Finalist Miss Canada 2022

Hello,

Hi my name is Karyssa. I am a second generation Salvadoran-Canadian and third generation Italian-Canadian. Celebrating my two cultures along with my Canadian identity is very important and special to me.

I am currently a student at Ryerson University majoring in Languages and intercultural relations with a minor in global politics and development. Learning languages became an interest of mine when I was a teenager. I was diagnosed with Colitis in 2011- when I was 13. Whenever I was recovering from a surgery, I would sit down with my notebook and learn different languages. Because of this, I can speak Spanish, Italian, French, and even took Korean classes!

Speaking of Colitis- my fight with colitis was long and hard, but I was always ambitious that I would be able to lead a life like my peers. I was so fortunate to have an amazing team behind me- Alberta Children’s Hospital, McMaster Hospital, Ronald McDonald Charity House, Crohns and Colitis foundation, and of course my Mamma. In this pageant, I would be honoured to have Crohns and Colitis Foundation as my chosen charity.

I am currently the Director of Events for Montreal based non-profit, Lives for Literacy. This organization aims to raise awareness and increase literacy and education worldwide. Access to education is something that I am very passionate about- No matter what your background is or where you are from, you deserve education. As I finish my undergrad, I wish to become a foreign language teacher, creating a positive impact on my students.

As Miss Canada, I would love to raise awareness for both Crohns and Colitis and World Literacy and Education.