Not every day does one get a chance to sit down in a conversation with a Miss Canada finalist. So, when such an opportunity presented itself, I knew I had to make the most of it. What ensued was a refreshing and inspiring conversation with Nyamal Lol, Miss Canada Finalist from our very own city.

Nyamal Lol’s path to becoming a finalist in the Miss Canada Pageant is an inspiring testament to self-discovery, perseverance, and advocacy. From Ethiopia to Kamloops, Lol’s journey is one of empowerment that helped her grow as an individual and positioned her to be a voice for underrepresented communities.

Lol’s decision to compete in the Miss Canada Pageant came unexpectedly, but it would soon become one of the most defining moments of her life. In the fall of 2024, a friend sent her a link to the pageant, and on a whim, she applied.

“I didn’t think much of it — I just applied for fun,” Lol recalled. However, a week later, she was shocked to learn that she had been selected as a finalist. That moment sparked something within her: confidence. It pushed her to apply for Miss Universe Canada 2025, and to her surprise, she was chosen as a delegate for the upcoming year.

This serendipitous beginning quickly blossomed into a journey of purpose. “That initial shock gave me the confidence to take even bigger steps, like applying for Miss Universe Canada,” she said. “I never thought I would be in this position, and it’s been so empowering.”

While Lol was born in Ethiopia and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, her life took a crucial turn in 2021 when she moved to Kamloops to pursue a Business Administration degree. It was here that her personal growth truly began.

Raised by immigrant parents from South Sudan, Lol’s early years were shaped by the importance of community and representation. “Growing up, I saw how vital community support was. It taught me that advocacy and representation matter,” she shared.

In Kamloops, Lol connected with the Valid Dreams Foundation, an organization that supported her journey and dreams. “Valid Dreams Foundation believed in me when I wasn’t sure I could believe in myself,” she said. “Organizations like that are so important for young people. They help foster growth and confidence.”

As a South Sudanese Canadian woman, Lol faced the unique challenge of balancing her cultural heritage with Canadian society. The internal struggle to reconcile both aspects of her identity often led to moments of self-doubt. “It wasn’t always easy. I struggled with figuring out how to exist in two worlds,” she reflected. However, through time and perseverance, Lol learned to embrace her identity fully, using art and advocacy as tools to express herself.

Being selected as a finalist in the Miss Canada Pageant was a pivotal moment, not only for Lol but also for her community. “For me, being a finalist means showing young girls, especially those from immigrant communities, that they belong. It’s a moment of pride for my community, and it shows them that they can achieve their dreams,” she said.

Lol’s values of resilience, compassion, and empowerment align closely with the Miss Canada platform, which celebrates feminine leadership and community impact. “I believe in empowering others, especially young women,” she explained. “I value resilience because I’ve had to bounce back from difficult moments, compassion because it’s crucial to understanding others, and empowerment because that’s the key to change.”

Her time in the pageant has helped her hone these values, and she’s especially grateful for the relationships she’s built with fellow finalists and former pageant queens. “The most memorable part of this journey has been connecting with the other finalists and hearing their stories.

“We all come from different walks of life, and it’s been so inspiring to be part of such an empowering group of women,” she said.

Lol is deeply passionate about mental health awareness, particularly within immigrant communities, where the stigma surrounding mental health is often more pronounced. “Growing up, mental health wasn’t talked about in my community. I want to break that stigma and promote healing through creative expression,” she said.

As a pageant finalist, she’s using her platform to advocate for mental health support, particularly through the arts. “Creative expression can be so healing, and I want to show others how powerful that can be,” she said.

On a national stage, Lol plans to represent Kamloops by highlighting the city’s diversity and strong sense of community. “Kamloops is such a unique place, and I want to showcase the diverse people and culture here. I want to inspire others to embrace their roots and chase their dreams, just like I have,” she said.

Looking beyond the Miss Canada competition, Nyamal is focused on continuing her advocacy work and pursuing leadership roles in healthcare and media. “I want to build programs for mental health awareness and continue advocating for underrepresented communities,” she said.

If she were to win the title of Miss Canada, Lol’s priority would be to launch initiatives supporting mental health and holistic well-being through the arts. “Art has the power to heal, and I want to provide opportunities for others to express themselves creatively,” she explained.

When asked what advice she would give to young girls aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Lol’s message is clear: “Believe in yourself. Embrace your uniqueness. Don’t be afraid to take up space and be seen. You have something valuable to offer, and your voice deserves to be heard.”

Outside of her pageant life and advocacy work, Lol has a vibrant and fun-loving personality. She loves singing and dancing, using these activities to express emotions and stay connected to her authentic self. “It’s a way for me to release feelings and connect with others on a deeper level,” she said with a smile.

In her free time, Lol enjoys exploring Kamloops, attending cultural events, and spending time outdoors in the city’s beautiful surroundings. She is also inspired by role models like Lupita Nyong’o and Viola Davis — women who have used their platforms to empower others.

As she looks forward to the future, Lol remains excited about the growth and inspiration that the Miss Canada journey will bring. “I’m looking forward to growing through this experience and inspiring others along the way,” she said.

Nyamal Lol’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment, and as she continues her journey in the Miss Canada Pageant, she is sure to make a lasting impact both on the national stage and in her community of Kamloops.

You can help Lol bring the crown to Kamloops by visiting the Miss Canada website at www.misscanada.org.