What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I love cooking and experimenting with new flavors, especially when it comes to trying different cuisines. Traveling is another big passion of mine – it’s all about discovering new cultures and, of course, new foods! I’m really into the science behind food and nutrition, and I enjoy learning how what we eat can impact our body and mind.

Fitness is a big part of my life too, whether it’s through weight training or Pilates. I also enjoy reading, painting, and spending time with my sister and brother-in-law, which is always a good way to unwind and feel connected.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

I’ve completed specialized training in cybersecurity, which has given me a strong technical foundation. It’s been a fun and challenging journey, and I enjoy using my skills to solve problems and learn new things every day.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I’ve always loved being active. Growing up competing in track and field, fitness has been a constant in my life. I started weightlifting back in university, and it’s been a big part of my routine ever since. More recently, I’ve added Pilates and yoga, which have really helped me improve flexibility and stay grounded.

Fitness has been more than just a hobby for me. During some challenging times, it truly saved me. It helped me build confidence, taught me how to focus on growth, and showed me the power of working on myself both physically and mentally. For me, it’s all about finding balance between strength and mindfulness, and I love how each part of my fitness journey complements the others.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

The person who has had the most influence on my life is definitely my sister Sandra. She’s younger than me, but she’s consistently been a source of inspiration. Growing up, she’s always had my back, showing me what true resilience, kindness, and authenticity look like.

Now that I get to witness her becoming a mother, I’m even more in awe of her. Watching her embrace motherhood has shown me a new level of strength, femininity, and grace. She’s someone I turn to for advice, and I value the wisdom she shares with me. My life truly wouldn’t be the same without her.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

Graduating with a degree in Mechatronics Engineering is one of my proudest accomplishments. My parents came to Canada with very little, working tirelessly to build a life for themselves and provide me with opportunities they didn’t get to have. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for my journey, and earning my degree is a testament to their hard work and determination. Now, working in cybersecurity – an exciting and rapidly evolving field – has given me the chance to pursue something I’m passionate about.

It’s not just a career; it’s an opportunity to be part of a dynamic industry that constantly challenges me to grow. As a woman in STEM, I’m especially proud to break barriers and inspire other women to pursue careers in tech, showing them that there is a place for confidence, creativity, and strength in this space.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

The most interesting thing about me is I was the first in my family to attend and graduate from university. This achievement means a lot to me personally, and I’m grateful to honour my family’s sacrifices through my hard work.

It’s important to me to show that with determination and passion, you can overcome challenges and create opportunities. I hope my journey inspires others, especially women, to believe in themselves and pursue their goals with confidence.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

My career ambition is to continue growing in the technology field, with a focus on cybersecurity, and eventually take on a leadership role where I can drive meaningful change. I want to contribute to a safer digital world, but just as importantly, I want to make the tech space more welcoming and inclusive for everyone, especially women and underrepresented voices.

Through my work, I have seen how intimidating the industry can seem from the outside and how powerful it is when someone realizes they do belong. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, not just by solving technical problems, but by helping others feel seen, supported, and capable of succeeding in this space. I hope to use both my career and my platform to amplify those stories, mentor the next generation, and show that there is room for all of us to lead, innovate, and thrive.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job is one where I can be both a leader in technology and a role model who inspires others to pursue their goals with confidence, no matter the field. For me, it’s about combining passion and intelligence to show that success looks different for everyone.

It’s more than just the work itself – it’s about the positive impact I can make along the way. Even if I inspire just a few people to chase their dreams and believe in themselves, I will know I’ve made a meaningful difference.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was raised in Vaughan, Ontario and had a childhood filled with rich experiences and close family bonds. With relatives spread across the globe, I was fortunate to travel from a young age and develop a deep appreciation for different cultures.

At home, the kitchen was the heart of our household. My parents cooked with love, and my sister and I were always nearby, whether helping out or just sharing laughs.

Some of my favourite memories include playing games with my sister, and even mattress surfing down the stairs like we were in The Princess Diaries! Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for the love, laughter, and lessons that filled my early years.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

My current job in cybersecurity is really interesting because every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. I work to protect important systems from cyber threats, which means I’m always staying sharp and adapting to new technologies. It’s a field that’s constantly evolving, so I’m growing both personally and professionally, which keeps me motivated and excited about what I do.

While studying at Toronto Metropolitan University, I had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for an engineering design course. Guiding younger students through challenging concepts was both enjoyable and fulfilling, sparking my passion for mentorship and supporting the next generation in STEM.

In my younger days, I had the chance to work with Pizzaville at the Rogers Cup. Being part of such a big event was a unique experience, and getting to watch Serena Williams play up close was unforgettable. That role taught me a lot about teamwork and staying calm in fast-paced situations – skills that still come in handy today.

List any volunteering you have done.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to take part in and help organize a variety of volunteering initiatives that I truly care about. One of my favorite ways to give back is by connecting with the next generation of tech talent. Whether it’s through career fairs or panel discussions, I love sharing my experiences and offering guidance to university students, especially young women who are navigating the challenges of entering the tech world. Helping them find confidence and clarity in their paths is deeply rewarding.

Beyond mentoring, I’ve had the opportunity to lead and plan meaningful community projects, including building furniture for families in need, organizing food bank volunteering, planting trees, and even writing thoughtful cards for sick individuals and elders. Being involved in every step of these initiatives has deepened my appreciation for teamwork and compassion. Giving back to the community is a passion I’m committed to nurturing throughout my life and career.

What is your most unusual talent?

One of my most random talents is being able to instantly recognize and name super specific flavors. It’s not just spices… I’ll try a new snack and go, “Whoa, this tastes exactly like Froot Loops!” and nine times out of ten, my friends agree. I think it comes from my love of cooking and baking – spending so much time around food has trained my brain to build a weirdly accurate flavor memory.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

I’ve been lucky to travel to over 20 countries, but Switzerland really left a mark on me. One of my favorite memories is randomly hopping on a bus to Walenstadt on a Saturday afternoon, not knowing what to expect.

Surprisingly, hundreds of people were gathered outside, and they welcomed us like we were part of the community. We ate authentic food and enjoyed live music. It was peaceful, warm, and felt like something out of a storybook.

Moments like that are why I love traveling. Those unexpected connections make the experience truly special.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I hope to still be using my platform and career to encourage women to break barriers in STEM and tech fields. I also look forward to having a family of my own and raising my kids to be confident, healthy, and fearless. Above all, I want to keep working on leaving a lasting, positive impact in the world.