Cochrane's Heather Hill set to compete at Mrs. Universe 2024

As a representative of Canada’s style and grace, Cochrane’s very own Heather Hill is heading to the international stage as Mrs. Canada Great White North for the 2024 Mrs. Universe pageant, set to take place later this year.

This year, the pageant will be hosted in South Korea from Oct. 2 to Oct.10. It will welcome 110 delegates from around the world for an eight-day competition, where participants do their best to bring the title back to their home country.

Over the last year, Hill has been representing the area as Mrs. Calgary 2023.

“That opportunity was very serendipitous,” Hill said. “I grew up in the United States, I have dual citizenship, and in the States pageants are pretty big, and I was always inspired by them.”

After seeing the Calgary Pageant parade float during a past Cochrane Labour Day Parade, Hill decided to make a change.

“I’ve been an event planner for 20 years, I have two small children that are six and nine, I’m married, and even though I’m busy, there was still something missing in that component of giving back to my community,” she said. “This was that opportunity; so I competed, and won, Mrs. Calgary in June of 2023. And I’ve been representing the Town of Cochrane, the City of Calgary, and the province over the last 12 months.”

Since ending her yearlong reign in June, Hill said she was approached and appointed the title by Pageant Director and Mrs. Universe Canada 2019, Lisa Harrigan.

“She was so proud of my reputation in this role, and I couldn’t be more honoured and humbled to be representing not only Cochrane, but all of Alberta by going to South Korea and bringing back that title for us,” Hill said.

Compared to Miss Universe, Hill explained that the competition is to find the most outstanding married woman in the world. At the competition itself, Hill outlines that there are three major components to the pageant.

“That would be formal wear, like any typical pageant you’re wearing a beautiful dress and walking around, then your national costume, and a forum,” Hill said. “So, the forum this year, and other years past, is bringing awareness to domestic violence to your home country.

 “[…] Essentially you’re providing information on domestic violence, where it stands, what your country city, or town is doing about it, and what resources there are for women and children who are facing these issues.”

Hill said that this is a worthy topic to share, adding that Canada and the greater Calgary area is making strides in addressing the issue.

“I’ll be partnering with local organizations such as Gems for Gems, Women on Wings, [and] Making Changes to educate individuals from other countries on what we’re doing here in Canada and Alberta, so they can bring that information back to their country,” Hills said.

With the pageant a few months away, Hill said she is speechless, humbled, and extremely honoured to be given this opportunity. Through her tenure as Mrs. Calgary, Hill said it gave her a platform to spread awareness on important topics in Alberta.

“Now stepping on the international stage, and bringing that same awareness to Canada, I start tearing up just thinking about it,” Hill said. “There’s just this overwhelming sense of pride for our country, and to showcase that, I couldn’t be more honoured.”

Hill said she hopes other women can draw inspiration from her actions and learn to step out of their comfort zone for the better.

“This is a massive way to step out of your comfort zone and learn from these women from other countries that may not be as blessed as Canada, in their living conditions and where they come from,” Hill said. “I’m really looking forward to hearing what they’re saying, their stories, and getting different perspectives on where these incredible women are coming from, and their take on the approach to domestic violence.

“[…] Most importantly, it’s for my children. What Truly drives me is them seeing ‘mommy’ in the community helping others. It’s a domino effect that I hope inspires them to volunteer and recognize individuals and incredible causes in our community, in Alberta, and in our country.”

Hill said she would like to give a special thanks to Lisa Harrigan, her husband Andrew Hill, her parents, and everybody who played a role in her success.

“I’m truly, truly humbled by it,” Hill said.