A well-known anti-human trafficking activist, Tara Teng, has had many opportunities to take her message around the world. In May, she pursues another with the Miss World Canada pageant.

The Trinity Western University (TWU) student expects to graduate with a bachelor of education this year. While that is a significant accomplishment for most, and a major time commitment, Teng continues to add to her responsibilities by finding additional outlets for her message of abolishing violence against women.

"Canada needs to strongly empower women in society to be leaders and Miss World Canada matches my passion to see this happen," Teng said.

Teng will be competing in the Miss World Canada pageant in Richmond at the River Rock Casino on Sunday, May 13, at 7 p.m. With previous titles of Miss B.C. 2010/2011 and Miss Canada 2011, pageants are nothing new to Teng.

Regardless of the forum, her purpose for competing stays focused on fighting human exploitation.

"Convictions must be lived out, and I hope my action and efforts to date will demonstrate to the judges that I am a worthy contestant due to the core Canadian values of freedom and equality," Teng said.

This year's Miss World Canada competition has a theme of beauty with a purpose, which aligns well with Teng's message. There is also a charity component in that Miss World Canada will be raising funds for Variety - the Children's Charity.

With a focus on humanitarianism and philanthropy, it would seem that Teng has the right core values for the pageant.

Teng feels honoured by the opportunities she has had to influence young women. If she wins the Miss World Canada pageant, she will compete for Miss World in Ordos, China, allowing her to continue to fight for people to be treated with value and dignity.

"No matter the outcome of this pageant, I will continue fighting to see exploitation end in my generation," concluded Teng.

Vote for Teng in the people's choice award of the pageant at www.missworldcanada.org.

editorial@langleyadvance.com