"I believe in using visibility for good — and I am ready to serve, inspire, and represent Canada with authenticity, intelligence, and heart."
About
"As a neuroscientist, mental health clinician, actor, and published author, I aspire to be a role model to young girls who may see some part of themselves reflected in me."
"I want to demonstrate that no woman is limited by age, circumstance, or societal expectation — and that reinvention and purpose are always attainable."
"Through this platform, I endeavour to advocate for unity, mental health awareness, and social and environmental change, and inspire others to realize their fullest potential."
At 35, I am living proof that the best chapters are not behind us — they are only beginning, and we can all create the change we wish to see in this world.
— Rachel Dragas
Practice
Bachelor and Master of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto. Clinical research at The Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Western Hospital, focused on central nervous system injury and stem cell therapeutics. Findings published in peer-reviewed journals and presented internationally.
Full-time mental health clinician and national platform lead for Canada's only 24/7 professional mental health support service. Supports crisis responders and collaborates with emergency services across the country during high-risk situations.
Professionally trained at The Second City in acting and improv comedy. On-camera and brand work with Dragon's Den, Google, Republic Records, and Miss Universe Canada — television, commercial, and film.
Published author with peer-reviewed scientific findings and long-form editorial features in IMS Magazine, Elemental Magazine, and Project Chimps. Interviews with leading voices in Canadian mental health and science.
A trajectory
"My academic and professional journey reflects both curiosity and courage. I did not come from an advantageous beginning, and, throughout my career, I have often created roles where none existed — identifying gaps and transforming vision into action."
"With a growth mindset and experience across STEM, higher education, mental health, crisis intervention, and film/media, I bring a well-rounded and human-centered perspective to my work."
By the numbers
Selected work
A working preview of selected campaign and editorial imagery. Additional shoots — Pierre Poilievre press conference, Vagabondo, Jazmyn Bieber event — to be added as approved frames are confirmed.
Press
Recognition
The platform
"Through the Miss Universe Canada platform, I aim to advocate for mental health awareness, social and environmental responsibility, and the power of women to uplift one another."
National platform lead for Canada's only 24/7 professional mental health support service. Pro bono mental health initiatives backed by Sophie Trudeau, Margaret Trudeau, Michael Landsberg, and Michael Wilson.
Challenging long-standing stereotypes surrounding pageantry and women in STEM. Mentor with the University of Toronto's Alumni Peer Mentorship Program and STEM-outreach volunteer with Let's Talk Science.
Program Manager at Startup Canada supporting impact-driven entrepreneurs through the Government of Canada's $50M Investment Readiness Program — addressing critical social and environmental challenges nationwide.
Published
21 publications · 6 peer-reviewed · 15 editorial
In her own words
"I am applying to Miss Universe Canada because I believe in using visibility for good — and I am ready to serve, inspire, and represent Canada with authenticity, intelligence, and heart."
— Rachel Dragas
Contact
Brand ambassador opportunities. Editorial and commercial casting. Speaking engagements on mental health, women in STEM, and humanitarian platforms. Press inquiries.