Sask. woman crowned Mrs. Canada Universe after 26 years away from the stage

Jasmin Esquivel will represent Canada at Mrs. Universe 2026 pageant in Sri Lanka

Earlier this summer, Jasmin Esquivel flew from Saskatchewan to British Columbia, unaware that her life was about to change.

Just a few days later, Esquivel was crowned Mrs. Canada Universe 2026 at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, B.C.

“I didn't expect it, after many years, after having five kids,” Esquivel told CBC Saskatchewan.

“I realize that one day your dream is going to come true.”

Esquivel was 17 when she competed in her last pageant. When the opportunity arose to be part of this contest at 43 years old, something inside her sparked, she said.

“I think it's a memory, like it's in my blood."

Esquivel lives in Prince Albert, Sask., with her children. She said they've supported her and inspired her all the way, in spite of her own doubts about entering the competition.

“We were shocked at first,” said her eldest daughter, Brianna Balajonda.

“But then looking at her through preparing and training, it really amazed us and inspired us too.”

Esquivel said her kids are the reason she wears the national crown today. Not only are they her motivation, but they have been with her behind the curtains throughout the pageant.

“They are my reason why — why am I here and why am I wearing this gown,” she said. “They are on the back of this pageant.”

A great part of the process is about the things contestants can do for their communities, and she's happy and thankful to have such a large one, she said.

Esquival and her family started volunteering in care homes and at multiple sports events, even organizing their own fun runs, in the lead-up to the pageant.

Her goal is to remind every woman and mother that there’s always space in life for your own dreams, she said.

“There's always a perfect time for you. So after having this crown and this title, I just realized that you can still continue your dreams,” she said.

“Having kids doesn't mean we will stop.”

Sask. woman crowned Mrs. Canada Universe wants other moms to dream big too

Balajonda said she’s grateful to have been right beside her mom through the process.

“She inspires me as a woman, that even though you're still a mother, you can still pursue your dreams. Even though you have five children, you can still do what you love.”

Esquivel will head to Sri Lanka in October for Mrs. Universe 2026, representing Canada and her hometown.

Her children said they can’t wait to root for her on the next stage.

“We're here for you and we're cheering for you and we love you so much.”

Andrea Vera is a Regina-based journalist. You can reach her at andrea.vera@cbc.ca.