Miss Universe Canada

Amanda Ales

Amanda Ales

Height: 5’11
Hometown: Kingston, ON
Languages: English, French
Occupation: Canadian Armed Forces Captain; Completing Master’s of Physics and Space Science (Royal Military College of Canada)

Amanda Ales is a physicist, soldier, and future astronaut who puts the “Universe” in Miss Universe Canada!

Amanda is the first ever active duty military member to compete in Miss Universe Canada. She is a Captain and Aerospace Engineering Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and is currently completing her Master’s of Physics and Space Science at the Royal Military College of Canada. To pursue her dreams of becoming an astronaut, Amanda has strategically built a space-centric career path since childhood. Her dedication has earned her top awards in academic and military training, as well as a recent prestigious scholarship to the International Space University.

Amanda has proudly served in the Canadian Armed Forces for eight years and is a specialist in the military space domain. She has worked to protect and defend Canada and its citizens by analyzing critical space events such as satellite launches and collisions. She is grateful for her experience collaborating with international militaries, and working together to achieve a common goal – or in her case, mission.

When she’s not working, Amanda can be found on the soccer field, volleyball court, or the gym. She has competed in both soccer and volleyball at the national level and enjoys coaching young girls in her community. Amanda is also an avid music lover who sings and plays piano and guitar. Amanda is proud to break stereotypes while inspiring others to reach for the stars – figuratively and literally!

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

I love singing and playing guitar and piano. My dad is a professional musician, and we bond by recording music together in his home studio. I also enjoy watching and analyzing movies of every genre. My all-time favourite is Interstellar, which I’ve seen about 30 times!

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

I’ve undergone intense military training focused on leadership and physical and mental resilience, with specialized expertise in military space operations and aerospace engineering. I’m also classically trained in piano.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I have been an avid multi-sport athlete my entire life. I’ve competed at the national level for soccer and volleyball, and I also enjoy playing basketball. Being tall definitely has its perks!

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

My grade 8 teacher and basketball coach, Ms. D. She pushed me to be a better student, athlete and global citizen. She instilled in me the importance of kindness, creativity and a strong work ethic. These values are at the core of my success today, and I continue to carry them with me in everything I do.

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

Without a doubt, my career thus far in the Canadian Armed Forces. It has pushed me to my physical and mental limits and taught me the true meaning of resilience. I’ve failed countless times, but each setback has propelled me forward – allowing me to grow and come back stronger. From earning an advanced promotion to Captain to representing Canada internationally at prestigious space programs, every milestone reflects the perseverance I’ve built throughout this journey.

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

I have the most eclectic music taste you could imagine… Taylor Swift, The Eagles and Led Zeppelin are among my top artists each year. I was also the lead singer in a rock band for a while where I performed in front of hundreds of people!

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

I want to advance the global space sector in ways that benefit our planet and all humankind. I will do this by continuing to work in space defence while using my voice through outreach initiatives to help the world understand the vital role space plays in our everyday lives. My goal of flying to space remains at the forefront, but I’ve also learned to enjoy the journey. By keeping an open mind and saying yes to every opportunity, I’ve accomplished things I never imagined possible. Onwards and upwards!

What would be your “dream job” in life?

To become an astronaut, and work in Mission Control at NASA Johnson Space Center.

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

I was born and raised in Mississauga, ON which is one of the most diverse cities in Canada and the world. As an only child, I became comfortable spending time alone which gave me the space to explore my passions from an early age. Thanks to my parents’ unwavering support, I had the confidence to fearlessly pursue my academic, athletic, and astronaut dreams.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

I’ve had many interesting jobs throughout my eight-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, but my favourite by far was serving as the Space Domain Awareness Officer. I was entrusted with defending and protecting Canada’s space assets by tracking, analyzing, and reporting on relevant space events. This role took me around the world to the United States, Australia, and Japan, where I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside their space forces.

List any volunteering you have done.

I coach a youth girls’ competitive soccer team in my local community. Helping players improve their skills and confidence both on and off the pitch has been incredibly fulfilling, and I love being a role model for the next generation.

What is your most unusual talent?

I have a knack for voice impressions and celebrity impersonations! If Jennifer Coolidge and Britney Spears ever lose their voice, they know who to call.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

Andøya Space Center in Andenes, Norway! This historic spaceport is embedded within the Arctic Circle and surrounded by breathtaking mountains. I completed a rocketry course there in which I helped build and launch a suborbital rocket.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

I aspire to become an astronaut and a prominent thought leader in the space domain. I hope to share my story around the world and unite people from all backgrounds to improve life on Earth through the exploration and responsible use of space. Just as others have empowered me, I want to help children achieve their dreams through STEM advocacy and meaningful activism.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

I am honoured to be the first ever active military member to compete in Miss Universe Canada. With my unique professional background and my passion for space, STEM and sports, I bring a fresh perspective to the Miss Universe stage – one that will inspire a new audience of dreamers this organization.