12/07/2025
With many thank yous to come, I wanted to begin with this one: thank you, & , for bringing my national costume to life so beautifully, Canada for the hi our or representing my beautiful home and Mexico for inspiring the message.
While its shape honors the maple leaf of Canada, the pattern of the monarch butterfly represents something far more personal. Monarchs are born in Canada and naturally migrate south to Mexico—mirroring my own path of leaving home to pursue my dream of modeling abroad. What once felt foreign slowly became my second home, not because of work, but because of the warmth, generosity, and kindness of the people who welcomed me.
After facing gun violence, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever model again. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever travel again or ever truly feel safe. But Mexico gave me more than opportunity—it gave me back my courage. It reestablished my faith in myself, reminded me that power lives within us, and taught me what it means to transform.
It also taught me the butterfly effect of kindness: that even the smallest act of care can lead to the most unexpected, beautiful transformations.
Representing Canada at Miss Universe means representing a nation known for kindness—but for me, it also means honoring the truth that home isn’t always a place; it’s a feeling. No matter where you are in the world, you deserve to feel safe, strong, and able to grow into the best version of yourself.
Thank you, Steph & Celena, for creating a costume filled with so much meaning and emotion.
And from the deepest part of my heart:
gracias, México, por acogerme siempre y enseñarme que el efecto mariposa de la bondad puede ser más de lo que jamás imaginé. Gracias por compartirme tu hogar y por recordarme que nuestro poder interior nunca se pierde y que siempre tenemos la capacidad de transformarnos. 🦋❤️🇨🇦🇲🇽
