British Columbia has its own league of girl bosses. They are hardworking girls who strive for excellence in everything they do, representing their communities and B.C. Her Campus proudly presents the British Columbia Ambassadors.
You might have seen these girls, attending B.C. events wearing intricate crowns and holding smooth white banners. They are a part of the British Columbia Ambassador Program team, whose mission is to “nurture provincial leaders of the future, promote and assist with the expenses of post secondary education, and forge links of friendship and understanding throughout B.C. communities.”
2017 British Columbia Ambassador Team: (in order) Melissa Curatolo, Karly Flannigan, Mierie Sabbarwal.
I sat down with one of this year’s ambassadors, Mierie Sabbarwal, who represents both B.C. and her hometown of Quesnel. Mierie, 20, is in her third year at the University of Northern British Columbia. She is double majoring in Accounting and Finance.
This summer in Merritt, Mierie earned her crown, banner, and title of British Columbia Ambassador. I asked her for a quick rundown of the program, which promotes “motivation, education, and self-esteem.”
“It is [a] leadership program that focuses on public speaking and volunteerism. It is like a non-superficial pageant, and I say that with no shade to [other] pageants,” said Mierie, who represented the City of Quesnel during her B.C. Ambassador candidacy.
Mierie volunteering at Quesnel’s annual Relay For Life during her B.C. Ambassador Candidacy.
She was able to become a B.C. Ambassador candidate after having won a title in her own community—she was crowned Miss Quesnel in 2014. Her candidacy involved attending and planning community events, making a table display about her community, writing one speech about her community and one on any topic she wanted (she chose important women in Canadian history), a knowledge test, and two impromptu questions.
Mierie received the Knowledge Award and the People’s Choice Award along with her title of British Columbia Ambassador for 2017.
Mierie and Sierra Cook, Miss Quesnel and Quesnel Princess for 2014 respectively, attending the B.C. Rodeo Association Finals in 2014.
Mierie, while getting her degree, has been working as a Residence Assistant, or RA, but somehow still finds time for her duties as an ambassador. She travels the province to different communities with similar programs, acting as a mentor to the boys and girls involved.
“I get to show people what youth can do and tell them about how great our province is. Knowing that I have a chance to inspire younger people is a great feeling,” said Mierie. “It’s usually the shy quiet kids that get my attention because, that was me! I was like that when I was younger and this program gave me […] confidence.”
She still gets nervous going up on stage, but goes on despite it. She gets to prove to people that overcoming fears is achievable with time.
“Youth are given such a bad rep,” said Mierie, “but they have the power, tenacity and spunk to change the world. They just need the push and confidence, and that is kind of what I do as an ambassador. I give them that extra push to get the wheels turning.”
Danica Mailloux, Quesnel Princess for 2017, and Mierie attending a formal event.
I definitely consider Mierie a girl boss, but does she?
“Heck right, I do,” she said, “Every day you should feel like a badass, walk with a mission, because every task is an important aspect of your life. Work hard, work smart. The world won’t see someone who just gets by.
“When you consider yourself a girl boss, the awesomeness will follow. […] You don’t have to be an activist or an ambassador to be a girl boss. Wake up in the morning, rock a leather jacket, walk out the door with a sensible pair of shoes and the drive to slay. Whether that be to catch the bus on time or smash that presentation. You will be able to part seas.”
Mierie in Penticton Peach Fest Parade, rocking a royal/retro aesthetic.
Mierie’s song recommendations for feeling like a girl boss:
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The Planet Earth Soundtrack, composed by George Fenton.
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“My Shot” from Broadway musical Hamilton. Mierie uses this one a lot when she studies.
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Anything by Stevie Nicks—she has been listening to “Sara” and “Gold Dust Women” lately.
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“Save The Bees” by Flo and Joan—a song to motivate us all to do better.
Mierie ended the interview with her best advice, “Save the bees, […] be kind and love one another. Being kind is the most impactful and the easiest thing you can do.”