Alyssa Evashenko
Height: 5’10
Hometown: Kenaston, SK
Languages: English
Occupation: Cattle Rancher and Open-pit Miner
Raised on a farm in rural Saskatchewan, Alyssa Evashenko, 26, is proud of her deep agricultural roots. Growing up on a ranch, she was immersed in farming and cattle ranching, developing a strong work ethic and an unshakable sense of resilience. Alyssa has a diverse background in agriculture, environmental science, and the trades. She is a passionate advocate for women in trades and is committed to breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be a woman in male-dominated fields.
At 17, Alyssa ventured into the world of modelling and acting, where she has appeared in several music videos and photo shoots. Though she embraced the glamour of the entertainment industry, she has never shied away from getting her hands dirty. Alyssa holds a surface blasting certification and has built a career working in gold mining—blasting, operating heavy equipment, and working in open-pit services. She has also worked remotely in the untouched landscapes of the Canadian Shield and tundra. Though she travels often for fly-in, fly-out contracts, the prairies remain her heart and home, where she continues to ranch and work with her horses.
Alyssa holds an academic background in Environmental Sciences, with a major in Conservation and Restoration Ecology, along with studies in aviation. Her passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship drives her ambition to continue to support sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the protection of native prairie grasslands and plants.
Whether she’s donning coveralls on a worksite or heels to walk the runway, Alyssa embodies the message that women belong in every space. She leads by example, proving that femininity and grit are not mutually exclusive—and that no career should be out of reach for women simply because of outdated norms.
Through her participation in Miss Universe Canada, Alyssa hopes to use this platform to inspire others to follow their passion and continue to be a passionate advocate that women can excel in any environment, no matter how unconventional.
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At home, I love riding and working with my horses. I compete in barrel racing, but beyond rodeo, it’s a grounding experience that makes me feel completely connected to the animal. It’s the hobby that I’m most passionate about.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I have extensive training in acting, modelling, photo movement, as well as public speaking.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I’ve participated in rodeo my entire life, specifically barrel racing. In high school, I played years of competitive basketball and was especially passionate about track and field, particularly discus and shot put. I also took part in soccer and volleyball throughout my high school career.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
A person who had the most influence on my life was a woman whom I lived and worked with at my very first remote job in the tundra. While working long and rigid hours in the forest, our on site project manager named Anita, who had been working in trades for over thirty years, had inspired me to never give up in any male dominated field of work and had taught me how to overcome the challenges I would soon face. She had carved the path for women such as myself in an industry that could often be stereotypical towards women, especially in the remote conditions that we were working. With the encouragement from her, I am now motivated to do the same.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
My proudest accomplishment is learning how to fly airplanes, specifically small Cessna planes. I have always had a fascination with aviation so learning how to fly is something I’m really proud of.
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 most interesting things about me is the contrast between my everyday work and my background in modelling and acting. While I’ve spent years in front of the camera, my day-to-day work is usually in rugged, hands-on environments. That balance has shaped who I am and reminds me that there’s strength in embracing all sides of yourself.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to help welcome and train more women in the mining industry. I’ve already had the opportunity to train new workers, but I’m always striving to grow into the best version of a mentor and leader that I can be. I aim to keep learning and expanding my skills in both the mining and agriculture industries—two fields that can be tough but rewarding. I believe there’s power in knowledge, so I’m committed to learning new equipment, techniques, and methods, and I hope to pass that knowledge on to others entering these careers.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job would be inspiring others to pursue their dreams and helping them achieve their goals. Some might call it a life coach, but for me, it’s more about the fulfillment that comes from seeing someone overcome challenges and succeed. Helping others believe in themselves and reach their full potential is something I’d feel incredibly proud to do every day.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised on a ranch near a tight-knit community that was deeply rooted in agriculture. My childhood followed the changing seasons, each bringing different tasks and experiences. March was calving season, May and June were for seeding crops, July and August were spent cutting hay to feed the animals through winter, and fall was dedicated to harvest. Outside of work, I have so many memories of riding horses from a young age, feeding bottle calves, and spending time with the animals on the ranch.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
The most interesting job I’ve ever had was completely remote in the Canadian tundra. I was part of a geomatics crew surveying a mineral claim in the northern part of the Northwest Territories. Each morning, I was flown by helicopter into the forest and would hike over 20 kilometers across the untouched Canadian Shield. Throughout the day, I’d often encounter wildlife like moose and bears.
List any volunteering you have done.
I have done volunteer work at fundraisers such as Swinging with the Stars, which helped raise money for Saskatoon’s city Hospital Foundation.
I have also volunteered for a gala in Saskatoon known as “Cocktails & Critters,” presented by Petplan, this helped raise money towards our local SPCA. “
What is your most unusual talent?
I can rope, tag, and vaccinate a calf in under a minute!
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
The most interesting place I’ve been to is New York City. The constant hustle and vibrant energy of the city makes it feel like anything is possible.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years, I hope to still be working in the trades and actively training others in my field. I aim to advance my certifications and continue growing my expertise.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
I hold a technical diploma in Environmental Sciences with a major in Conservation and Restoration Ecology. After high school, I chose to study environmental sciences instead of agriculture because I wanted to expand my knowledge and find ways to connect both fields. My goal is to apply sustainable practices and promote the protection of native grasses in everything I do—whether it’s ranching, farming, or working on industrial projects.