When Gurnoor steps onto a runway, it’s about something much deeper; purpose. At just 13 years old, this international model and reigning Miss Jr. Teen Nation Universe carries far more than a crown.
Born into a culture where modeling wasn’t expected, or always accepted, Gurnoor became the first in her family to walk runways that stretched from Toronto to international stages. What started as a passion for pageants quickly became something greater: a path to: visibility, voice, and advocacy. “People didn’t expect me to do this,” she says, “But I kept going.”
Most 13-year-olds think about school, friends, or what’s trending online. Gurnoor? She’s thinking about women’s rights, human freedom, and global change. That’s the energy behind Fuminity, the movement she founded, an initiative born from: frustration, curiosity, and a deep desire to stand up for what is right.
“I started Fuminity after my first project,” she explains. “I was seeing a lot of inequality around me, and I knew we couldn’t stay silent.” Through handmade bookmark fundraisers, youth-led speeches, and digital campaigns with powerhouse organizations like LEAF and The House of Ottawa, Fuminity became a youth-led force for freedom and justice.
It wasn’t easy. Balancing advocacy, modeling, and school life came with stress, and burnout. “I got burnt out early in my career,” she admits. “Now I prioritize my friendships and family. I enjoy my work more because I have balance.”
Somewhere between her bookings, speeches, and events, Gurnoor realized something powerful: leadership doesn’t require age, just courage. She believes they are the ones who will shift the world.
“We have social media. We’ve seen what happened before, and now we get to use these platforms to do something about it,” she says with confidence. “That’s where our power is.”
That confidence didn’t come overnight; it was earned through experience. “Pageants and modeling helped me find my voice. I’m not afraid to take ownership. It’s about the impact.”
For Gurnoor, leadership also means lifting others. That’s why she launched Runway With Gurnoor, a mentorship program for newcomers in fashion and pageants. It’s her way of giving young talent a soft landing, something she didn’t always have herself.
The world sees the glam: the gowns, the billboards, the crowns, but there’s another side to Gurnoor’s story, one marked by: loneliness, judgment, and hard lessons.
“One of the hardest parts was school,” she shares. “People I thought were my friends started judging me. I learned quickly, not everyone’s your friend, but I kept going, whether they stood beside me or not.”
The pain didn’t stop at school. Some judgment came from within her own community. “I was the first in my family to model, and culturally, it wasn’t expected. Some of my family didn’t understand or support me at first. That was really hurtful, but I realized, the real ones celebrate you.”
When people dismiss her because of her age?
“I just keep going,” she says plainly. “The people who doubt you. They are not the ones behind closed doors, watching the work it takes. You are the one celebrating your achievements.”
Every leader has an anchor. For Gurnoor, that anchor is her mother. “She’s been through so much,” Gurnoor says. “She always wanted to model and be in fashion, but never got the chance. When I started, she was the one who told me: success is hard. I know I can turn to her for anything.”
It’s a bond built not just on love, but legacy. A mother passing strength to her daughter, and a daughter carrying dreams her mother once held.
At 13, Gurnoor already knows that fame isn’t the goal. For her, success is measured by something deeper. “It’s not about followers,” she says. “It’s about collaboration. It’s about using your platform to make a difference.”
She knows some of her peers might not feel confident enough to lead, but she hopes her journey shows them what’s possible. “I want other young people to see this and know: your dreams are real.”
What would she say to a 10-year-old who wants to change the world? “I would tell them: don’t let anyone stop you. Your dreams aren’t unrealistic. Keep going. Stick to your vision, and don’t let anyone ruin your success.”
Just like that, Gurnoor reveals what makes her story timeless. It’s not the titles or trophies, it’s her unwavering belief that even the youngest voices deserve to be heard, respected, and empowered.
Fifty years from now, people may not remember every crown she wore, but they will remember the girl who wore it differently. Who built a movement. Who turned the runway into a road for others to walk on. Who led not just with style, but with soul.
Her name was Gurnoor.
