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2026 MISS INTERNATIONAL CANADA
Top 12 NATIONAL FINALISTS
AMANPREET MATHARU
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Occupation: Senior Customer Representative, Content Creator, Model
Amanpreet Matharu is a content creator and model from Brampton, Ontario. With a background in Business Management and Business Administration, she currently works in the banking sector as a Senior Customer Experience Representative, where she is committed to serving others and building meaningful connections. Beyond her professional career, Amanpreet is the founder of Confidence Through Creativity, an initiative dedicated to helping teenagers and young women build self-confidence through art, self-expression, and personal growth. Inspired by her own journey, she believes creativity has the power to empower individuals, foster resilience, and unlock their full potential. Through her content, volunteer work, and community involvement, she strives to create spaces where others feel seen, valued, and inspired. Amanpreet believes that confidence begins with authenticity and that every woman deserves the opportunity to express herself without fear.
Occupation: Senior Customer Representative, Content Creator, Model
Amanpreet Matharu is a content creator and model from Brampton, Ontario. With a background in Business Management and Business Administration, she currently works in the banking sector as a Senior Customer Experience Representative, where she is committed to serving others and building meaningful connections. Beyond her professional career, Amanpreet is the founder of Confidence Through Creativity, an initiative dedicated to helping teenagers and young women build self-confidence through art, self-expression, and personal growth. Inspired by her own journey, she believes creativity has the power to empower individuals, foster resilience, and unlock their full potential. Through her content, volunteer work, and community involvement, she strives to create spaces where others feel seen, valued, and inspired. Amanpreet believes that confidence begins with authenticity and that every woman deserves the opportunity to express herself without fear.
CHRISTINE JEAN-JULIEN
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Occupation: Flight Attendant Representative, Content Creator, Model
Driven, compassionate, and unapologetically ambitious, Christine is a proud Canadian woman passionate about culture, connection, and empowering others. With a love for travel, communication, and personal growth, she hopes to use the Miss International Canada platform to inspire young women to embrace their individuality and pursue opportunities fearlessly. Christine values resilience, kindness, and authenticity, believing true confidence comes from lifting others while staying true to yourself. Whether volunteering in her community, exploring new cultures, or building toward her career goals, she strives to represent modern Canadian women with grace and determination. Through Miss International Canada, Christine hopes to be a voice for self-confidence, representation, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone to create a meaningful and impactful life.
Occupation: Flight Attendant Representative, Content Creator, Model
Driven, compassionate, and unapologetically ambitious, Christine is a proud Canadian woman passionate about culture, connection, and empowering others. With a love for travel, communication, and personal growth, she hopes to use the Miss International Canada platform to inspire young women to embrace their individuality and pursue opportunities fearlessly. Christine values resilience, kindness, and authenticity, believing true confidence comes from lifting others while staying true to yourself. Whether volunteering in her community, exploring new cultures, or building toward her career goals, she strives to represent modern Canadian women with grace and determination. Through Miss International Canada, Christine hopes to be a voice for self-confidence, representation, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone to create a meaningful and impactful life.
DEBORAH NWABUDIKE
Hometown: North York, Ontario
Occupation: Program Co-ordinator
Deborah Nwabudike is a Canadian immigrant of Nigerian heritage who believes that the strongest communities are built when people are empowered to shape their own future together. Inspired by her Igbo roots, where self-determination and community go hand in hand, she is passionate about food security and sustainable agriculture as pathways to resilience and opportunity. With a background in economics, Deborah is driven by the belief that meaningful change happens when compassion is paired with action. Whether volunteering in community initiatives or advocating for stronger food systems, she hopes to inspire others to build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Occupation: Program Co-ordinator
Deborah Nwabudike is a Canadian immigrant of Nigerian heritage who believes that the strongest communities are built when people are empowered to shape their own future together. Inspired by her Igbo roots, where self-determination and community go hand in hand, she is passionate about food security and sustainable agriculture as pathways to resilience and opportunity. With a background in economics, Deborah is driven by the belief that meaningful change happens when compassion is paired with action. Whether volunteering in community initiatives or advocating for stronger food systems, she hopes to inspire others to build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
KAMUAHAO HEI
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Occupation: Student and founder of Mindful Migration
Kamuahao Hei is a 22 year old third year university student from Edmonton Alberta. She is the founder of Mindful Migration, an advocacy dedicated to supporting immigrants' mental health. After witnessing the mental health struggles within her community, Kamuahao decided to create a safe space where immigrants can feel seen, heard, and supported through shared experiences and open conversation. Kamuahao enjoys reading, spending time outdoors and with her loved ones. Hei also aspires to become a professor. Throughout her university journey, she witnessed the lack of Black representation within academia and hopes to help change that by becoming a role model and source of inspiration for future Black students pursuing higher education. Kamuahao believes in the power of representation and is committed to creating spaces where young people feel empowered to belong and succeed.
Occupation: Student and founder of Mindful Migration
Kamuahao Hei is a 22 year old third year university student from Edmonton Alberta. She is the founder of Mindful Migration, an advocacy dedicated to supporting immigrants' mental health. After witnessing the mental health struggles within her community, Kamuahao decided to create a safe space where immigrants can feel seen, heard, and supported through shared experiences and open conversation. Kamuahao enjoys reading, spending time outdoors and with her loved ones. Hei also aspires to become a professor. Throughout her university journey, she witnessed the lack of Black representation within academia and hopes to help change that by becoming a role model and source of inspiration for future Black students pursuing higher education. Kamuahao believes in the power of representation and is committed to creating spaces where young people feel empowered to belong and succeed.
LINGXIAO YUAN
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Occupation: Financial Services
LingXiao Yuan is a finance professional and dancer shaped by three countries and two graduate degrees. She works at the intersection of financial markets and technology. Fluent in English and Mandarin, conversational in Japanese, she moves between cultures with ease. Behind the professional precision is a dancer of over a decade, an avid skier, and a student of Tudor history. She understands that depth and polish aren't in tension — they reinforce each other. That conviction is what she brings to Miss International Canada.
Occupation: Financial Services
LingXiao Yuan is a finance professional and dancer shaped by three countries and two graduate degrees. She works at the intersection of financial markets and technology. Fluent in English and Mandarin, conversational in Japanese, she moves between cultures with ease. Behind the professional precision is a dancer of over a decade, an avid skier, and a student of Tudor history. She understands that depth and polish aren't in tension — they reinforce each other. That conviction is what she brings to Miss International Canada.
MANVI ATTRI
Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario
Occupation: Personal Support worker
Manvi Attri is someone who believes that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Originally from Punjab, India, and now building her future in Canada, she is proud of her roots and the values they have instilled in her—kindness, respect, hard work, and resilience. She is passionate about stepping outside her comfort zone, meeting new people, and inspiring others to believe in themselves. Manvi values authenticity and believes that confidence comes from embracing who you are, not from striving for perfection. She hopes to use every experience as a chance to learn, make meaningful connections, and create a positive impact in her community. Through Miss International Canada, she wants to celebrate diversity, represent her heritage with pride, and encourage others to chase their dreams with courage and determination.
Occupation: Personal Support worker
Manvi Attri is someone who believes that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Originally from Punjab, India, and now building her future in Canada, she is proud of her roots and the values they have instilled in her—kindness, respect, hard work, and resilience. She is passionate about stepping outside her comfort zone, meeting new people, and inspiring others to believe in themselves. Manvi values authenticity and believes that confidence comes from embracing who you are, not from striving for perfection. She hopes to use every experience as a chance to learn, make meaningful connections, and create a positive impact in her community. Through Miss International Canada, she wants to celebrate diversity, represent her heritage with pride, and encourage others to chase their dreams with courage and determination.
MARINA SALEEB
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Occupation: Financial Services
Marina graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University. She spent several years in banking and now works in advertising. She is also the founder of Finspire Foundation, through which she delivers financial literacy workshops to youth, immigrants, and single-family households across Canada, in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #4, Quality Education.
Beyond her advocacy work, Marina is a self-described foodie with a genuine love for fashion, film, and travel; she has explored 17 countries and counting. A lifelong bookworm with a constant curiosity for trying new things, she has always been active within her community growing up. She is also an avid runner, having completed her first half marathon last year, and recently picked up golf.
Occupation: Financial Services
Marina graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University. She spent several years in banking and now works in advertising. She is also the founder of Finspire Foundation, through which she delivers financial literacy workshops to youth, immigrants, and single-family households across Canada, in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #4, Quality Education.
Beyond her advocacy work, Marina is a self-described foodie with a genuine love for fashion, film, and travel; she has explored 17 countries and counting. A lifelong bookworm with a constant curiosity for trying new things, she has always been active within her community growing up. She is also an avid runner, having completed her first half marathon last year, and recently picked up golf.
RUKKY ERIFETA
Hometown: Regina, Saskatchewan
Occupation: B.Sc & B.A student and Community organizer
Oghenerukevwe, generally referred to as “Rukky” is an education enthusiast reflected in her double diploma and Bachelor certifications in both the sciences and the arts, a passionate community organizer and advocate, who believes in service to the human race above all else in honour of God; and using your voice to speak of for what is right and against what is wrong whenever you get the chance. She loves to sing, write poetry, and of course dress up. Beauty and glam are another of her numerous artistic expressions. She may be a girl of multiple talents and passions but it is all because she truly believes you can be whatever you want if you put all of your heart and mind to it.
Occupation: B.Sc & B.A student and Community organizer
Oghenerukevwe, generally referred to as “Rukky” is an education enthusiast reflected in her double diploma and Bachelor certifications in both the sciences and the arts, a passionate community organizer and advocate, who believes in service to the human race above all else in honour of God; and using your voice to speak of for what is right and against what is wrong whenever you get the chance. She loves to sing, write poetry, and of course dress up. Beauty and glam are another of her numerous artistic expressions. She may be a girl of multiple talents and passions but it is all because she truly believes you can be whatever you want if you put all of your heart and mind to it.
SOPHIA KOSTER
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Occupation: University Student - Psychology and International Relations
Sophia Koster is a triple German-Dutch-Canadian citizen whose passion for inclusion was inspired by growing up alongside her older brother with autism. His experiences showed her both the barriers individuals with disabilities face and the power of acceptance, accessibility, and belonging.
Motivated by the belief that inclusion should be intentional, Sophia founded Choreographing Inclusion, an adaptive dance program that has grown into a multifaceted educational initiative. Through keynote speaking, educational resources, and community programming, she advocates for disability inclusion while continuing to volunteer with organizations supporting individuals with disabilities.
Sophia is a psychology student pursuing a career as a pediatric occupational therapist. She hopes to advance disability inclusion through advocacy, education, and compassionate leadership, believing that recognizing every person's unique strengths creates stronger, more connected communities where everyone belongs.
Occupation: University Student - Psychology and International Relations
Sophia Koster is a triple German-Dutch-Canadian citizen whose passion for inclusion was inspired by growing up alongside her older brother with autism. His experiences showed her both the barriers individuals with disabilities face and the power of acceptance, accessibility, and belonging.
Motivated by the belief that inclusion should be intentional, Sophia founded Choreographing Inclusion, an adaptive dance program that has grown into a multifaceted educational initiative. Through keynote speaking, educational resources, and community programming, she advocates for disability inclusion while continuing to volunteer with organizations supporting individuals with disabilities.
Sophia is a psychology student pursuing a career as a pediatric occupational therapist. She hopes to advance disability inclusion through advocacy, education, and compassionate leadership, believing that recognizing every person's unique strengths creates stronger, more connected communities where everyone belongs.
SUZIE SAWICKI
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
Occupation: In-Game Host, Tourism Visitor Information Specialist
Suzie Sawicki is dedicated to strengthening community through cultural engagement and inclusivity. As the In-Game Host for the Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club, she brings excitement and energy to game nights, engaging thousands of fans through interactive games and contests. An Ontario Volunteer Service Award recipient, Suzie is also a certified CANSail 1 sailor with the goal of sailing each Great Lakes and every ocean. She holds a degree in International Relations and Development Studies from the University of Windsor and a Master’s of International Public Policy from Wilfrid Laurier University. Her Beauties for SDG project, Connected Through Cultures, advances Sustainable Development Goal #16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. As a Polish Canadian from Windsor, one of Canada’s most diverse cities, Suzie highlights cultural identity through interviews with representatives from local cultural centres. With over 75,000 views, the project reflects her belief that understanding others builds more inclusive and united communities.
Occupation: In-Game Host, Tourism Visitor Information Specialist
Suzie Sawicki is dedicated to strengthening community through cultural engagement and inclusivity. As the In-Game Host for the Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club, she brings excitement and energy to game nights, engaging thousands of fans through interactive games and contests. An Ontario Volunteer Service Award recipient, Suzie is also a certified CANSail 1 sailor with the goal of sailing each Great Lakes and every ocean. She holds a degree in International Relations and Development Studies from the University of Windsor and a Master’s of International Public Policy from Wilfrid Laurier University. Her Beauties for SDG project, Connected Through Cultures, advances Sustainable Development Goal #16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. As a Polish Canadian from Windsor, one of Canada’s most diverse cities, Suzie highlights cultural identity through interviews with representatives from local cultural centres. With over 75,000 views, the project reflects her belief that understanding others builds more inclusive and united communities.
YIDAN WANG
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Occupation: Architect
Yidan is an architect and artist who believes creative practice has the power to heal, connect, and bring meaning to everyday life. Raised by her single mother, she came to Canada at a young age to build a safer future, growing up between cultures in a way that shaped her resilience, compassion, and deep appreciation for grace and community.
She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Waterloo. Her work in Human-Centred design reflects her belief that spaces can foster well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability. Through her professional work and creative practice, and as founder of Studio Yidan and The Graceful Mind, she extends this philosophy into art, music, and storytelling, creating connection through inner beauty. Guided by kindness and responsibility, she began sponsoring a child through World Vision Canada at a young age and continues to support global initiatives, including elephant conservation efforts.
Occupation: Architect
Yidan is an architect and artist who believes creative practice has the power to heal, connect, and bring meaning to everyday life. Raised by her single mother, she came to Canada at a young age to build a safer future, growing up between cultures in a way that shaped her resilience, compassion, and deep appreciation for grace and community.
She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Waterloo. Her work in Human-Centred design reflects her belief that spaces can foster well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability. Through her professional work and creative practice, and as founder of Studio Yidan and The Graceful Mind, she extends this philosophy into art, music, and storytelling, creating connection through inner beauty. Guided by kindness and responsibility, she began sponsoring a child through World Vision Canada at a young age and continues to support global initiatives, including elephant conservation efforts.
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