Miss Canada 2023

Hello,

My name is Ashley Maria, I was born in Italy to a Canadian mother and French father.  I was raised in Canada and I am bilingual in both English and Italian.  I commenced pageantry in 2021 and placed second runner-up for Miss Canada 2022.  Pageantry has given me a platform to speak about my passions and to showcase that true beauty lives within your heart, mind and soul.

At the age of 17, I earned the Ontario Scholar Award and attended post-secondary a year earlier.  I am now a graduate of Civil Engineering Technology and work as a Construction Development Inspector.  As both my program and occupation are male dominated, I am proud to be a female representative in the industry.  I have worked with many Women Empowerment programs, including the Women in STEM Committee.  I strive to inspire others to push societal boundaries and aim to achieve their professional and personal goals.  I believe that confidence and determination is vital to any accomplishment.

I have been a finalist for the Hamilton Spectator Youth Volunteer of the Year award.  I volunteered with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets for six years, graduating as a Flight Sergeant.  During my service I was a member of the Squadron Drill Team, Flag Party and Band.  I held positions of Flight Commander and Drum Major, allowing me to mentor junior cadets.  Furthermore, I was a special speaker for the Kids Now program.  I currently support low-income families through donations of goods and the Opération Enfant Soleil organization.

It costs nothing to be kind, before anything we are all human.