Lana Antonio
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Occupation: Licensed Practical Nurse
Lana Amor is a proud trans woman, international model, creative, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder and leader, and mental health advocate from Edmonton, Alberta. Driven by a passion for community impact, Lana has dedicated herself to creating spaces rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and human connection. Her journey in advocacy began at the age of 8, when she independently raised funds for the Stollery Children’s Hospital to purchase toys for children, and continued into her teen years through volunteering with the Edmonton Food Bank and local homeless shelters. At 18, she further raised $3,000 for the Edmonton Food Bank, strengthening her lifelong commitment to service and community care.
As the founder and director of People Helping People, a nonprofit organization focused on initiatives that advocate for and uplift mental health, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, vulnerable youth, and individuals with developmental disabilities, Lana leads projects rooted in compassion, empowerment, and inclusivity. Through community events, educational initiatives, and hands-on outreach, she uses advocacy as a tool for healing and meaningful social impact. Her initiatives include The Pride Soirée, a multidisciplinary fashion and advocacy experience centered on mental health, resilience, diversity, and representation, as well as the Winter Warmth Drive, a city-wide initiative that collects winter essentials and distributes them to individuals experiencing houselessness. She also leads Round Table, a community gathering initiative that brings together individuals to discuss important topics such as pride, mental health, inclusion, and social issues. Additionally, she created Project Joy, a recreational experience supporting vulnerable youth, individuals with developmental disabilities, and the broader community. Her work through PHP has been recognized by the City of Edmonton and the Mayor in acknowledgement of its positive community impact
Alongside her advocacy work, Lana is building a career in media, public speaking, and creative entrepreneurship. She is passionate about using her voice and platforms to advocate for equality for trans women and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, while also drawing from her own mental health journey to break stigma and encourage open, honest conversations around healing and resilience. Outside of her advocacy and creative work, Lana enjoys staying active and grounded through movement and wellness. She spends time at the gym practicing weightlifting, yoga, and pilates, and has a background in sports including volleyball, soccer, track and field, and snowboarding. She also enjoys hiking, being in nature, walking her dogs, and spending time with family and friends. Deeply inspired by creativity, music, fashion, and human connection, Lana believes healing often begins in the quiet moments; through reflection, movement, and community.
Whether she is leading initiatives through People Helping People or creating spaces for dialogue and awareness, Lana hopes to remind people that authenticity is powerful, resilience is beautiful, and everyone deserves to feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
sponsors
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I love anything that allows me to be creative and expressive. Videography, photography, and writing are huge passions of mine because I enjoy creating work that makes people feel seen and connected. I also love snowboarding, travelling, being active, going to the gym (lifting, yoga, and pilates), and anything adventurous. Some of my favorite moments are spent around family and friends, as well as doing community work through my organization and creating experiences that bring people together.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
Growing up, I was very involved in theatre and drama, so I’ve always loved performing and being on stage. I have experience in dancing, singing, acting, modeling, public speaking, and media production. Through pageantry, advocacy, and creative work, I’ve also developed skills in hosting, creative direction, leadership, and event coordination.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I’ve participated in volleyball, soccer, snowboarding, and track and field, specifically running. I also enjoy hiking, walking my two dogs Zuko and Hiro, and spending time at the gym doing lifting, yoga, and pilates. I’m also the type of person who will try almost any new sport or activity at least once because I love challenging myself and learning new things.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
One of the people who has had the biggest influence on my life is my former manager, Irish, whom I met while working my retail job at 15 years old. She has since become one of my best friends and continues to be a major source of support in my life. Irish is resilient, consistently shows up for the people she cares about, and always encourages me to be my best self. She has played a meaningful role in pushing me beyond my comfort zone and helping me grow in confidence and leadership.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
My proudest accomplishment has been founding and growing my nonprofit organization, People Helping People. What started as a passion project now takes on 4 initiatives throughout the year in uplifting and advocating for mental health, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, vulnerable populations, and people with developmental disabilities. It has now been recognized across the country, including recognition from the Mayor, the City of Edmonton, and various MLAs. Seeing the impact it has had on marginalized communities and watching it grow into something that truly brings people together has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
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 would say, my family background. I have five biological siblings in the Philippines, and I am the second youngest. They live in very different and often challenging circumstances, which has deeply shaped my perspective on life and opportunity. My journey has always been rooted in gratitude, knowing that the opportunities I’ve been given are not something I take for granted. Everything I do is also for them, and for the idea that success can be used as a way to uplift others. It constantly reminds me of my purpose, my resilience, and my responsibility to give back.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to build a career in fashion, media, hosting, and creative direction while continuing to grow my nonprofit and advocacy work. I want to create projects, campaigns, events, and media platforms that inspire people and amplify important conversations around inclusivity and mental health. I’m currently pursuing this through pageantry, content creation, event production, creative projects, public speaking, and community leadership opportunities.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job would be combining fashion, media, storytelling, hosting, and advocacy into one career; whether that’s hosting major events, producing creative campaigns, directing fashion productions, or building platforms that inspire and empower people around the world.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in the Philippines and lived there until I was seven years old before immigrating to Canada with my family. Growing up, I was always taught that hard work, resilience, and kindness could take you far in life. My childhood shaped me into someone who values community, perseverance, and gratitude. Adjusting to a new country at a young age also taught me adaptability and helped shape the empathy I carry into the work I do today.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I was a mascot for Bubba Gump as Bubba the shrimp. I spent shifts walking around West Edmonton Mall taking photos with families and kids. It taught me how much small interactions can impact someone’s day, and how to bring energy and joy even when you can’t speak or show your face.
List any volunteering you have done.
Volunteering has always been a huge part of my life. My parents instilled in me from a young age the importance of giving back whenever you have the capacity to help others. My earliest experience began at age 8, when I independently raised funds for the Stollery Children’s Hospital to purchase toys for children. Over the years, I’ve also volunteered at homeless shelters, homes for people with developmental disabilities, cancer fundraising events, and various community initiatives. For my 18th birthday, I fundraised over $3,000 for the Edmonton Food Bank and also volunteered there alongside friends and family. I’ve always loved volunteering in creative spaces as well, including creative directing, event leadership, and community organizing. I’m naturally drawn to opportunities where I can both help others and continue learning new skills.
What is your most unusual talent?
It would probably be how deeply I listen to music. I notice the beats, background instruments, production choices, all the little details. All of my best creative ideas actually start with a song or a specific sound that inspires me first, and I can conceptualize a whole idea, events, etc. just from listening to a song.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Tokyo, Japan has been one of the most interesting and memorable places I’ve ever visited. It had always been at the very top of my bucket list, so finally experiencing it felt surreal. I fell in love with the culture, food, traditions, fashion, and overall energy of the city. Traveling is something I value deeply because I love learning about different cultures, beliefs, and ways of life.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years, I hope to be continuing meaningful advocacy work while running successful creative and community-focused projects in fashion and media. I would love to be working internationally through hosting, creative direction, public speaking, and entertainment while continuing to create spaces where people feel represented, empowered, inspired, and impactful in the lives of others around them.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
I believe that representation and kindness truly matter. Throughout everything I do; whether it’s pageantry, nonprofit work, media, or creative projects; my goal is always to leave people feeling seen, valued, empowered, and inspired to unapologetically embrace who they are.