About Kiesa: From sailor, to singer/songwriter, to improv comedian to naval communicator, Kiesa Ellestad strives to live each day to its fullest and get the most out of life that she can.

Starting in January, Kiesa began studying jazz piano through Mount Royal College, and is excited to be starting her Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English this upcoming September. Songwriting is one of her greatest passions in life, and as she continues to pick up instruments such as the piano, guitar, flute, djembe, cuatro and just recently the saxophone, her goal is to create a completely new genre of music that is entirely her own.

Interests: Kiesa is very involved with volunteer work.. On her spare time, she runs a local music jam where she encourages and teaches people of all types to get involved with music. She is also a part of the Naval Reserves of Canada and upon completing her Basic Recruits Training “Boot camp,” she was proud to bring home the title of “Top Shot/ Marksman” on a C-7 rifle and earn herself the nickname “Sniper.” During the summer, she works on the tall ships in Victoria sailing all around Vancouver Island and during the winter, she volunteers as well as improvises in weekly shows at Loose Moose Theatre. On top of everything, Kiesa enjoys traveling and meeting new people. She just recently returned home from her Grandmother’s native country, Trinidad and Tobago, where she met the majority of her cousins and close relatives for the first time.


What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

I went to Naval Recruit Training Boot Camp for a summer to train for the Canadian Naval Reserves and won “Top Shot/Marksman.” After that, I was nicknamed “Sniper!”

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?

Children’s Help Phone
Ups and Downs (Children with down syndrome)
Juvenile Diabetes Running Foundation
Glenmore Sailing School
Calgary Disabled Sailing, Run for Aids.
Children’s Christmas Party (Through the Navy)
World Vision (Sponsored a child)
Junior Achievement Fund Raiser
The Power Within

What would be your "dream job" in life?

I am striving to become a successful singer/songwriter. My goal is to sing on every continent, in as many countries in world as I possibly can. With the money I raise through singing, I am going to start a charity which will supply children in need of organ transplants with sufficient funds for their procedures, so that they may have another chance at life.

Name one personal accomplishment (in addition to being a Miss Universe Canada contestant) that makes you especially proud.

I have many accomplishments that I am proud of. My most recent accomplishment that I was especially excited about was sailing a 150 foot tall ship at night using only the stars to navigate.

What is the most important thing you want people to know about you?

I would like people to know that I am a very well-rounded person who is easy to get a long with and very friendly. I have a very strong passion towards creating music and enjoy sharing my works with the people around me.

What is your favourite movie, song, sport, and food?

Movie: Forrest Gump

Song: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Sport: Sailing

Food: Fresh Candied Salmon

What would you like to accomplish if you win the Miss Universe Canada title?

I would like to be involved in motivational speaking. Because I feel so strongly about the impact that music has on a person, I would like to work with children and encourage them to become more involved with music themselves.

A motto that has served you as inspiration.

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but we rarely take into account the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.

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