Pagentry

Ever since I was little, I dreamed of participating in something that would make me feel beautiful and confident.
Though I had always been curious about modeling and pageantry, I never quite had the courage to say “yes” to myself—until loss gave me purpose. At age 22, I lost a close childhood friend to heart failure. She was passionate about dance and loved the stage, and in her memory, I signed up for the Miss HeartBeat competition—a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

I poured my heart into the talent competition and, to my surprise, was awarded Miss Talent and Best Interview. But it was more than a crown. It wasn’t about recognition—it was about dancing from the heart for my friend, and saying yes to a dream I didn’t want to outlive. That moment marked the beginning of healing, growth, and a newfound belief in myself—one that has been celebrated and strengthened through pageantry.

The following year, I went on to compete in Miss North Ontario 2019, where I proudly placed in the Top 16.

In 2021, I returned to the NMO stage and placed in the Top 10, earning First Runner-Up in the EmpowerHer Woman of Influence category. I shared that moment with my dear friend Alanna—someone I had admired for years—and a pageant sister I had known since my very first competition at Miss HeartBeat 2018.

I also remember a little girl backstage that year—who, funnily enough, is now competing as a teen at Regional Canada. Her mom asked if I could take a photo with her, as she dreamed of one day wearing a green dress. I happily said yes and gifted her the carnation from my EmpowerHer First runner up award. That award wasn’t about me—it was about encouraging others.

Nine months later, she competed in the Greater Sudbury Youth Ambassadors program and won her category. I happened to be volunteering that weekend, and after the show, she found me and gave me her flower.

That moment was full-circle. A small act of kindness had stayed with her and inspired her to not only follow her dreams—but to lead with kindness as well.

Pageantry has helped me grow into a more confident, compassionate, and courageous woman. It gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone, walk in fashion shows, and use my voice to advocate for causes close to my heart.

The friendships I’ve formed throughout this journey have taught me that pageantry is not about competition—it’s about community. I’m a firm believer that the wrong person will never walk through the right door, but in the right divine timing, the right person always will.

Today, I continue to cherish every stage I step on—not for a title or a crown, but for the people I meet, the stories I share, and the lives I hope to touch.
Creating this presentation has reminded me of just how much I’ve grown—and that alone makes every moment of competing a victory.