by me with all the twists and turns every day-sometimes, minute by minute. There were lots of disappointments, but my same philosophy and ethics helped get me where I am at this moment, ready to embrace the Miss Universe experience in Florida.  

What characteristics and values do you value the most in your friends and have adopted in yourself?

The characteristics I value the most are: honesty, kindness, loyalty and being supportive, to name a few.

What are your most inspirational sayings?

Oh lots! Some of my all-time favorites are:

“If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far for together” African proverb. 

 “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I am possible” Audrey Hepburn

 “If you can dream it, you can do it” Walt Disney

What are the actions or words of others that upset you the most and what do you do to get beyond those thoughts and feelings?

Hateful/ discriminatory/ derogatory, racist words/actions upset me. I believe we are one and should treat one another with love and kindness because words have tremendous power.  How I combat hate of any kind is with love. I am a firm believer in “Kill them with kindness”. If someone chooses to be hateful and you choose to not entertain them, after a while they’ll most likely feel foolish for being so hateful, especially if you don’t give them the hate back. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In fact, there have been numerous cases recently of very racist, disparaging posts on my social media. They question my skin, my hair, my looks. If they continue, I just ignore and move on with my life. I am very cognizant however, that other young women could take it much more personally and to heart and might prevent them from following their own dreams because of someone else’s racism and prejudices. That is tragic.

You were able to finally realize your greatest dream of reuniting with your family after 21 years. How were you able to help make your biggest wish and dream come true?  Can you share a bit about this journey and how you felt during that time?

One of the reasons why it took so long was due to safety concerns. The past 8 years, it was not safe for anyone to leave the country. The UN was the safest place, although my mother has severe burn marks on her right arm from almost being burned alive. Once the war subsided, it was a matter of collecting funds and devising a plan to help her during the 24-day journey to Ethiopia and the rest of the family. Having her out of the camps was one the happiest moments of my life. I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Her being there broke my heart. I finally feel whole again.

What would you tell other young women blessed with an unconventional beauty on how to believe in themselves? What was your epiphany? Were you always comfortable with who you were? 

I think for the most part I was comfortable with myself. When it comes to beauty ideologies, I think I fell into that trap growing up. I used to straighten my hair, wear weaves and wigs all the time. This is not inherently bad, as hair is merely an accessory. It becomes bad when you don’t feel comfortable showing your natural beauty. When I cut my hair at first it wasn’t because I wanted to, but because my hair was really damaged from relaxers (chemical straightener) and so I had no choice. I hated the idea of having short hair because I thought it would make me look like a man. Once I did it, I felt liberated from the traditional constraints of beauty and femininity. With that being said, I would tell young girls to believe in themselves and not make themselves smaller, just because society expects them to. I would also tell them that being different is good. It allows you (to) shine in your own way and that the best version is always the original, which is you. So please, don’t change for a prototype.  

What has being a Vegan taught you that you value the most and have you always been vegan?

Being vegan has taught me that food is (medicinal). You truly are what you eat! I have more energy as a vegan than I have ever had. I’ve learned the importance of healthy eating and feeding your body not your cravings.  

What kind of role model and legacy do you want to create for yourself?

I want to be remembered for challenging the status quo of what is considered beautiful. Remember me as someone who has fearlessly used her voice to fight for racial equality. Remember me as a warrior who has peacefully fought for the rights of all people. Lastly, I want to be an inspiration to people of colour who have been told the colour of their skin is a hindrance. I say to you, it is a badge of honour so wear it with pride.

Your life has required tremendous discipline and values from early on.  What’s your secret sauce as a social activist, representative of your country and your heritage, an international model that has graced the world’s most famous runways and represented the most famous brands? 

I don’t think it’s a secret. It’s more of a having a ‘Can do’ attitude. I’ve received many ‘No’s’ I’ve told myself over the past that “No” is an acronym for ‘New Opportunities’ so when I hear those words, I continue until the right path opens. Just because you don’t achieve your dreams at your desired time, doesn’t mean you never will.

What are some of the sparks of joy for you?

I consider myself a ‘lover of life’ simply because I can find joy in all things-especially traveling. It is one of my greatest passions because it allows you to explore the world while learning about new cultures and meeting new people. In my opinion, this is one of the best ways one can truly learn about the different aspects of themselves. 

I think we should all work on conquering our fears as it inhibits us. I am open to whatever opportunity the Universe grants me as I believe life is full of surprises and that’s the beauty of it. Be in the moment and cut out all the extra “noise:  

You can Make a Difference. Watch and VOTE NOW!

The work, including rehearsals, learning dance routines, and work for their chosen charity, #SmileTrain has already begun.  This year’s National Costume Show will air live on the official Miss Universe YouTube channel on 5/16 at 8 pm ET/5PM PT, LIVE from #HollywoodFL! 

Here is the video of her costume she presented and why she chose to be #SUPERNOVA, fighting for equality for all. 

It is of great importance to help get Nova voted into the top 21, which is also a public vote. The first vote is free. To vote go to the Miss Universe App, missuniverse.com or Vote.missuniverse.com and VOTE before the end of May 15th ET. You can watch the finale on May 16th from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.      

To learn more, click on the magazine cover to learn more about Nova’s incredible and inspiring journey. Go SuperNova  @TheNovaStevens

Check out the full MAGMA magazine about Nova Stevens