Miss Ottawa 2022 Lauren Pederson and Her Story

The biggest myth about beauty pageants is that contestants lack intelligence. In reality, they must be exceptionally smart and combine many talents. Lauren Pederson of Ottawa proves this point. Learn more about this bright, kind, and driven winner from Canada’s capital at ottawanka.com.

Childhood

Lauren Pederson grew up in Osgoode, Ontario, on the outskirts of Ottawa. Her family home was surrounded by woods, and she spent her childhood outdoors with her brother Kent. Looking back, she remembers those early years fondly.

From an early age, Lauren was an avid athlete, playing ringette (an on-ice team sport similar to hockey but with distinct rules and features) for over a decade. She traveled to competitions and tournaments, developing strong, trusting relationships with her teammates. During that time, she learned both how to win and how to deal with loss, as well as how to function as part of a team. These valuable life lessons and skills took shape early on.

While in high school, Lauren volunteered in several areas:

• The Salvation Army, an organization that helps people in challenging life circumstances
• Lazarus House, a non-profit working within the community to ensure people’s basic needs are met through a food bank and various programs offering items like clothing, household goods, and housing support
• Special Olympics (via St. Michael’s), a community group linked to Special Olympics Minnesota that provides sports, social events, music, leadership, and community-based opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities

This underscores Lauren’s strong sense of social responsibility, evident from a young age.

Charity

The future Miss Ottawa’s dream was to become an international humanitarian worker. This aspiration was shaped partly by a Christian mission trip to Guatemala she took during high school. Working in unison with other participants to improve local children’s lives left a deep impression on her.

As a teenager, Lauren became a youth and childcare counselor. Remarkably, it was her charitable efforts, kindness, and desire to help others that eventually led to her wider recognition.

During a photo shoot, she mentioned her schooling and dreams regarding mental health in Canada. The photographer paused and suggested she consider beauty pageants. She felt Lauren had all the qualities of a winner: not just a beautiful appearance but a purposeful outlook, distinctive projects, and ambitious goals.

Preparing for Miss World Canada

In Lauren Pederson’s view, a pageant contestant must handle several roles at once:

• Humanitarian: A modern “beauty queen” is more than just good looks; she’s also engaged in civic affairs. Participants must champion crucial social issues, volunteer, and serve as role models for younger generations.
• Public Speaker: Contestants should be able to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively, speak in public, conduct interviews, and take part in discussions.
• Fitness Enthusiast: A healthy lifestyle and physical fitness are integral to the overall persona, inspiring others toward an active, health-focused approach to life.
• Social Media Influencer: A beauty queen must communicate effectively with her audience, promoting social initiatives, sharing positive values, and engaging with supporters.
• Model: Skills such as commanding the runway, posing for photos, and participating in various photo sessions.
• Coordinator: The ability to plan and oversee both personal and charitable events or other initiatives—organizing, leading, and motivating others.

Lauren believes that this unique blend of talents allows someone to become the best version of themselves.

She also says that preparing for such a major event demands organization and self-awareness. She kept a daily schedule, monthly calendar, and a strict routine. During the competition, contestants need a stable mental state, which requires planning. They also need to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Right before going on stage, Lauren did breathing exercises and repeated certain quotes:

“I’ve put in the work; I deserve success.”

The “Miss Ottawa World 2022” Title

The winner recalls that after feeling the crown on her head, she set a new goal. Lauren Pederson decided to be the best representative of her hometown. She got even more involved with local charities and parades, volunteering with local youth. This period showed her that life “hands out tokens,” and what truly matters is how you use them. In her view, self-image and self-confidence also play key roles.

She describes the experience as challenging, invigorating, and entirely worthwhile. Constantly training, rehearsing, and putting together outfits, she felt persistent physical and emotional strain.

“Beauty With A Purpose”

That phrase forms the core of the pageant. Each contestant must create a selfless, innovative, and meaningful project that benefits others. There’s a wide range of possible themes—from food security to free dance lessons for youth. From the start, Lauren knew what her project would be: it involves children’s mental health, which she feels passionate about.

She created a free mental health website during a special education mental-health class amid the pandemic, when children had limited resources. She worked closely with young people to teach them stress-management skills. The website became a go-to hub they could consult anytime for help.

It’s known that Lauren Pederson serves as a UNICEF advocate for human rights. She finds it crucial to highlight the global challenges kids face—raising awareness on issues like child slavery, malnutrition, and the alarming statistics around child marriage.

Education

Lauren graduated from St. Lawrence College in Kingston with a specialization in child and youth counseling, acting as a student representative. After that, she enrolled at the University of Victoria.

In 2022, Miss Ottawa 2022 delivered a check to CHEO mental health practice director Sonia Lavergne, having organized a fundraiser to support the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. The collected funds were used for artistic supplies, gifts, and other essentials for patients with mental health conditions. Lauren juggled part-time work at the Mill Tavern while finishing her clinical counseling internship at CHEO.

In 2023, she returned to university to pursue a Bachelor’s in Social Work. After that, her aim is grad school; Lauren is focusing on her grades and additional coursework.

Her Hometown, Ottawa

Lauren Pederson is making full use of her “Miss Ottawa” title to shed light on mental health issues.

In an interview, she was asked how she’d describe Ottawa. She explained that for her, it’s a place where you instantly feel at home—accessible, multicultural, and distinctive. Along with international cuisine, there are superb natural landscapes, great family-friendly venues, bilingualism, and a strong sense of courtesy in the community.