Two young women from Canada’s Latin community are taking their heritage to the international stage this October.

Siena Ramos and Carolina Alonso, both crowned through Canada Latina & World Pageants, are representing Canada at two international competitions taking place in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

While the crowns may bring them to the spotlight, both women are also using the opportunity to celebrate their Latin American roots, represent Canada and bring attention to causes and aspirations beyond pageantry.

Siena Ramos Represents Canada at Universal Teen International

At just 18 years old, Siena Ramos holds the title of Universal Teen Canada 2026 and is representing Canada at Universal Teen International in Punta Cana.

The competition runs from October 6–11, with Siena competing against young women from around the world.

Born in Canada to a Venezuelan mother and Chilean father, Siena represents a generation of young Canadians who have grown up balancing multiple cultures while remaining connected to their Latin American roots.

Before entering pageantry, Siena spent years in competitive artistic gymnastics, an experience she credits with helping develop her discipline, resilience and determination.

She also has a creative side. Siena paints, plays piano and sketches fashion designs, and is currently exploring modelling while working toward a future career in fashion design.

But perhaps one of the most interesting parts of Siena’s story is that pageantry runs in the family.

Her mother, Ana Romero, was first finalist in the Miss Latin America pageant, while her grandmother, Anasaria “Ana Griselda” Vegas, was crowned Miss Venezuela 1961 and went on to represent Venezuela at Miss Universe.

Vegas would eventually settle in Canada, making Siena’s journey another chapter in a family story connecting Latin America, Canada and the pageant world across generations.

Using Her Crown for a Cause

Siena also plans to use her year as Universal Teen Canada for community work.

A major focus will be raising awareness around domestic violence and supporting women and children escaping abusive situations. She has already visited The Denise House and Herizon House, organizations that provide shelter and support to women and families rebuilding their lives after abuse.

Outside of pageantry, Siena recently graduated from the competitive Durham Youth in Policing program, another experience focused on community involvement, leadership and personal development.

For Siena, the crown isn’t simply about competing internationally. She hopes her experience can encourage other young women to pursue opportunities they may have once thought were out of reach.

Carolina Alonso Takes the Miss América Latina del Mundo Stage

Joining Siena in the Dominican Republic is Toronto’s Carolina Alonso, who holds the title of Miss Canada Latina International 2026.

Proudly representing her Nicaraguan heritage, Carolina grew up surrounded by Toronto’s diverse Latin community and is now carrying both her Canadian and Latin identities onto an international stage.

Carolina is competing at Miss América Latina del Mundo 2026, being held from October 4–11 at the Occidental Caribe resort in Punta Cana, with the final coronation taking place October 11.

The international competition has a long history.

Founded in 1981, Miss América Latina del Mundo describes itself as the first and oldest international pageant created exclusively for Latinas. Its mission extends beyond traditional pageantry, highlighting Latin culture as well as the intellectual and professional achievements of Latina women around the world.

That makes Carolina’s participation particularly interesting from a Canadian perspective.

Canada’s Latin community has grown into an important part of the country’s multicultural identity, and Carolina will have an opportunity to represent Latinas whose stories don’t necessarily begin and end in Latin America.

They can begin in Nicaragua and continue in Toronto.

Representing a New Generation of Canadian Latinas

Siena and Carolina have different backgrounds and are competing for different international crowns, but their journeys share something important.

Both represent a generation of young women who can proudly call Canada home without leaving their Latin American heritage behind.

For Siena, that means carrying Venezuelan and Chilean roots — and an extraordinary family pageant history — onto the international stage.

For Carolina, it means representing Canada while proudly showcasing her Nicaraguan heritage and the Latin community that helped shape her in Toronto.

Behind both journeys is Canada Latina & World Pageants, led by national directors Rosemarie and Ninela Sanchez. The organization was created to bring together Latin American women in Canada while encouraging cultural pride, education, professional development, community involvement and sisterhood.

Canada Latina & World Pageants also holds the Canadian representation rights for Miss América Latina del Mundo and Universal Teen International.

With Siena and Carolina now in the Dominican Republic, Canada’s Latin community has two reasons to keep an eye on Punta Cana this October.

Whatever happens when the crowns are handed out, both women are already showing something Toronto Latinos knows well:

You can be proudly Canadian and proudly Latino at the same time.