Who We Are
A platform became a purpose.
The HeARTS Spotlight Cabaret Society was founded by Leeanne McLim and Simon Larter with a simple idea: use the arts to create opportunities for young people to find confidence, connection, expression and belonging.
What began alongside Leeanne’s pageant journey has grown into an Alberta nonprofit dedicated to helping at-risk and neurodivergent youth access meaningful arts experiences — and to advocating for the difference those experiences can make.
Where HeARTS Began
Ms. Calgary 2025
When Leeanne became Ms. Calgary 2025, she wanted her platform to stand for something beyond the title itself.
Together, Leeanne and Simon founded HeARTS as a way to turn that platform into action, combining their belief in arts education with a commitment to young people who may face barriers to participating.
HeARTS’ first community event was a variety show hosted with the generous support of Border Crossing Pub in Calgary. Artists came together to perform, the community came out to support them, and the event raised enough to sponsor a child to attend an arts camp at Pinnovate DIY Art Studio.
It was a small beginning — and proof of what the idea behind HeARTS could become.
Advocacy Into Action
Ms. Alberta 2026
Leeanne’s journey continued when she became Ms. Alberta 2026, giving her another opportunity to carry the message behind HeARTS into a wider community.
After her Ms. Alberta win, Leeanne hosted Karaoke for a Cause — HeARTS’ second community event — as both a fundraiser and a send-off event as she prepared to leave for nationals. It raised funds to help create a theatre experience for a child through Make-A-Wish.
Those funds have been set aside while the young person decides what kind of theatre experience would be most meaningful to her. When she is ready, HeARTS looks forward to helping make that experience possible.
For us, that is what advocacy should lead to: not simply talking about why the arts matter, but finding practical ways to open a door.
A National Platform
Ms. World Universal Canada Ambassador 2026
In June 2026, Leeanne went on to receive the title of Ms. World Universal Canada Ambassador at the Ms./Mrs. Canada national pageant in Surrey, British Columbia.
With this title comes the opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage in Kenya in May 2027.
As her visibility grows, so does her platform—and with it, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of more young people. Through it all, the purpose behind HeARTS remains unchanged: helping more young people experience the transformative power of the arts.
Founded Together
Leeanne McLim & Simon Larter
Founders, The HeARTS Spotlight Cabaret Society
HeARTS is still young, and we are building carefully. What began as an idea connected to one advocacy platform is becoming something larger: a community of artists, families, arts providers and supporters who believe meaningful access to the arts can matter in a young person’s life.
We are grateful to the artists, venues, arts organizations, volunteers, supporters and community members who have helped us take these first steps — and we look forward to where HeARTS goes next.