Kayla Mckay
Height: 5’7
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
Languages: English
Occupation: International Model
Kayla Mckay was born and raised in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. She is studying to obtain her Real Estate license while working as an International Model. At only 15 years old, Kayla signed with Next Models Vancouver and continues to work with many reputable agencies worldwide. She has lived and worked in Taiwan, China, Mexico, and the United States. Though she gave up traditional high school experiences, Kayla was determined and passionate about being independent and helping support her family back home. Kayla has been featured in Vogue, Vogue UK, and Elle Canada, as well as global campaigns, e-commerce, and international runways, including Vancouver Fashion Week, Taiwan Fashion Week, and Abu Dhabi Fashion Week.
Because she was exposed to other cultures at a young age, Kayla became aware of the inequalities in the world. So she got involved with philanthropy and advocacy, focusing on expanding educational opportunities for low-income children. In high school, she volunteered with her local church, fundraising and collecting school supplies for students in Tanzania, Africa. She is also the Chairperson of the Bodhi School in India, which serves impoverished children in a rural region. One of Kayla’s dreams is to adopt a child from a low-income country. She currently sponsors Raji, a 9-year-old girl in southern India, through Joy Orphanage. Lastly, Kayla volunteers at the Angel Food Project in Los Angeles, California—delivering meals to the homeless and the terminally ill.
When she isn’t working, Kayla enjoys traveling, fitness, and continuing her multicultural education by learning Hindi. She is a regular at Pilates and Yoga and also loves hiking and the outdoors. Always looking for the next adventure, Kayla has hiked 11 national parks around North America. As Miss Universe Canada, Kayla will build on her global experience and philanthropic work by dedicating her year to championing cultural awareness and helping expand educational opportunities for impoverished children.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
Learning Hindi, Hiking, Yoga, and Pilates.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
Top Model of the Year Award, Face’s West competition. Ballet and Irish dance.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Soccer Goalie and Swimming.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My Grandfather was born in Ireland and immigrated to Canada in 1975 with my Grandmother. They had two small children and although things were very difficult, he worked his way up to be Senior Vice President of a company.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Landing an International Model contract in Asia, which allowed me to take care of my family financially.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
Being on the Board of Directors for the Bodhi School in India.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
Establish an Adoption Non-profit Organization. Joy Orphanage partnership.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
Start my own Real Estate brokerage.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in Kamloops B.C. as an only child. My parents divorced when I was 3, but I had very loving households.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
Learning how to make and sell German sausage at my maternal grandfather’s business.
What is your most unusual talent?
Star Trek trivia.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Phuket Thailand and Jaipur India.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
Become a published author documenting life as a mother who chose international adoption as well as expand my Impoverished Children and Real Estate Initiatives on a global scale.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
Featured in Vogue, Vogue UK, and Elle Canada. Walked several international runways.