Olga Bykadorova
Height: 6’0
Hometown: Montréal, QC
Languages: English, French, Russian, Ukrainian
Occupation: Corporate Finance Analyst
Meet Olga Bykadorova, a woman of Eastern-European descent, whose journey embodies resilience, ambition, and a passion for making a difference.
Born to a Russian father and a Ukrainian mother, Olga’s story begins at the tender age of 9, with a childhood dream ignited by watching Natalie Glebova (a Russian and Canadian) seize the coveted title of Miss Universe. This was enough for Olga to start a life long journey to do the same. At 11, Olga and her family embarked on a new chapter, leaving Ukraine behind to settle in Montréal, Quebec, Canada. Fuelled by her aspirations, Olga pursued a modeling career while earning a Bachelor’s in Commerce, specializing in Finance from Concordia University.
Today, she stands as a formidable force in corporate finance, specializing in real estate, all while pursuing her Master of Business Administration at the University of Sherbrooke.
Olga’s journey extends beyond boardrooms and runways; she’s a seasoned pageant competitor, representing Canada with grace and poise on international stages. In 2020, she soared to the top 15 at the Top Model of the World competition, showcasing her global appeal. The following year, Olga won the title of Miss Grand Canada, carrying the hopes and dreams of her nation in Thailand.
Olga’s heart beats strongest for her advocacy work. For over a decade, she’s served as an ambassador for Ukrainians in Montreal, guiding newcomers on their journey to Canada. Her passion culminated in the establishment of “The Canadian Dream,” a charitable organization she created that is dedicated to supporting newcomers, amplifying their voices, and providing them with the tools to thrive in their new homeland.
For Olga, this isn’t just a mission—it’s a calling. She believes in the transformative power of dreams, the resilience of the human spirit, and the boundless opportunities that Canada offers. Through her work, she’s not only extending a hand of support, but also igniting hope and inspiration in the hearts of dreamers everywhere.
Join Olga on her journey to becoming Miss Universe Canada, as she continues to break barriers, defy expectations, and embody the timeless truth that with unwavering determination and a belief in oneself, anything in the Universe is possible.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
Being able to help people is the most fulfilling and heartwarming experience for me. Through many years of charity work, I have had the opportunity to do this in many instances. Now, with my own non-profit organization, “The Canadian Dream,” I am able to give newcomers a platform to tell their stories. As an immigrant myself, I know how difficult it is not to speak the language and to feel like a burden at times. That is why it is so important for me to build bridges, give a voice to those who truly need it, and be proud that immigrant culture is a legacy mindset!
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
Although I have had attended ballet and piano schools as a child without having the opportunity to complete them, as a pageant veteran, I have had many opportunities to practice performing on stage and learn from various choreographers both nationally and internationally.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
As a child, I practiced ballet and dancing, but due to a serious spine injury, I had to stop sports for a couple of years and relearn how to walk. Today, I’m fully recovered and stay active by practicing sports every day. I currently combine boxing with strength conditioning and have also taken on the challenge of running. In the past year, I have completed three half marathons (21km) and am now training for the upcoming Beneva Montreal marathon (42km). Sports have taught me to walk before I can run, to remain resilient no matter the circumstances, and that hard work always pays off.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Someone who had an incredible influence on my life is Natalie Glebova. Natalie inspired me with the dream of becoming Miss Universe Canada, igniting my passion for pageantry. My first introduction to Canada was when I was nine years old, still residing in Ukraine. I distinctly remember seeing a woman whom I admired deeply, someone who I could relate to. Natalie, with her Russian heritage, showed me that achieving success in the western world was attainable and that dreams do come true. From that moment, I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps and represent all that Canada symbolizes. Miraculously, I now have the opportunity to fulfill the dreams of that little girl. This is why I am driven to embrace this title, I want to be that same role model for women of all ages, carrying forward the legacy of what Miss Universe Canada represents.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
The proudest moments of my life came when I represented Canada on the international stage, not just once, but twice! To embody “Canada” means advocating for peace, love, inclusivity, diversity, and equality. These values are deeply ingrained in me, and I feel incredibly proud to wear the “Canada” sash on stage, sharing our message with the entire Universe.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
One of the unique things about me is that I have the opportunity to become the first 30-year-old representative of Canada. After representing Canada internationally at 28, I was finally ready to apply to become Miss Universe Canada. Then, my dream shattered when I realized I had passed the age cutoff. I never would have thought that just a few months later, Miss Universe would lift the age limit completely. Witnessing these changes, along with inclusivity regarding marital status and having children, has transformed pageant culture forever. This shows that as women, we do not have an expiration date, making this competition even more special for me. I am so proud to represent an organization that now includes all women.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
As a businesswoman, I am building my career in finance while pursuing higher education through a Masters of Business Administration. I aspire to continue proving myself within corporate finance for commercial real estate and hope to one day attain a leading position.
Additionally, I am dedicated to my nonprofit organization, “The Canadian Dream.” My goal is to expand its reach over the years, helping refugees across Canada on a national scale. I aim to collaborate with the Miss Universe Canada organization to share a message of peace with the world.
As a long-term goal, I hope to create a platform that can reach at least 1,000 people, allowing them to connect and share their experiences. I envision this platform extending beyond Eastern Europeans to include anyone and everyone who comes to Canada from any country.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job is to be Miss Universe Canada. Since I was a little girl, I have dreamt about this opportunity. Years in the making, I hope to showcase everything I have learned and fulfill my purpose. I aspire to share my story with the rest of Canada, and eventually the Universe. If I can touch even one person’s heart, that would mean everything to me. My dream is to share with the world what Canada has given me, at a time when the planet could benefit from more love, more peace, and more compassion.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in Chernihiv, Ukraine. You might have heard of a similar town name, Chernobyl, which is 87km away from my birthplace.
Growing up in a post-Soviet era, I cherish memories of the parks I played in and the school I attended. One of the most vivid memories is the day my parents told me that we were approved to move to Canada. It was a bittersweet moment, leaving our old home behind, but Canada embraced us as its own. Here, we found opportunities beyond our biggest dreams, and it became our new home.
Today, it is with great sadness I see my birth town is being destroyed by missiles in the news. My heart breaks to see the parks and school from my memories in ruins. I am infinitely grateful to live in a peaceful country like Canada and to be able to help others do the same.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
The most interesting job I have had was being a titleholder for Canada at an international pageant. It was a huge responsibility and honor to represent everything that Canada stands for. During that time, I had the opportunity to travel, speak at public events, participate in interviews, and make show appearances. There was a lot of hard work, but it was the most rewarding job I have ever been trusted with. Nothing makes my soul vibrate more than being able to touch hearts.
One of the highlights that was extremely rewarding was a speech I made during a teen pageant, where I shared my experience and gave advice to the girls who were competing. One of the girls came up to me and said that one day she wants to be a queen like me. We shared a moment that will forever be imprinted in my heart and will always serve as a reminder of the importance of my purpose.
List any volunteering you have done.
I have been an active ambassador for Ukrainian newcomers over the past decade. Every year, I volunteer at a festival, preparing and distributing traditional food to the community. In 2022, I initiated a project to collect professional clothing for donation to the Ukrainian Church, aiming to help individuals have appropriate attire for job interviews. Additionally, my family and I have been welcoming and supporting immediate family and friends who have fled the war and resettle in Canada.
These are the experiences that inspired me to create my own non-profit organization, “The Canadian Dream” to further provide resources to refugees, offer a platform for sharing their stories, and let their voices be heard. Furthermore, participating in races has enabled me to raise funds for and contribute to “Centraide,” a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty locally in Montreal.
What is your most unusual talent?
I can raise one eye brow while simultaneously keeping the other still! It actually is a skill that helps a lot during photoshoots and facial expressions.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
I have traveled to 12 countries, with my most recent destination being Mexico. During my visit, I had the opportunity to explore Isla Mujeres, which directly translates to “Island of Women” and is renowned for its rich history as a refuge for women during ancient times. Additionally, I visited Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I thoroughly enjoy delving into other cultures, learning about their history, and understanding their spirituality. There is always a valuable lesson to learn from their stories. Moreover, the locals were incredibly polite and welcoming, and the food was amazing! I hope to visit again very soon.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In 10 years’ time, I aspire to have become a former Miss Universe Canada, continuing my legacy of supporting refugees. By then, I aim to have expanded my organization to a global scale, providing support to over 1000 families.
Regardless of my initiatives, I will continue working diligently and wearing my heart on my sleeve, empowering those around me. I hope that my journey will continue to inspire others to do the same for many years to come.