Where Elegance Meets Purpose
In the dazzling world of international pageantry, few names capture both elegance and purpose as strikingly as Rachel Murgel. A McMaster University graduate with an Arts and Science degree and a double minor in Business and English Literature, Rachel balances her professional role in Human Resources with a deep commitment to advocacy. Having proudly represented Canada at the 2024 Miss Supranational pageant, she now sets her sights on the coveted Miss International Canada 2025 crown – a journey fuelled by passion, preparation, and the unwavering belief in Canada’s values of inclusivity and unity.
But beyond the spotlight, Rachel’s mission is clear: to use her platform to drive meaningful change. Through her “Beauties for SDGs” project, she champions access to quality education, inspiring young girls worldwide to dream boldly. In this exclusive TorontoPages cover interview, Rachel shares her personal journey, the lessons learned, and her vision for representing Canada on the global stage.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Rachel Murgel, and I am a finalist for the Miss International Canada 2025 competition. I hold an Arts and Science degree from McMaster University, with a double minor in Business and English Literature, and I currently work in Human Resources. I had the honour of representing Canada at the 2024 Miss Supranational pageant and am looking forward to another opportunity to represent our country’s values on the international stage!
What inspired you to return to pageantry and pursue Miss International Canada 2025?
My return to pageantry was driven by my pride in our country. Canada’s diversity and values of inclusion are something we can all learn from, and I want to share that with the world! Despite being on different paths, we are all connected through our shared humanity and our wish for a better world for all.
How did your experience as Miss Supranational Canada 2024 shape your approach to this next competition?
I learned a lot while competing internationally last year, and as someone who is always striving to be better, I am being intentional about my preparation for Miss International Canada. In today’s digital age, social media is the main way we engage with people globally, and pageant organisations are tapping into that potential for increased reach and impact. As a result, I have been developing my brand and content to be as authentic as possible because that’s where real connection begins!
What lessons from your journey in Miss World Canada are you bringing forward now?
My journey through Miss World Canada taught me a lot about stage presence. I started out a little shy and unsure of myself, but as soon as I stepped into my confidence, I truly shone on stage!
Can you share the significance behind the phrase “chronically overdressed” in your TikTok profile?
This is a bit of an inside joke for pageant queens because of the meaning behind dress codes during pageant week. If the organisation says “cocktail” for a dinner, typically you will see women show up in a floor-length gown. It can be hard to turn that switch off when you return to everyday events, hence why I am usually overdressed.
How do you define “back and better than ever” in the context of your current journey?
This message encapsulates the journey I’ve been on in preparation for Miss International Canada, and hopefully Miss International in November. I am always striving to be better in everything I do, and now that I’ve returned to competing in pageants, I’m feeling more prepared, confident, and ready for what’s to come.
What specific advocacy or platform are you passionate about highlighting in Miss International Canada 2025?
My lifelong passion for reading has helped me succeed in every aspect of life from school to work to interpersonal relationships. That is why my Beauties for SDGs project is centred on Sustainable Development Goal #4 increasing access to quality education for all. There are girls around the world stuck in poverty and gender inequality because they lack quality education, and my work is focused on building foundational literacy skills so girls everywhere have the chance to chase their dreams like I did.
How do you prepare mentally and emotionally for the interview rounds?
Interviews can be daunting, especially when you realize you only have a few minutes to make an impression on the judges. While I don’t know what the judges will ask, I make sure I know my brand, my goals, and what I bring to the table so I can communicate that authentically. I focus on being myself and taking it one step at a time, so it doesn’t become overwhelming.
What role has social media played in building your public persona and connection with fans?
It has played a huge role! In today’s world, social media is a key part of pageantry not only for sharing your humanitarian work and platform but also for sharing who you are and connecting with others. I strive to be as authentic as possible, as that’s how true connections are formed.
What strengths do you consider your greatest asset on stage?
I love the question-and-answer round! There’s something empowering about being able to use my voice to share my story and perspectives with the judges. While the evening gown and swimsuit rounds are important, the onstage question is where contestants can truly share their hearts.
What have been your most meaningful community or charitable engagements to date?
The pillar of my Beauties for SDGs project closest to my heart is my Princess Story Hour. I have been honoured to visit over 15 Toronto Public Library branches to deliver story hours focused on empowering children to develop their identity and personal freedom. Connecting with children in the community allows me to create excitement around reading in a unique way and to show that real “princesses” chase their dreams instead of waiting to be saved.
How do you balance pageant commitments with personal life and self-care?
Finding balance in a busy lifestyle can be hard, but I think it comes down to doing what you love. They say if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life and this is especially true for pageants. I am so passionate about my humanitarian work and representing our country that it feels more like fun than work!
Which skills from your time as Miss Supranational Canada help you excel now?
My time as Miss Supranational Canada really developed my public speaking skills, which are essential for connecting with audiences in every aspect of life from work to school to pageantry. It’s true what they say: “practice makes perfect!”
How has your family or support system influenced your preparation and confidence?
The journey to the crown is not a one-woman effort. While I walk on stage, my family and friends are behind the scenes cheering me on every step of the way! In moments of doubt or uncertainty, they have been there to help me stand back up and move forward. I will always be grateful for their support.
What does representing Canada on the international stage mean to you personally?
To be Canadian is to be inclusive of all cultures and backgrounds, and this is something that is a large part of my day-to-day life while working in a diverse manufacturing environment. To me, this culture of inclusivity embodies the Miss International values of unity and peace, especially in a world so often riven with discord.
What are your long-term ambitions beyond this year’s competition?
I love my career in Human Resources, and my long-term ambition is to become a Chief HR Officer. Female leaders have the power to change the corporate world as we know it, if they have a seat at the table. I aim to represent female intelligence and support others in every role I take on.
How do you use your social media to empower others, especially young women?
Much of my Instagram content focuses on self-acceptance and vulnerability. In a world where women are constantly subject to comparison and judgement, I aim to show that it’s okay to be perfectly imperfect and that uniqueness is what makes each woman beautiful in her own way.
If you could change one common misconception about beauty pageants, what would it be?
People often think that pageants are degrading for women, but in reality, it’s quite the opposite. I believe that misconception comes from a lack of understanding of what pageants are truly about: empowering women to take up space, own their confidence, and use their voices for causes close to their hearts.
What would winning Miss International Canada 2025 mean for your personal growth and your platform?
Winning Miss International Canada and representing our beautiful country on the Miss International stage would mean the world to me. It would allow me to share my Beauties for SDGs project internationally, which could help change the life of a young girl in need. I also believe that competing in Japan would teach me even more about cultural compassion and acceptance.
After the pageant, how do you envision using your title to create positive impact regardless of the outcome?
The key part of your question is “regardless of the outcome.” It can be hard to separate the journey to the international crown from the personal journey as a national titleholder, but to me, the goal is always to keep moving forward. My Beauties for SDGs project is a part of who I am, title or not, and I am committed to continuing that work this year and beyond.
Your message for us at TorontoPages magazine.
The Miss International Canada 2025 competition takes place from September 11th to 15th! Feel free to follow along or support my journey on my social media so we can stay connected.
