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

I am a big advocate of performing and visual arts. So I spend most of my time being creative. I enjoy dancing, singing, and writing. I also believe in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so I often go nature biking, running, and swimming. Most importantly, I stay active within my church community because my faith is my strength. I believe in the power of building community, supporting others, and being an ambassador for change.

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

I attended Victoria School of the Arts. I am a trained dancer and actress. My dance styles include: Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Tap, and Modern. As an actress, I have starred in theatre productions, films, and international TV commercials!

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

As a teen, I played Volleyball and basketball and enjoyed skiing. In recent years, I have become an avid runner, and in hopes of maintaining an active lifestyle, I made a goal to enter and complete a half marathon in 2026!

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

My aunt Akuch Kuol Anyieth is my biggest role model. Despite growing up in a refugee camp, Akuch always excelled in school. She was the first in my family to attend University, and she always encouraged us to do well in school and prioritize our education. Akuch was a constant source of wisdom, love, and support throughout my university journey.

Today, Dr. Akuch Kuol Anyieth is a respected crime, justice, and legal scholar at Stellenbosch University. Dr. Akuch Kuol Anyieth is also a two-time published author, ambassador for change, and recipient of the 2022 Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in the Justice category!

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

My proudest accomplishment is graduating from University. I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing from MacEwan University!

My family came to Canada as refugees from the Sudanese war; my parents did not get the opportunity to seek higher education. So they ensured my siblings and I knew we were fortunate to be growing up in Canada, where we could pursue our education and chase our dreams.

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

After graduating from University, I lived in Edmonton, AB, and worked as a marketing coordinator. I decided I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in my life, and I wanted to try to pursue a professional acting career. Within two weeks of that decision, I had completely moved to Vancouver, BC. Within one month of that move, I signed with a talent agency and booked my first international TV commercial!

The commercial filmed for three days, and I couldn’t stop smiling by the end of the third day. The commercial reignited my passion for the arts, and four years later, I am so grateful I decided to follow my heart and chase my dreams!

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

I am a very ambitious woman, constantly setting new goals for myself and striving to achieve them! I want to continue to grow as an actress by taking classes and workshops. I would love the opportunity to go back to theatre; it’s a different sensation when performing in front of a live audience vs a TV screen. As a marketing professional, I want to expand my branding to include charity and community work. I also want to partner with organizations that share my values: women empowerment, education, inclusivity, diversity, mental health, and environmental preservation. I can achieve this through networking throughout Canada and engaging with leaders within my community.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job would be Miss Universe Canada! The title would be the opportunity of a lifetime to represent the best country on earth and be a national ambassador for positive change! When I was Miss Teen Alberta Globe 2014, I enjoyed representing young Canadian beauty and being a role model for teens! As Miss Universe Canada, I would showcase the diversity and beauty of Canadian women and be a role model for all.

I have the qualities the Miss Universe organization seeks: Beauty, intelligence, kindness, and poise. As well as the tenacity to bring the Miss Universe crown back to Canada!

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

I had an unhappy childhood in Edmonton, Alberta. I grew up with my parents and four siblings in a humble home. Unfortunately, there was trauma and abuse in our house, which is common for refugees. As they often have unhealed generational trauma. My parents separated when I was 13 years old. It wasn’t easy to navigate, but our community helped us. Our neighbourhood mainly consisted of families, many refugees, and newcomers to Canada. All the kids played together, and since nobody ever moved away, it became a close-knit community. Growing up in this neighborhood taught me the importance of community and the value of friendship. Because of the experiences in my formative years and the challenges I have overcome, I’ve learned to navigate life with a compassionate heart and a strong sense of self!

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

My first job at 14 was as a cook and cashier at Mucho Burrito! This job was an excellent experience for me, I learned some essential skills such as: Time management, budgeting, customer service, communication, and the value of hard work. Additionally, with the little I made from this job, I took some financial burden away from my mom. I paid for my school clothes, supplies, phone bill, and bus pass. Additionally, I would often help out my siblings with whatever they needed.

I advocate for a higher minimum wage, even if an industry is supposedly filled with teenagers. You never know their home life; they may be helping to support a family, and they deserve to be fairly compensated!

List any volunteering you have done.

Throughout my life, my faith has been my strength! At 14 years old, I began volunteering at McDougall United Church as a junior Sunday school teacher! The word of God helped me with everything I was going through, and I wanted to help other kids.

As someone passionate about environmental preservation, I volunteered for my school recycling club!

In University, I volunteered with Black Canadian Women In Action (BCW) to support black entrepreneurs and professionals in Canada. BCW offers tools and resources to help them navigate the business world! In the last few years, they’ve expanded their organization. I will volunteer with them for their “Black Girl Empowerment” program this summer!

Because of my younger sister, I strive to be an ally for individuals on the spectrum. I recently completed my training to volunteer with the Canucks Autism Network!

Other organizations I have volunteered with include: Association of Women in Finance, Bissell Centre-Edmonton, Concert for Stollery Children’s Hospital, South Sudanese Youth of Edmonton (SSYEG), and South Sudanese Youth of Canada (SSYC).

What is your most unusual talent?

I love to sing and listen to music. Because of this, I know so many songs word for word! I would be out with friends, and a random song would play, and I would automatically start singing the song with the correct lyrics! I know songs from the 70s to the modern day!

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

In 2019, I took my first solo trip to Honolulu, Hawaii! I stayed there for 5 days, and it was an incredible trip. I met many wonderful people, ate delicious new foods, and learned about the island’s history. Most importantly, I learned about “Aloha Spirit.”

The Aloha Spirit is a deeply cherished Hawaiian philosophy encompassing love, compassion, and harmony towards oneself, others, and the environment. This philosophy aligns with my values, and I will forever have a place in my heart for Hawaii.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In the future, I plan to continue pursuing my dreams and setting ambitious goals for myself. I would love to work with children and inspire them to be creative in the arts; creativity is one of the best ways to express oneself! I would love to be a champion for positive change and a role model within my community. Additionally, I will continue empowering women to chase their dreams, believe in themselves, take up space, and find their voice!

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

Winning Miss Universe Canada would be a long-awaited dream come true. If I won, I would be the third black woman in history to hold this coveted title! As a confident, beautiful woman who wants to improve the world, I am ready to represent Canada at Miss Universe 2025!