Physicist. Aerospace Officer. Beauty Queen. Amanda Ales is rewriting the rules of leadership—on Earth and beyond.

Amanda Ales isn’t just reaching for the stars—she’s engineering her own orbit. As a trained physicist, aerospace officer, and the first active-duty military member to compete in Miss Universe Canada, Amanda is a force redefining what it means to lead with both brilliance and beauty.

Currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces in support of the 3 Canadian Space Division, she stands at the forefront of Canada’s role in global space collaboration. Whether commanding in uniform or captivating onstage, Amanda’s mission is clear: to expand what’s possible for women in STEM, service, and self-expression.

From falling in love with the cosmos at age six to helping shape the future of the military space domain, her journey is equal parts passion and precision. She is a mental health advocate, a pioneering officer, and a rising voice for a generation that refuses to be put in a box. With her sights set on NASA’s Mission Control in Houston—and eventually, space itself—Amanda Ales is living proof that you don’t have to choose between power and femininity. You can be both.

In this exclusive GOSSY interview, we go beyond the uniform and into the heart of a woman on a mission—to serve, to inspire, and to soar.

The Intersection of Passion & Precision

There’s a myth that science and emotion don’t mix. Amanda Ales disagrees entirely.

“You need passion,” she says. “Especially at the postgraduate level, where things get complex and hyper-specialized. Emotion is the fuel. It’s what keeps you going when the math gets tough. Without it, I’d give up.”

That passion has carried her through both triumphs and heartbreaks.

One of her greatest setbacks came early on—failing her pilot selection for the Canadian military not once, but twice.

“I wanted to be an astronaut, and I thought being a pilot was the way,” she shares. “So when I failed aircrew selection, it crushed me. I thought that dream was over. But now, I’m closer to my dream than ever. That failure actually redirected me to exactly where I’m meant to be.”

That ability to transmute failure into fuel is what makes Amanda a leader in every room she enters.

Commanding Space, Redefining Beauty

In 2022, Amanda joined the newly created 3 Canadian Space Division, a groundbreaking new arm of the Canadian military.

Being there at its inception, she felt the gravity of legacy:

“I don’t take it lightly. The work I do now will impact generations to come.”

Today, she continues to serve as a physics officer in national defense, but she’s also making history on another front—becoming the first active-duty military member to run for Miss Universe Canada.

Why? Because she knows the power of representation.

“You don’t have to choose,” she says boldly. “I’m in the military. I love science. I still play sports. I also love beauty and fashion. One doesn’t diminish the other. I want young girls to see that.”

She adds, “Growing up, I didn’t have many female role models in space or STEM. That’s why I’m doing this. I want to become the mentor I once needed.”

Fluent in Physics, Fluent in Humanity

Amanda’s journey has also taken her far beyond the lab and the base. As part of her officer training, she’s learned French, traveled the world, and engaged with global leaders across military and space alliances.

“The more you travel and interact with other cultures, the more you realize: we’re all the same. Language connects us, not just through words, but through shared humanity.”

When we ask her about freedom within the rigid systems of the military and academia, she offers a refreshing take:

“At first, there’s little freedom. But over time, as you gain rank and trust, you earn it. Now, my superiors trust me. They don’t micromanage. That’s real leadership—to guide, not control.”

Becoming the Blueprint

In her 20s, Amanda Ales is already becoming a national symbol of what’s possible for women in science, defense, and beyond. And yet, she remains grounded, humble, and full of gratitude.

“I’ve had amazing leaders—both men and women—who want to see women succeed. I know that’s not everyone’s experience, but I’m grateful that mine has been one of support.”

When she takes off the uniform, Amanda stays true to who she is:

“Honestly, I’m the same person. I love sci-fi, music, movies. I’m obsessed with Interstellar. I’ve seen it over 30 times. I even met Kip Thorne, the physicist behind it. That moment was surreal.”

Her dream? To one day work with NASA’s Mission Control in Houston—supporting human spaceflight and international collaboration. And eventually, to become an astronaut.

But perhaps Amanda’s greatest mission is this: to show a new generation of girls what it means to lead without compromise.

GOSSY WORDS OF WISDOM

If you could tell every young girl one thing about stepping into leadership, what would it be?

“Don’t change yourself to fit what you think the mold is. Whether you like to be dolled up or completely natural, showing up authentically – in your appearance, your passions, and everything in between – is the key to success. You are enough, exactly how you are.”

Follow Amanda’s ongoing mission on Instagram @amandaaales as she continues to break boundaries and lead with heart.