Kara Westlake
Hometown: Tecumseh, ON
Occupation: Student
At 20 years old, Kara Westlake is someone who approaches life with curiosity and a steady commitment to personal growth. Her grit and determination allows her to study at the University Of Windsor in Forensic Science and Criminology. Long before stepping into university, Kara’s character was shaped somewhere far different… on the ice.
Hockey became a part of her life at the age of five, when the rink was simply a place to play. Over the years it became something so much more. Spending much of her youth competing in a male dominated sport being the only girl in her league, required her to develop a strong sense of self and the ability to navigate spaces where women are often underestimated, this later lead her to find a passion in pageantry. The love for her sport opened doors she never could have imagined, leading her to participate in the Team Ontario training camp and earn the role of captain for her high school team. That same path gave her the opportunity to move to Boston, where she competed at the NCAA Division I level with Stonehill College.
Experiences like these did not happen by chance, without sports Kara would not be the same person she is today. Having once been the child who was shy and unsure of what she wanted, she understands how meaningful access to sports can be. For Kara, the chance to play shaped far more than just athletic ability; it influenced the way she approaches challenges, opportunity, and her own potential. Her athleticism wasn’t the only thing that leads her to becoming a firefighter, but it’s found in her heart and courage; knowing from a young age she’s wanted to help others.
Today, she continues to support more young individuals by coaching and mentoring. Her own journey reflects what can happen when a young athlete is simply given the opportunity to begin. Kara remains closely connected to athletics as a member of the University of Windsor cheerleading team, carrying forward the mindset that first began on the rink: approach each opportunity with intention, remain open to growth, and never forget the people and programs that helped make the journey possible.
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What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
- Staying active
- Shopping
- Sight seeing
- Learning new languages
- Riding my motorcycle
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
- College dance and cheer
- Painted a memorial for mental health in high school
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
- Hockey up to Division 1 level, varsity cheer, travel softball fast pitch.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Andrew Corchis – goalie coach
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Trying a new sport and placing second in Canada game day competition.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
Adapting to new things using my physical strength.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
Firefighter. Staying active, connecting with my community, and studying forensic science to do investigative fire.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
Fire Marshall
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
Tecumseh Ontario. Grew up in poverty, didn’t have as much as other kids, leaned on hockey and learning new skills to succeed in sports. Focused on a school to ensure strong education but still had fun riding bikes and swimming with friends.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
Support worker for youth and adolescents in mental health crisis.
List any volunteering you have done.
- Youth soccer coach assistant
- Youth female goalie coach
- Charity volunteer (shake the lake)
- Cheerleader for OUA nationals
What is your most unusual talent?
Public speaking and being ambidextrous
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Boston, Massachusetts
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
Working in fire, still working as a youth mental health staff, and starting a family.