Life as an academic had this Central Valley native accustomed to life behind the scenes, that is, until her official crowing as Miss San Joaquin County on February 7th, 2015.
For Harleen Dhaliwal, who hails from Modesto, the pageant world is new. She struggles with her hair, make-up and heels, feeling far from a ‘girly-girl.’ This could be due in part to spending the last few years buried in books at the library and research lab at her Alma Matter, University of California Irvine.
Harleen never thought she’d find herself walking the stage of a beauty pageant, but was drawn to the Miss San Joaquin County Organization because of its emphasis on education, and mission statement as a scholarship foundation. “I am proof that [the pageant] isn’t just based on appearance,” she adds, “It’s about expressing your goals as an individual and being able to communicate.”
As a first time pageant contestant, Harleen will go on to compete for the Miss California title, and if she wins, onto the Miss America Pageant. Previously, two title holders from the county have claimed the Miss California title, including Reba Watterson Brown in 1948, and Susan Kay Shipley in 1973.
The pageant crowned its first winner in 1947 and has since given contless scholarships, says Karen Grimaldi, Executive Director for the organization. “Many of our contestants benefit from scholarship awards, and not only those who win the crown. In fact, the Miss America Organization is one of the world’s largest providers of scholarship assistance for young women.”
Harleen’s platform revolves around encouraging women to join science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields in which females hold only a fraction of jobs. She aims to be a role model and prove that women don’t have to be stuck in one role – something she exemplifies as a future doctor and beauty pageant contestant. To that, she encourages women to “Step outside of the box and don’t be afraid!”
“Since my crowning, I’m constantly learning about new opportunities and organizations. Discovering all you can do with your life is truly fascinating!” Harleen has big plans of volunteering with local charities and organizations, including the American Association of University Women. “At the end of the day, there is no need to restrict yourself. The possibilities are endless,” she says.
The process of becoming Miss San Joaquin encompassed an interview, talent, and an evening gown and swim suit portion. For her talent, Harleen performed a traditional dance close to her heart and heritage: Bhangra. “I grew up performing the dance with friends and family at local events,” she adds. The dance originates from Punjab, India and is an excellent outlet in which she expresses her culture. “I am an American – Indian and proud of it!”
In 2013, Harleen graduated with a degree in Biology from UCI, in hopes of becoming a doctor. She then worked as a research assistant where she found passion in her field (urology) and in helping others. Along with working in a clinical setting, Harleen was able to co-author four publications while also having her work presented at conferences.
As a humanist who aspires to promote the well-being of others and make a positive impact; Harleen’s inspired by her father’s work as an oncologist, her time working in research at UCI, and of course, her community.
This year’s Miss San Joaquin looks to a future of practicing medicine within the community, where there is a shortage of physicians. As she explains, “San Joaquin is home, and I want to give back!”
For More information:
Miss San Joaquin County Organization
4825 Mosher Dr., Stockton
(209) 931-2111, misssanjoaquin.com