She Came, Saw, and Conquered – Nova Stevens

Nova Stevens was ecstatic and deeply humbled when she was crowned Miss Universe Canada beauty pageant in 2020 and went on to compete at the renowned Miss Universe competition that same year. It was indeed a historic moment for her, becoming the first South Sudanese native to enter the competition. 

She ripped the runway proudly and unapologetic with her short hair after realizing it was essential for her to present her natural God-given state. However, Stevens was not hiding behind her hair after watching South African model Zozibini Tunzi win with short hair in 2019.

“I saw myself in her. She is a black woman from Africa with short hair, the same texture as my hair, and the same complexion as me. This is why representation is so important; she inspired me to be my best self,” said Stevens. 

Stevens wanted her winnings to remind girls that the word, impossible should not be in their vocabulary and go after what they want if it does not work out in their favor for the first time. She knows from experience that it’s a test from God to see how badly you want something in life. 

Stevens’ appearance in the 2014 Miss Universe was a mere introduction and an eye opener as far as funding the competition and confirming societal beauty standards by wearing weaves. But her hard work and diligence made her make it to the Top 12 and prompted her to participate four years later. Finally, she was ready to embrace her natural beauty and was awarded the Miss Photogenic award and a Top 20 contestant. 

“If you want something, keep going until you get it. And it’s not always your timing; it’s God’s timing,” said Stevens. “So if you want it, keep going until you get there like, I know, there will be a lot of potholes and hurdles. You might be running out of water as you’re running the marathon but keep going and believe in yourself.” 

Before moving to a nation that would be a catalyst for her hopes and dreams, Stevens resided in Kenya with her South Sudanese parents. Then, in 1999, South Sudan experienced a volatile civil war which led to Stevens’ parents sending her to live in Canada at six years old with her cousin for better opportunities. 

“So I didn’t realize I would be here for 20-plus years. At the time, I thought I was going on a little trip with my cousin. Perhaps see my family, and you know, months passed by years. And then before you know it, it’s like decades,” said Stevens. “I didn’t understand what it meant to leave Africa to go to Canada, which was my thought process as a young girl. I thought it was a vacation and not a long-term stay.” 

After Stevens arrived in Alberta, Canada, with her first cousin, her parents arranged an arranged marriage with a man who had a lottery to come to Canada as an immigrant. She was separated from her family, unsure of their existence, yet adapted to her new environment. 

“I came with them because my family didn’t want to ship her to a new country alone or make her feel abandoned,” said Stevens. “My parents thought it would be best because I was the most traveled out of all of my siblings.” 

For years, Stevens’ family was a fading presence in her life; her cousin went to Social Services, became her guardian, and relocated her family to Ontario. But, she reunited with her family ten years later when she was enrolled in high school. 

“They all thought we were dead, and my dad, in his heart, he believed that we were still alive because everyone was telling him to give up, your wife is dead, just remarry, and he was like no, they are alive,” said Stevens. “And thank God, we were still alive, and we were able to find them after years apart.” 

Stevens decided to live independently during high school after living with multiple relatives in Alberta and Ontario, Canada, and her cousin returned to Africa. She was employed at the Youth Transition as a manager in Alberta to finish her education. 

“I said, you know what, like who’s better to raise me than myself? Because my family had not been the best. I can be honest, so I contacted the government about a youth home, and we had someone live with us to ensure we were coming home on time,” said Stevens. “The age group was 15-18, and they were teaching us how to transition to adulthood. So I stayed until I received my basketball scholarship, which was great. I received a monthly allowance to pay my rent, phone, food, or whatever you said. But, of course, it has to be allocated and provided receipts.” 

Stevens endured hardships in her life, but she knows her journey will remind people that their past does not define their future. She knew she was worthy of having a better life, and the past would be no longer relevant to her future a few years from now. 

“Just because you come from an impoverished background, whatever struggles you’ve had, does not mean your life will forever remain that way. But, you have to make that choice. You have to make that choice of wanting better for yourself,” said Stevens. “You can’t expect others to want better for you. You have to want that for yourself. That’s the first thing, I can want you to have the best life, but you have to want it for yourself.”

Photo credit Mel B. Elder Jr @melbelderjr