Riana has her sights set on Miss Universe

By Sam Leishman - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on April 4, 2025.

Submitted photo - 23-year old Riana Maerz of the Crowsnest Pass has been selected to represent Alberta in the Miss Universe Canada pageant this coming August in Windsor, Ontario.

The Miss Universe Canada pageant is much more than skin deep for Riana Maerz.

The 23-year old from the Crowsnest Pass has been selected to represent Alberta in the competition this coming August in Windsor, Ontario.

Contestants are not only judged on their personal fashion, including an evening gown and a swimsuit, but also upon their values. Each is expected to complete a private interview, a personalized humanitarian project and a national costume presentation. The winner will move on to represent Canada at the international Miss Universe competition in Thailand later this year.

Maerz has no previous pageant experience, but she says a great deal of soul searching led her down this path.

“For me, it was moreso because it provides a really good platform for advocacy, especially in regards to things like social justice,” Maerz explained. “The pageant world has gone through some structural changes in the humanitarian component. I’ve also done some research on the contestants who competed in 2024. A lot were very honest and vulnerable about some of the struggles that they went through, so that made me more comfortable to apply and step into that space.”

Maerz is in her final year of studies at the University of Lethbridge. She’ll be graduating within the next few months with a psychology degree, minoring in sociology and Indigenous health. Her goal is to eventually complete a master’s degree in counselling psychology and become a registered psychologist.

She says she’ll be drawing from her academic knowledge and her past experience as a sexual violence first responder during the competition.

“Academics are important, but it’s not until you really step into what it’s like to work with people and engage with them in that capacity that you truly understand. I feel more confident to be able to speak on behalf of what real, lived experiences can look like. There’s a lot that goes into mental health. [It’s not just about] understanding it from an individual’s lived experience, but understanding the systemic levels that also affect someone’s circumstances.”

There is still plenty of preparation ahead for Maerz, though.

She’s already been working to secure sponsorships to cover the cost for travelling to Miss Universe Canada and any materials she might need for the competition, as well as learning how to sharpen her public speaking skills.

Maerz says she’s filled with anticipation leading up to this summer.

“I’m definitely stepping into a new part of my life with finishing school and starting this,” Maerz told the Herald. “I’m very excited to meet all of the girls who are also competing because everybody comes from such different and diverse backgrounds, especially concerning education and where they’re from. It’s also been really fun and heartwarming to engage with my community. Everyone who I’ve reached out to when it comes to sponsorships and support have been so lovely.”

Those interested in offering sponsorships or words of support are encouraged to get in touch with Maerz by email at rianamaerz@hotmail.com.