Finalist Miss Canada 2025

Hello,

My name is Karyssa and I am in my last year at Toronto Metropolitan University studying Intercultural relations and global politics. My goal is to obtain a job in the Canadian government and work alongside fellow professionals to maintain Canada’s sustainable development goals. 

As a first generation Salvadoran, I understand the necessity to have a diversity of leaders to mirror the cultural mosaic that is Canada. And as a woman, I know we need to have the presence of female voices in our Canadian leadership. This is why I have such a strong passion for my advocacy- which is women in politics. As Miss Canada, this would be my chance to be a representation of a strong Latina woman as a leader and a voice for the silenced. 

At the age of 14, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. My mom had told me to think about how I can turn this into a positive- especially for others in the same journey as me. After multiple surgeries, I decided to take my power back. I took this as motivation to become a role model and make the most out of my adversity. I started getting involved with the Crohns and Colitis foundation of Canada, proud to be a part of such a resilient community. For the past three years, I have also been involved with Girl Guides Canada where I co-host weekly meetings. This role has been such a privilege as I get to be a positive role model and empower the next generation of Canadian girls. 

My biggest setback is what lead me to my biggest accomplishments. Joining pageants was my way of empowering myself and other women.Being Miss Canada 2nd runner up for the past year has been such a honour, and as a Miss Canada I would continue to work hard to maintain the legacy of the title while also being able to expand my platform and advocacy.