A Crown, a Classroom, and Convertible Moments: Personal Reflections from Regional Canada Pageants 2025

What a journey. What a weekend.

As I sit down to write this, it’s been a week since I stepped off the Regional Canada Pageants stage, yet my heart is still overflowing from the moments, memories, and milestones that unfolded.

I am beyond honoured to have been awarded Ms Empower Her Woman of Influence, Ms Pageant Promotion, Ms People’s Choice, and Ms Friendship Award (Aka Miss Congeniality). Each of these awards holds a special place in my heart

.but if I’m honest, the Empower Her Woman of Influence award was the one I truly hoped for from the beginning.

It wasn’t about a crown—it was about being seen for the woman I’ve worked so hard to become. This award recognized the heart behind my platform, education, the years of volunteering, the courage to build this website, and the personal growth that led me here.

Returning to Where It All Began

This pageant wasn’t just a competition—it was also a return to my past.

Almost ten years ago, I first walked into the very auditorium for college orientation at Collège Boréal as an 18-year-old, trembling with fear and uncertainty about what lay ahead.

During the final show’s intermission, after not hearing my name called into the final round, I’ll be honest—it stung. I needed a moment to regroup. At intermission, I quietly slipped back to the bathroom by my old classroom, took a breath, and spoke softly to the younger version of me who once cried in that same space."We’re healed now. We did everything you dreamed of and more. God is within us, and He will guide every step of the way."

And then, in the stillness, I looked ahead—imagining the woman I hope to be ten years from now. A loving wife, a mother, a homeowner, a grounded family counsellor, maybe even a small business owner. I know she’s already within me. The seeds of those dreams are already planted in my heart.

In true Princess Diaries fashion, I gathered my ball gown, wiped away my tears, and returned to the auditorium—ready to finish the night standing tall, with grace, heart, and gratitude.

Reflections on My Performace

While I’m incredibly grateful for the awards and connections, I also took time to reflect on my performance.

My pre-pageant preparation and mindset going in felt strong, and my genuine desire to connect with other women was fulfilled in the most beautiful ways. Honestly, I got exactly wanted out of my experience at Regional Canada Pageant 2025 empowerment and connection.

But I also recognize that my stage performance and public speaking weren’t quite at the level I know I’m capable of. It's scary to step into the light and be seen.

It had been four years since I last stepped on stage, and the physical demands were noticeable. My body has changed—and that’s okay. Women's bodies are meant to change—but I definitely felt the impact, especially in my stamina, endurance, and strength needed for long days in heels and of rehearsal. with my spine being fused. There's a unique type of pain with scoliosis fusion and I was in a lot of pain by finals. And that's okay I didn't have a lot of time to physically prepare-strengthen my core.

Three months is a small window to prepare for a pageant, but the empowerment and community was what I needed.

If I do return to the stage, I know I'll need to rebuild my runway skills, invest in stamina training, and allow myself more time to prepare for the physical demands of competition. I want to feel at home on that stage, walk with confidence and strength, and let my inner light radiate outward. The momentum is in motion, I'm ready to put in the grit and work.

That being said, I am so proud of our finalists and our winners. Their performances were outstanding, and I celebrate them wholeheartedly as they inspire myself and others. Because I believe in God’s timing—the right women are recognized. Period.

2025 was my comeback year, a year to become. The best part is I can experience RCP all over again next year!

Honouring a Legacy of Empowerment

A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible director, Cheryl Kozera, for not only organizing this empowering event but for your lifelong commitment to raising over half a million dollars for Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC) since 2006.

Cheryl, the legacy you’ve built is more than a pageant—it’s a sisterhood, a safe space, and a movement that will ripple for generations.

Your words of encouragement meant the world to me when you told me you saw how much I’ve grown into a woman who now knows exactly who she is. You saw the transformation from someone once lost to someone now deeply rooted in her purpose—and I agree.

And above all, I give Christ the glory for all of this. It’s His promises that tell me who I am.

Seeds for the Next Season

Even now, a week later, my heart is stirring with new dreams, new goals, and new seeds to plant.

I’m already working on plans to expand my platform, continue serving and connecting boldly, and step even further into the woman I know God has created me to be.

The workshops I attended over the weekend were powerful mirrors—showing me just how far I’ve come and reminding me that I already am “her”—that empowered, rooted, resilient woman who shows up as her most authentic self.

And this website? I’m so thankful I created this space. It’s becoming more than a portfolio—it’s a journal, a reflection space, and a growing community.

But the most exciting part? She Rises from Ashes is only just beginning.

In the coming months, I’ll be planting even more seeds with new blog posts, community appearances, online workshops, and even a special line of empowerment-inspired items that will bring the heart of She Rises from Ashes to life in tangible ways.

These are not just products or posts—they’re tools for women of faith, mental health warriors, and dreamers everywhere to embrace their worth, plant their seeds of connection, and bloom into their next season of becoming “her" by rising from the adverse experiences from our lives.

Thank you for being part of my journey so far.

She rises, she's rooted she becomes.

All my love Shayla