COBERTURA MISS CANADA UNIVERSO 2018 / FINAL 18 DE AGOSTO

[VAMPI]

Priiya Singh

Height: 5’8
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Student at York University

Priiya Singh was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She is very much a proud Canadian however is not shy to indulge in the vivacious festivities of her West Indian culture. She grew up with a large beautiful family that has always loved and supported her in every way.

Ever since she could remember, Priiya lives by the quote “Beauty may be dangerous but intelligence is lethal.” She is a recent graduate in Business Management specializing in Fashion Management and strongly believes that constant learning is a necessity to her everyday life. Priiya plans on re-attending university to start her journey to becoming a paediatrician. She aspires to join forces with “Doctors without Boarders” to help those who may not otherwise receive the medical attention they need and deserve.

Priiya lives for adventure, adrenaline and lifelong memories! In accordance, she loves trotting the globe and seeking out the most ridiculous (most times dangerous) activities one can find. “Everything starts with some external stimulus which, like a liquid, penetrates and evolves in my mind. I start to create something which then continues to create itself. “ Priiya engulfs herself in all creative aspects of life, however relishes in culinary. She find the excitement of experimentation completely satisfying.

Life can be so short that every moment should be beautiful and captured in the fullest. Priiya strongly affirms that anyone is capable of anything; one should never look back and regret any mistakes, decisions or learning curves. It’s those mistakes that build an individual’s character and morals, which evolves them into imperfectly flawless people.

[VAMPI]

Rafaella Enderica

Height: 5’8
Hometown: Port Coquitlam, BC
Languages: English, Spanish
Occupation: Student at Simon Fraser University (International Studies)

Rafaella Enderica was born in Guayaquil Ecuador and left to Canada when she was just three years old. She spent some time in Toronto and ultimately her and her family moved to Port Coquitlam, British Columbia where she was raised. She graduated from Pinetree Secondary on the Honors program, she is currently 20 years old studying at Simon Fraser University majoring in International Studies where she hopes to later go to law school and start her own not-for-profit organization to help immigrants and refugees. Rafaella was an avid debater in school, placing in many debate tournaments provincially as well as nationally.

She created and ran the debate club at her high school along with her debate partner. Recently she stayed abroad in Ecuador for six months where she worked at a bank and took courses at a local college. While in Guayaquil she had the opportunity to work with a local charity and build a home for a family in need of shelter. Her parents have always led by example, explaining that whatever you may choose to do, you do it to your fullest capabilities.

In her spare time Rafaella loves to read novels on politics and watch the news, she also enjoys sailing with her family in the summer, and spending time outdoors like going for hikes or long walks. She found that moving to a new country took a toll on her own family, admitting that it occasionally felt very lonely especially during the holiday season. She hopes to be able to change that for new immigrants and refugees. She wants to help them on their journey to a new home while still maintaining their own cultures and values.

Rafaella is extremely comfortable with public speaking and developing her own opinion on matters; while still maintaining open minded and admitting when she may be wrong. Rafaella is a proud Canadian who hopes to honour her country by representing them on the international stage at Miss Universe.

[VAMPI]

Rita Houkayem

Height: 5’9
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English, French, Arabic, Spanish
Occupation: Public Servant

Rita considers herself a global citizen, a public servant and a humanitarian. With a Master’s degree in International Affairs and a Bachelors in International Development Studies, French and Political Science, her continuous exposure to world issues has passionately driven her to make a difference in improving people’s lives. With her eternal love for education, Rita hopes to complete an MBA and PhD and work towards a righteous world.

Her recent international student experience in Paris had exposed her to like-minded changemakers and current and future global leaders. She was also hired by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a development consultant to provide support in programs and publications on gender equality and comprehensive sexuality education in schools, striving to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, 4 and 5. As an intersectional feminist, Rita’s experience with the UN has shaped her into a fierce advocate for gender equality and women empowerment.

Rita’s globetrotting nature, adventurous spirit and polyglot skills have been enriched through her constant encounters with dazzling cultures, remarkable people and astonishing places. She has explored over 25 countries and over 60 major cities but has never felt so proud to be Canadian. In fact, Rita attributes her cosmopolitan identity to being born in Canada and raised in one of the most strikingly diverse cities in the world, Toronto, which has always allowed her to celebrate her dual heritage as a proud Canadian Lebanese. Rita is an active leader in her community and has founded a national chapter which seeks to promote her culture and connect her diasporic community together. She is also the United Nations DPI/NGO Representative for her cultural organization and promotes its initiatives at the UN platform.

A former titleholder of various pageants, Rita was also on the other side of the pageant world. At only 22, she was the National Director for the Miss Emigrant Canada pageant where she mentored young beautiful ladies to proudly represent their heritage on stage and become active agents of their community. Besides volunteering and spending time with her loved ones, Rita maintains a healthy and active lifestyle through daily cycling, dancing, marathoning, hiking, martial arts and yoga.

Rita is currently working for the Government of Canada as a Policy Analyst focusing on various themes and programs related to Internet governance and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). On a personal level, she also advocates in reaching Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy by advancing gender equality and bridging the gender digital gap through an array of national and international initiatives. She believes that digital technologies are powerful catalysts to driving inclusive and sustainable growth but women’s participation is fundamental.

[VAMPI]

Sallyblossom Wright

Height: 5’8
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Business Development Rep

Sally was born the youngest of three children in a family that valued love, family events and community. Growing up in Mississauga, Ontario, her suburban childhood typifies the experience of many Canadians, where immigrants, multigenerational, and mixed families live, work and play. Building friendships with neighbourhood children from diverse backgrounds, she learned the importance of cultural customs and values. She learned how important keeping connected with traditions is to new immigrants. During highschool, she spent summers working at an overnight camp in northern Ontario and learned about the challenges of young parents who juggle two jobs and a young family.

All these experiences influenced her to blend her interest in digital technology and helping build more connected communities and work environments. After graduating with a degree in Communications and Culture from McMaster University, she is building a career in digital technology sales and development. Her work experiences have helped her learn how technology can strengthen bonds between businesses, teams and coworkers. All these are qualities she values about herself and her life.

Confident, curious and courageous, Sally knows that continuing to try new things is important. She has started fund-raising activities at work that inspired co-workers to participate and donate and even influenced team building. Sally loves a team environment and stays active playing volley-ball and soccer in her community, participating in fundraisers and never misses a family event. Her creative side is fulfilled with playing guitar and singing and she plans to participate in musical theatre productions, which she did throughout high school and university.
She recently returned from her brother’s wedding in South Korea, where she helped welcome her Korean sister-in-law into her family, bringing a new cultural aspect into her life.

Sally never turns down a new challenge. She is believes she can learn more about herself through others and seeks to be the best friend, coworker and community member she can to help others reach their highest potential. Sally hopes to start her own charity foundation that will help to motivate young and older young women, that will bring in inspirational speakers across Canada to inspire youth, seniors and those with challenges in mental health to be the very best they can.

[VAMPI]

Sara Pizzicaroli

Height: 5’8
Hometown: Lakeshore, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Student at University of Windsor (Business)

Sara Pizzicaroli is 21 years old and born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. She is a public relations and marketing graduate and is currently working towards receiving a business degree from the University of Windsor. Sara is a well-travelled model, entrepreneur and the current Miss Swimsuit Canada. Sara is passionate about pursuing a career in the fashion and modelling industry and enjoys every aspect of what the industry has to offer. By applying her knowledge in marketing and business, Sara has been able to build her brand and is continually working on new projects with local and international businesses. Everyone who meets Sara notices how truly genuine and honest she is.

Described as a warm and joyful personality, Sara allows everyone around her feel her positive energy and would say she is a kind hearted, resilient and ambitious young woman. She is passionate about influencing those around her to believe that they can accomplish anything in this lifetime and to channel their energies to pursuing a life that they love. Sara wants to use her platform to inspire not only youth, but all of her peers that with determination and hard work, nothing is unattainable for them.

[VAMPI]

Sara Tavanaie

Height: 5’7
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English, Farsi
Occupation: Music Educator

Sara Tavanaie is a 26-year-old Music Educator who was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She is a proud Canadian who stays true to her Iranian roots. Her last name is a great representation of her personality. In translation, “Tavana” defines ability and “ie” means the person. This is exactly who Sara is, an individual who has the ability to accomplish anything once she puts her mind to it.

Sara is beyond grateful for her parents for everything that they have taught her throughout the years. Her parents immigrated to Canada with a desire for her to grow up in a land of opportunity, freedom and possibility. Shortly after, they got divorced and Sara was raised with her mother. When she was twelve, her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system. As a single mother, this was a very difficult time, both financially and emotionally. Sara learned the meaning of responsibility and maturity at a young age and has been her mother’s number one supporter and caregiver ever since. Despite her parents failed marriage, her father has always been a supportive and great father figure. She credits her music exposure to him. Her father’s influence, holding a doctorate degree as a classical guitarist definitely persuaded her into her field of study today. She began learning piano at the age of ten, which is much later than when the typical child begins. Her age was not a factor towards accomplishing her current title as a professional pianist, who completed all ten levels in the Royal Conservatory of Music. She took the skills she learned and applied it by working at numerous musical institutions until she built her own clientele. Her experiences in piano teaching allowed her to educate many diverse students, starting at the age of 3 up until 65. She has had exposure to teaching students with many exceptionalities, including autism, slight hearing impairment, learning disabilities and giftedness. These challenges only made her become a stronger individual and a better educator. Ultimately, she loves the impact she makes on each one of her students and is extremely gratified with bringing the gift of music into their lives.

Sara’s love for music and teaching is what persuaded her to obtain her two Bachelor degrees in Music and Education. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, she explored her interests further and became a fitness enthusiast. She enjoys weight training, meal prepping, and living a healthy, active lifestyle. Occasionally she plays sports such as volleyball and basketball but prefers to coach her junior girls team instead. In the near future, she intends on expanding her teaching resume by achieving her Canfitpro certification to help personal train others to accomplish their fitness goals.

Sara has encountered many diverse teaching experiences. After several years of teaching in the heart of multiculturalism, specifically the Toronto District School board, she has been given many incredible opportunities. 

[VAMPI]

Sarah Genia Martens

Height: 5’7
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Model

Sarah is a Canadian model born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. She first discovered her love for modelling when she was just 10 years old, though short-lived she never felt quite done with the industry. She has had many careers since then but somehow she always had the dream of modelling in her heart. Sarah was working a corporate job when she decided to give modelling another shot. Her goal was to be signed with an agency in Toronto, and signed internationally thereafter. Not expecting things to move as quickly as they did, Sarah was signed in Toronto and within a month she was asked by an agency in Mumbai, India to fly out for a 3 month contract. She decided to take a huge leap and leave her full- time secure job to travel abroad and give her dream a proper chance. Though she was terrified of stepping outside of her comfort zone and risking a steady income she put her doubts aside and made a decision based off of faith. Since then Sarah has been modelling full-time and her last international contract was in Manila, Philippines which she just recently returned
from.

Somewhere between being signed internationally and working in Toronto she re-evaluated her goals and asked herself why she was chasing this dream and what it was that she wanted to get out of it. Of course she found modelling to be a fun job and it has allowed her to travel and gain amazing experiences. But she realized if she become a successful model that that wouldn’t fulfill her on its own. She’s always cared deeply about others and she realized she wanted to build a platform to be able to inspire and encourage people.

Sarah decided to focus on an issue closest to her-intentional self-development. She chose this topic because she struggled most of her life with self-esteem and lack of purpose, and she believes by sharing her story she can inspire others to radically turn their lives around just as she did.

Sarah is currently training to become a volunteer mentor with underprivileged youth through a program called StepStones For Youth. She also has workshops out on YouTube teaching others about self-improvement, emotional wellness, and life skills. Her long term goal is to have her own company as a life coach and to become an internationally known motivational speaker.

Sarah also has a background in Broadcast- Journalism and a passion for writing as well as creating documentaries. She plans to release a documentary on her personal testimony to encourage others and to write and publish her own motivational books.

Sarah gives everything one hundred percent and leaves the rest to God, she maintains that every big decisio

[VAMPI]

Sasha Lombardi

Height: 5’8
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Student at York University (Education)

Sasha is a graduate of the University of Toronto. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree specializing in Social Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Environmental Anthropology. She studied television and film production at Columbia College in Chicago and decided to pursue her lifelong interest in education. At present, she is completing a Bachelor of Education Degree and will soon be a certified teacher. Sasha is enthusiastic about applying her knowledge and skills to teaching children and enhancing their educational experience. Sasha created an initiative called The Givers Movement. She has worked all over the world with different non-profit organizations that are based on the mission of giving back. The Givers Movement is a network for selfless individuals in need of guidance to become active givers in their community and abroad. It is a link and pathway to non-profit organizations that match the skills and resources they have to offer. She has a passion for paying it forward that is part of her inherent character. Even as a young girl, Sasha received a Spirit Award for bridging the social divide amongst children with exceptionalities and their peers. Sasha imagines a world where we challenge ourselves and others to do one act of service per week or per day or per month, that is focused on giving back to someone less fortunate. Her advocacy includes the Salvation Army, SOS Children’s Village, Operation Smile, Good Shepherd and the SchoolBOX Indigenous Library Project.

Sasha’s greatest personal mentors were her grandfather and equestrian coach. Her grandfather was an advocate for multiculturalism and was awarded The Order of Canada. Her coach was a two-time Canadian Olympic Equestrian. From them, she learned that great things are possible through hard work and determination. She learned to follow her dreams, never to forget her roots, and to always be humble and respectful. Sasha conducts workshops and presentations. She has a special connection with young girls, encouraging them to recognize their self-worth and individuality. She helps them navigate the powerful messages of media. She believes beauty is from within the heart.

Sasha is an educator, student, model, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Photography, scuba diving, tennis, swimming and hiking are how she unwinds and enjoys the outdoors. Sasha prioritizes nutrition, healthy cooking and fitness. She was a delegate in Miss Universe Canada 2017 and placed Top 10 Overall, Top 3 Best Body and, Best Hair. Her skills, personality, humanitarian work, public speaking, modelling for stage, studio and television; are combined to ensure that she would be an ideal representative for Canada on the Miss Universe Stage.

[VAMPI]

Shania Kulczycki

Height: 5’8
Hometown: Marwayne, AB
Languages: English
Occupation: Dance Teacher

Shania Kulczycki was born in Lloydminster Sk and lived in a small towns of Kitscoty AB and now on an acreage by Marwayne Ab. She graduated @ Kitscoty Jr/ Sr High School in 2014. She took 2 years off to teach dance and to try to find what she enjoyed the most. She is also Miss Marwayne for the 2nd year.

She is kind-hearted and caring. She is outgoing and not scared to try a new challenge that comes her way. She is always looking for ways to help out in her community and other local areas, by being on the local fire department and helping out other local events.

She is very hard working on any job and always gives 100%. She believes that all women have the same rights in the work place no matter what the position they fill. She also aims to help children even if she is not in the dance studio teaching. She is hoping to gain more self-confidence through this journey and to show that pageants are more than just beauty and glam. It’s about self-worth and never gives up on ones dreams.

Shania finds most of her time dancing and teaching but she also enjoys working at her parents customizing truck shop. In 2013 she started modelling and recently was a backup person for a country band called “The Dirt Rich Band” for their new music video. She also has a passion for horses and the farm life as she owns 2 Clydesdales and a Quarter horse. She loves travelling and is looking forward to more in the future of seeing what the world has to offer, whether it be dancing (teaching or dancing herself), working and showing horses, modelling or working on a farm or customizing trucks. She has many passions and is lucky enough to be able to fit them all in at the moment.

[VAMPI]

Sheerin Hai

Height: 5’9
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu
Occupation: Financial Service Representative

Sheerin Hai moved to Calgary at a very young age , growing up she found herself extremely grateful to be a part of the Canadian multicultural and the profound diversity! She was able to turn her dreams into reality when she became a delegate of Miss Universe Canada. Sheerin is passionate about giving back to the community and would do so by volunteering.

Sheerin was always passionate about her career working at the bank, and had experienced varies roles of being within the bank, she now is an experienced Financial Representative. She is well known among her clients for her exceptional customer service as well as delivering outstanding performance. She is a recent business graduate, finished her studies in Business Administration – majoring in Financial Services at SAIT Polytechnic and now is determined to further advance her career in the banking world.

Sheerin strongly believes in the education system as it is a great asset to have and that is what drove her to take part in the United Way Campaign. Sheerin was determined to improve the lives of the high school drop out rates among youths , she took part in the campaign by being a mentor and also displayed this campaign at her workplace to raise awareness for this organization.

It’s not just about her smile but rather her motivation, her courage and her confidence that makes her an enthusiastic individual. From an early age Sheerin was determined to accomplish everything on her own and that is what drove her to becoming successful thus far in her career. Having experience on the international pageant and being crowned Miss Culture World Canada title, Sheerin aims to accomplish her life long goal of representing Canada in the most unique way by becoming Miss Universe Canada!

[VAMPI]

Tasha Toulouse

Height: 5’3
Hometown: Belle River, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Student at University of Windsor (Dramatic Arts, with a minor in Psychology)

Tasha Toulouse was born and raised in Belle River, Ontario. She is currently enrolled in her last semester at the University of Windsor specializing in Dramatic Arts, with a minor in psychology. Along with a passion for drama, Tasha has a newfound dedication to her own health and fitness. She enjoys paddle-boarding, rollerblading, and working out. She is quickly becoming an advocate for remaining active and eating well, as it has boosted her confidence and she wishes to share that with friends and family. She does so by encouraging others to participate in physical activities and outdoor events.

Not only does Tasha support her friends and family in their endeavors, she also prides herself for her involvement in the community. Volunteering has always played an important role in her life. She enjoys giving back by working with charities and organizations including the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association, Free the Children, and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Many of her other volunteer work centers around lessening our environmental impact by cutting down on unnecessary waste, to help both our country and our planet.

Tasha hopes to inspire others in both her community as well as across the country to remain active, give back to their community, pursue their passions and be confident in their own skin. She is a relatable role model who believes that it is important to love the life you’ve been given and to make the best of all the experiences that come your way.

[VAMPI]

Taylor Galvano

Height: 5’4
Hometown: Windsor, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Student at University of Windsor (Criminology)

Taylor Galvano is 21 years old and was born and raised in Windsor Ontario. She is approaching her third year at the University of Windsor, soon to be earning her degree in Criminology. After she graduates, she aspires to get accepted into law school and hopes to eventually become a family lawyer. Her passion for law has been ongoing and she hopes strong work ethic will prevail. Taylor feels that a career in law is the way she will best contribute to society and make a difference in the world. She has previously made contributions to The Hiatus House which is a place that welcomes and shelters families who have experienced domestic violence, as well as John McGivney a place that helps youth with special needs reach their full potential. Taylor always tries to do things that are outside of her comfort zone to help her become a more strong and confident woman. With her being new to pageantry, she hopes that this experience will help her build confidence, not only for herself but also so she can encourage and empower other women to believe in themselves and take chances in life. She also wishes that being a part of this pageant will help open doors for her to better the community and help anyone in need.

[VAMPI]

Tessa Johnston

Height: 5’7
Hometown: Windsor, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Student at OREA College (Real Estate)

Tessa Johnston is 22 years old and of the Italian descent. She was born and raised in the very diverse city of Windsor, Ontario, which has greatly impacted Tessa’s passion to learn and experience other cultures.

Tessa completed two years at the University of Windsor finishing with a minor in Spanish, and is now pursuing the career of Real Estate.

Tessa’s greatest passion in life is volunteering and giving back not only to her community in Windsor, but also around the world in third world countries. She has volunteered for over 8 charities in Windsor, and has led 4 international volunteer trips overseas to Latin and South America. On these trips Tessa’s eyes were opened to the conditions and lives of those in third world countries, and this pushed her to help as much as she could. On these trips Tessa led and helped to build 4 schools and housing for teachers to increase the access to education for children in poverty. She also learned to live with more compassion, generosity, and happiness.

Tessa is very active in the fitness industry and includes fitness workouts into her every day life. As a registered yoga teacher Tessa also gives back by volunteering with a local organization in Windsor to teach yoga to young girls at risk for losing fitness or do not have the funds to do so. She can also be found helping people stretch in classes, or before her workouts at her local Crossfit gym which she attends every day.

Tessa’s passion for pageants began when she was 16 and competed for the first time in Miss Teen Ontario. Although she did not place this did not stop her and she has since placed top 10 at Miss Globe Canada, 1st runner up at Miss Via Italia, and top 5 at Miss Universe Canada Western Ontario.

Tessa is described as a strong leader who exhibits an open mind and will always put her best effort forward. She strives to live a well-balanced life between work, fitness, family, and giving back.

[VAMPI]

Vanessa Chauhan

Height: 5’7
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Languages: English
Occupation: TV Show Host & Project Manager

Keep your eyes on this beauty! Vanessa Chauhan is a TV show host, commercial and print model, award winning humanitarian, fitness enthusiast, and an ambassador for the United Na-tions Association of Canada. Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, her resume has far exceeded her expectations!

For her humanitarian work and global volunteerism, her mayor and city council awarded her the prestigious Citizen Recognition Award. Noting her passion for numerous causes and charities, work in the community and for helping Fort McMurray evacuees like herself during the 2016 wildfire. Recently she has been nominated for the Volunteer Medal Award from the Canadian Government and keeps charity work and volunteering at the top of her priorities.

Her TV show is all about charity and giving back! Galas and Giving has been Vanessa’s crea-tive outlet to show her love for charity and public speaking! Each episode touches on a different charity and how people can give back and show support in their own way!

When she is not in front of the camera, you will find her at the gym, volunteering, planning chari-ty events and United Nations youth programs. Working for the UN has been a highlight and ac-complished goal that Vanessa is extremely proud of. Through focusing on eradicating racial dis-crimination and promoting inclusion in schools with sport programs, she has been able to speak with youth about anti-bullying, anti racism and confidence. Which she feels is a very timely cause in our society.

Vanessa’s humanitarian heart, public speaking skills, experience as an ambassador and deter-mination show that there is nothing that she can’t do! Vanessa hopes to utilize the Miss Universe Canada 2018 title as a larger platform to share her humanitarian work with the world and make Canada proud on the Miss Universe stage!