From Refugee to Royalty — Aslihan Morali is Miss Universe Canada 2026

History was made as Aslihan Morali captured the prestigious title of Miss Universe Canada 2026, becoming the 75th woman to wear the national crown. A remarkable embodiment of the Canadian dream, Morali’s crowning represents a triumph of resilience, advocacy, and unyielding ambition. She is now set to fly the Canadian flag high at the 75th Diamond Anniversary of the Miss Universe competition, taking place on November 24th at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Aslihan’s story is one of profound determination. Born in Turkey and raised by a single mother in Canada, she arrived as a child refugee, walking across the Buffalo-Niagara bridge with only two suitcases and a dream. Growing up relying on food banks, her lived experiences have molded her into a deeply empathetic and fiercely driven humanitarian.

Today, she stands as the founder of LEAP Global Voices, an empowerment initiative dedicated to helping young girls recognize their potential. Through her Voices of Hope project, she recently delivered essential educational resources and supplies to children in the typhoon-ravaged community of Cebu, Philippines. Her philanthropy doesn't stop there; she also runs a handcrafted, all-natural candle business that funds the education of young girls in Türkiye, feeds the homeless, and supports multiple humanitarian NGOs including Global Medic, YWCA, and SOS Children’s Villages. For three consecutive years, she has also been a dedicated patron of the SickKids Hospital Burn & Plastics Gala.

Morali is no stranger to the spotlight. The former Miss Supranational Canada 2025 brings a wealth of international experience to her new role. A true polymath, she holds a degree in Medical Health Administration from Mohawk College, supports executive programs at a Canadian university, and is a certified makeup artist trained under Makeup by Mario.

Her stage presence is undeniable—honed by training with world-renowned supermodel Coco Rocha in New York. From collaborating with JoliPoli Couture to working on campaigns for Sol Kyst x Barbie by Mattel, Aslihan is a seasoned model, actor, and content creator whose Turkish-Canadian heritage and background in belly dancing add a unique, dynamic flair to her performances.

Aslihan carries the richness of two worlds. She stands before the universe not as someone who was simply destined for the stage, but as a woman who fought for every opportunity and never looked back. Canada has chosen a magnificent representative for the 75th Miss Universe pageant.