Havana Corona
Height: 5’7
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: Spanish; English
Occupation: Model, Brand Ambassador, Dental Receptionist Program
Havana Corona is a passionate advocate for mental health, women’s empowerment, and resilience. Born in Mexico and raised in Canada, Havana brings a rich multicultural heritage that includes Mexican, Cuban, and Canadian roots. From a young age, she learned to navigate hardship and instability, but it is through those challenges that she discovered her purpose: to turn adversity into impact and pain into purpose.
With over seven years of modeling experience, Havana has walked for global brands like L’Oréal and Banana Republic and has graced the runway and print world with elegance and intention. She placed in the Top 10 at Miss Canada Latina 2017 and earned the title of “Miss Best Smile.” Her volunteerism has earned her a Citizenship Award and over 200 hours of community service, proving her commitment to using her voice for the greater good.
In addition to being a model, Havana is also an aspiring actress and published author. Her goal is to raise awareness for mental health not only through her Miss Universe Canada journey, but far beyond it by continuing to serve and uplift others in her community. As an actress, she is passionate about telling the stories of those who have faced hardship and turning those lived experiences into powerful characters and meaningful content. Through film and storytelling, Havana hopes to bring awareness, spark healing, and inspire others to believe in change.
Havana believes that true beauty is rooted in authenticity, service, and strength. Her goal as Miss Universe Canada is to uplift others by showing that your past does not define your future and that with resilience, grace, and compassion, anything is possible.
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I am passionate about self-expression, mental health advocacy, and women’s empowerment. I love anything that allows me to connect with others on a deeper level, whether it’s modelling, performing on stage, or creating spaces where women can feel seen, heard, and supported. I enjoy organizing themed events and workshops that uplift and inspire others. In my personal time I love dancing, journaling, and spending time at the beach because I find it fun and it brings me peace.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I have received on-and-off training in drama and acting through local theatre workshops and school productions. In modelling, I’ve trained in runway walking and stage presence through pageantry since 2017, including personalized coaching and experience with high-profile brands like L’Oréal and Banana Republic. I also took the Zumba dance instructor training and gave a few classes in spaces such as the University of Toronto (Mississauga campus)
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Growing up, I was actively involved in team sports. In elementary school, I played on the soccer, basketball, and volleyball teams. In high school I was part of the softball team. Today, I stay active through dance, yoga, and fitness routines that support both my physical and mental well-being.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Other than my parents, my best friend, who is more like my sister at this point of my life. She has demonstrated time and time again the power of resilience, how to lead with compassion, and how to be brave in difficult situations. What inspires me most about her is how she faces every challenge with strength, always focused on finding a solution. Her attitude and loyalty have shaped the way I face my own obstacles.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
My proudest personal accomplishment is overcoming the challenges of my upbringing and using my experiences to inspire and support others. I’ve faced instability, heartbreak, and financial hardship, but I never gave up on myself. I’ve turned my pain into purpose by becoming a voice for mental health, co-authoring in a best-selling book, and creating opportunities to uplift women through community events and storytelling. That growth, resilience, and impact mean more to me than any title.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
At 25 years old, having lived in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, I’ve grown into an open-minded person who embraces different cultures and diversity in all forms. One of the most interesting things about me is my ability to connect with people of all ages, cultures, and religions, building genuine friendships across differences. I’m also proud of how I use my creativity to bring calm and solutions to high-stress situations, benefiting those around me. These qualities reflect my passion for unity, resilience, and inspiring others.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to build a platform that combines acting, modelling, and advocacy to uplift women and promote mental health awareness on a global scale. I see myself as an actress, speaker, creative director, public figure and a friend who uses her story and voice to empower others, especially those who come from difficult backgrounds. I want to bring meaningful stories to life on screen. Stories that help people feel seen, reflect on their lives, make better choices, or simply feel less alone. I’ve already taken steps toward this vision by modelling professionally since 2017, co-authoring a best-selling book, networking with other creatives, assisting different events, taking different courses, applying to agencies, sparking conversations about mental health with friends and on social media. I’m now focused on expanding more into acting, growing my platform, and aligning with opportunities like Miss Universe Canada to continue using creativity with purpose.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job in life is to be a professional actress, using film and storytelling to make a global impact. I want to portray powerful, emotional, and real stories that inspire people to heal, reflect, and see themselves in a new light. Alongside acting, I dream of building a platform where I can also model, speak, and create projects that uplift women, celebrate culture, and promote mental health. My dream job isn’t just about being seen – it’s about helping others feel seen too!
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in Mexico an raised in Canada after immigrating at the age of five. My childhood came with many challenges, we experienced hardships and emotional instability in our home. Despite the difficulties, I was always focused on my creative side, whether it was dancing, acting or simply finding joy i expressio9n. Growing up in a low-income household taught me the value of resilience and adaptation, compassion and inner strength but also the value of hard work, sacrifice, and appreciating what you have. Watching how hard my mom worked t provide for us inspired me to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. Those early experiences shaped who I am today and fuel my mission to help others overcome adversity and believe in themselves.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I’ve worked in a wide range of roles. From babysitting, dog sitting, and face painting and dressing up in costumes at kids birthday parties, to modelling for L’Oréal and assisting with business social media and event decor. I’ve also worked as a server, bartender, hostess, event planner, assisted with decorations at venues for different events, receptionist, pharmacy assistant, and a secretary at a law firm. These experiences have made me adaptable, creative, and hard-working, able to thrive in almost any environment.
List any volunteering you have done.
I’ve completed over 200 volunteer hours in high school where i earned a citizenship award. I’ve volunteered at fashion shows, restaurants, supported library programs, and participated in a Latino youth leadership group. I’ve also volunteered at women’s workshops, community fundraisers, and Schulich Charity Fashion week for Make-A-Wish. Each experience has shaped my passion for giving back.
What is your most unusual talent?
My most unusual talent is being able to do weird animated voices that always make people laugh. I’m also really good at connecting with all kinds of people and making them feel comfortable, no matter their background.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Some of the most interesting places I’v had the opportunity to visit are La Gruta Spa which are hot springs near Queretaro, Mexico. San Miguel De Allende, which if you have watched the movie coco you will know what i am talking about. The Morikami museum in Florida, and the Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. Each place offers something unique – from peaceful hot springs and vibrant culture to beautiful amazing gardens and amazing marine life – that has left a lasting impression on me.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In 10 years, god willing, I hope to be a successful actress, speaker, and creative director using my platform to tell powerful stories, uplift women, and advocate for mental health. I want to be financially stable, emotionally and spiritually fulfilled, and making a positive impact wherever I go!!! Whether its on a screen, a stage, or in everyday life. I also hope to be married to the love of my life with kids, living in a home I love, with the freedom to travel, spend quality time with my family and my friends, and continue growing both personally and professionally.