Melina Svab is 26 years old and passionate about dancing, visual arts, fashion, and volunteering in her community. She graduated from the University of Windsor with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts and Psychology and holds a graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Sciences from Fanshawe College. Melina plans to advance her studies with a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology to help those who struggle with mental health.

Melina regularly volunteers for a plethora of charitable organizations including Transition to Betterness, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, SickKids Foundation, and more. One such foundation is of particular interest to Melina because of her personal connection to the work they conduct and outreach programs she has been involved with. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has provided Melina with the opportunity not only to help her community but utilizer their resources and values in her everyday life. As an ambassador for CMHA, Melina continues to raise awareness of and help end the stigmas around mental health. She has been able to learn from her own experiences with mental health struggles to help others speak freely and honestly about their own, and advocate for those who do not yet have their own voice through numerous events and personal connections.

Melina has assisted with events such as “Cleanse,” “Rock your Sole,” and live streams conducted by the Miss Tecumseh Pageant. Beyond all of this outreach, Melina has conducted several of her own fundraisers including the “MOVE IT: For Mental Health” event, a custom scrunchie and headband non-profit, an online Zumba fundraiser, and the “Run for Mental Health” event.

Melina’s pageantry experience includes seven years of pageants at various levels and is most thankful for the opportunities, friendships, accomplishments, and personal growth granted to her. To Melina, pageantry is not just learning about yourself, but helping others reach their full potential. Melina was once asked, “what do you think is one thing everyone should experience in life,” and she said, “Failure, because the only way you can succeed is to fail so you know how to improve for the next time. I have experienced this multiple times throughout my life, and it has only made me stronger.” This quote she has live life with since, and it has brought her great success, including receiving the honor of being miss Tecumseh 2019-2021.

If granted the honor of representing the town, as Miss Windsor, Melina will continue to inspire those to take care and love themselves. Melina will show that confidence comes from within, and that anyone can achieve anything when they set their minds to it. She will continue make a difference in her community by being a role model for all those within her community, not only now, but as Miss Windsor.