candidatas a miss universe canada 2024. final: 27 july.

Theresa Boueiry

Height: 5’10
Hometown: Laval, QC
Languages: English, French, Arabic, Spanish & Aramaic
Occupation: Sales Representative at MONAT Global

Born in the city of Bouar, Lebanon and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Theresa is a 26 year-old Lebanese-Canadian. Aside from her native language, she speaks French, English, Spanish and Aramaic. Theresa attended University of Montreal to complete a Bachelor of Science. Theresa is a courageous, ambitious and vivacious woman. She is fearless in pursuing her dream and aims to be successful in everything she accomplishes. In her free time, Theresa enjoys dancing, swimming, boxing and playing the piano. She also enjoys travelling and learning about other cultures.

It means a lot for Theresa to become Miss Universe Canada 2024. She believes that beauty is not just about physical appearance, but also about inner strength, confidence, and the ability to make a positive impact in the world. The pageant is a platform to voice her opinions, showcase her talents and help organizations.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

Sports (swimming, boxing)
Travelling
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

Music (piano classes)
Dance (Lebanese folkloric dance classes)
In what sports, if any, have you participated?

Swimming
Ice skating
Soccer
Volleyball
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

My maternal grandmother (Nadia) had the most influence in my life. She taught me how to be a smart, caring, loving and strong woman. She influenced me in many ways to built me up to be a better person.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

Getting a university degree at a well known institution (Université de Montreal)

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

I love adventures and discovering new things and hobbies. I did paragliding in summer 2021.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

Since I studied science, I see myself in a health career. However, if I win Miss Universe Canada, I plan to participate in beauty events and helping charities.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

Since I studied science, I would love to have a high position in a pharmaceutical company. If I win Miss Universe Canada, I would love to participate in beauty and fashion events and be involved in communities and helping charities.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was raised in Montreal. I had a lovely childhood. Both my parents were around a lot and we spent a lot of times together. I went to an amazing elementary school (Augustin Roscelli) and participated in many activities (swimming, ice skating, scout).

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

Interesting jobs: Pharmaceutical Sales Representative at Impres for 5 big pharmaceutical companies (Alcon, Amgen, Avrio, Adrien Gagnon, Bio Gaia) & Reimbursement Specialist of Rare Diseases at Innomar Strategies.

List any volunteering you have done.

Youth Counsellor at Monastère et Paroisse Saint-Antoine Le Grand: Helped children and teenagers navigate mental and emotional challenges in their development years. Teached catechism (basic doctrine, which included questions and answers on the topics of God, sin, Christ, salvation, etc). Played with the kids and created special events for them (Bal en Blanc).
Volunteer at Cathédrale Saint-Maron: Lebanese dancer at Chevaliers du Liban. Performed for special events and charities. Volunteered in food, children’s play kiosks and parking lot during Lebanese festival.
What is your most unusual talent?

Play the piano

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

Paris, France

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

I would like to be successful in everything I aim to do.

Tianna Anurukem

Height: 5’11
Hometown: Belleville, ON
Languages: English
Occupation:

Tianna Anurukem was born and raised in Canada. She is a proud Canadian citizen but has a cultural background of being German/Scottish and Nigerian. She was born in Brampton Ontario, raised mostly in the Toronto area but at the age of 12 she moved to her Mother’s hometown of Belleville Ontario. Tianna resided in Belleville from 12-18 years of age before moving back the the GTA to pursue a career in modelling. Tianna had such strong ambitions and goals that at the age of 18 decided to take a chance of faith and move by herself from Belleville to Toronto with no secure or set plan of what she would do solely based off the dream of doing something big with her life at a young age

Tianna was offered a contract from a predominant modeling Agency in Toronto and has also been self employed in E-commerce & Marketing.

Tianna has spent the last several years advocating against Child abuse & has had a strong voice in influencing the safety & wellbeing for vulnerable minors.

Family is very important to Tianna as she stays well connect with her family & continues to be a role model for her siblings.

Tianna has shown interest in International representation & has looked to expand her current contracts to out-of-country opportunities.

Timnit Petros

Height: 5’7
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Languages: English
Occupation: Accountant

Timnit was raised in Ontario and Alberta. She is of Eritrean descent and lives in Calgary, Alberta. Timnit completed her business studies and currently works as an Accountant.

She recently discovered yoga over the last couple of years and it has really had an amazing impact on her quality of life. She is passionate about yoga and all the benefits it has brought to her physical and mental health. She plans to train as a Yoga Instructor in the near future and teach in her own studio with the goal of sharing the power of yoga.

Some of her other passions include hiking and snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains as well as travelling. Timnit has travelled to more than 10 different countries around the world.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

Yoga, hiking and being in nature.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I play badminton recreationally.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

My colleague Elly and my dear friend Paris, I couldn’t narrow it down to one. Elly is also my dear friend, however, she and I are competitive with our education and careers. She always motivates, inspires and encourages me. As for my friend Paris, she has always been my loyal friend who is in my corner. She inspires me and always is supportive and encouraging. They have pulled me out of times in my life when I have felt stuck and I’m lucky to have them both!

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

Completing my business degree.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

I have done yoga with goats.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

I would like to become a Yoga Instructor. I have taken interest in yoga in the last couple years and it has really helped me find balance. I’m currently learning and building my skill level. I would like to own my own studio one day.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

I would like to own a Not-for-profit organization and a yoga studio.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was raised in Ontario and Alberta. I grew up in a family of six, my childhood was full of adventure and time spent outdoors.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I used to work in Banking. I thought it was interesting.

List any volunteering you have done.

I have volunteered for various charity organizations, tax clinics and city park clean up initiatives.

What is your most unusual talent?
I can flip my eyelids up. People hate to see it.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

Eritrea. It was interesting because I was able to see where my parents grew up and meet my relatives. It was an experience I will never forget.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

I hope to be working as a Yoga Instructor in my own studio.

Vivian Santizo

Height:  5’5
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Languages: English, Spanish
Occupation: Student (Communication and Media Studies at Carleton University)

Vivian Santizo, a proud Canadian hailing from Toronto, Ontario, carries with her the rich cultural heritage instilled by her immigrant Guatemalan parents. Growing up, Vivian immersed herself in the vibrant world of the performing arts and sports, dedicating her time to pursuits like cheerleading and singing. Through relentless determination and unwavering dedication, she achieved remarkable milestones, including competing at Cheerleading Worlds and gracing the stage of competitions like The Next Star. Inspired by her own journey, Vivian found her true purpose in coaching, where she discovered a profound calling to guide and empower others in realizing their aspirations.

Currently pursuing a degree in Communication and Media studies at Carleton University, Vivian is driven by a fervent desire to utilize her platform as a future television personality to foster positive dialogue and effect meaningful change. Alongside her academic pursuits, she remains deeply engaged in her community, lending her time and support to various charitable endeavors, including volunteering with organizations such as The Ottawa Mission, the Mississauga food bank, and the Canadian Hispanic Congress.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I enjoy volunteering in my community, and enjoy doing any kind of physical activity however i am most passionate about dancing as it allows me to express myself in a different way.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

Currently taking Latin Dance classes and hoping to join a performance team in the near future.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I have been a cheerleader for 13 years and i believe it shaped me to be the perservierent person I am today.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

The person who has been the biggest influence on me in my life is my childhood cheerleading coach Jasmine Tessier. Growing up I was not always the best athlete on the team, developing skills in cheerleading always took me a little longer than the other girls and that always made me feel less. It is something that made me feel insecure being in such a competitive sport. However, having Coach Jasmine by my side changed my outlook on life completely. She taught me that we should never feel less than anyone else because everyone learns things at a different pace and that is ok, we all have areas where we are stronger and areas where we can improve. Even the best athletes have passed through hardships but that does not make them any less great. Finally she taught me perseverance because no matter how many times I would fall on my face (literally) she would always be there to cheer me on and encourage me to try again, because its not about how many times you fall but how many times you can fall and get back up. Thanks to her I succeeded and fulfilled my cheerleading dreams, I achieved goals 9 year old me could not even imagine, all thanks to these incredible lessons I learned through hard work, dedication and my amazing coach in cheerleading and life, Jasmine.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

My proudest personal accomplishment to date is having the privilege to attend an amazing university. Being a child from an immigrant household one thing my parent wanted most for me is a quality education, and I am thankful to be able to fulfill that dream for myself and my parents.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

As a child my mom made me take piano lessons, however what I wanted to do more than anything was sing, so my mother enrolled me in singing classes with my piano teacher. The teacher was very old school and insisted I sing opera so for about a year I dedicated my time to singing opera. I eventually found a better suited vocal coach for my goals and ended up performing in many events and concerts. A particularly interesting one was Filipino fest where I sang an entire song in Tagalog, a language I do not speak at all. It was definitely a challenge as I knew I was going to be performing for people who spoke the language and could possibly judge me, but I risked it all and sang my heart out. To this day it was one of the best experiences I could have asked for because not only did the crowd love it but it made me realize that some risks are worth taking.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

My career ambition is to become a television host. I am working to make this career a reality by finishing my university degree, as well as gaining experience through being a television host at events such as Latin Awards Canada. I further continue my education outside of university by working alongside my Coach Silvia to strengthen my public speaking and soft skills through an integral education program.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job in life is to be Miss Universe Canada.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I grew up in a beautiful house in Mississauga Ontario. I am grateful to say my childhood was the best any child could ask for. I had food on my table, parents who loved me and sacrificed all they could so that I could have a good life. I made friends everywhere I went because as a child I was very outgoing and friendly. I of course had my fair share of bullying because of my weight however I never let it get me down. I grew up with three strong intelligent sisters who always reminded me that beauty comes from within and external beauty eventually fades therefore what is inside is what matters most. They encouraged me to look at the positive things in life, and focus on the people who make me happy, not those who criticize me. This allowed me to keep my confidence up and helped me stay strong even when times were tough. This positive outlook on life is something I have taken with me to this day and is what I would like to transmit on my journey through Miss Universe Canada.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

An interesting job I’ve had is getting to work with charities such as SOS children and Plan international, where I went door to door collecting donations. It is the most rewarding because everyday I would wake up knowing I helped change someone’s life in one way or another.

List any volunteering you have done.

I have volunteered with many charities such as The Ottawa Mission where I made food for the hungry, Mississauga Food bank where I sorted out food for the food bank, and finally with the Canadian Hispanic Congress where I created content for newcomers to Canada who were seeking resources.

What is your most unusual talent?

my most unusual talent is being able to move my ears on command

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

The most interesting place I have been to is the Nasca lines in Peru. No one knows how they got there because they are different shapes and they’re so big you need to climb many stairs or see them through a helicopter. The locals say it was aliens but everyone has their theories, it is one of the most beautiful and interesting things i’ve ever seen in my life. Definitely a must see.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In the next 10 years I see myself working my dream career of being a television host, and having achieved my goal of representing Canada in Miss universe. I hope to inspire everyone I meet on this journey that anything is possible if you fully surrender and believe in yourself.I see myself with a beautiful family of my own where I can pass down values and lessons I have learned along the way. These however are rough plans because life doesn’t always give you what you want when you want it, therefore I am always open to change and willing to embrace it.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

My name “Vivian” which means full of life and thats how I like to live out everyday.

Wranga Bedar

Height: 5’6
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English, Dutch, Dari, Pashto, Hindi
Occupation:

Wranga, born in Afghanistan and raised in The Netherlands, moved to Canada in 2019 to pursue her legal career. Driven by a commitment to fairness and justice, her multicultural background shapes her advocacy passion. With degrees in law from both civil and common law jurisdictions, including a Bachelor of Law degree from Inholland University of Applied Sciences and a Master of Law degree from the University of Toronto, she possesses a diverse skill set. Currently a lawyer licensing candidate with the Law Society of Ontario, Wranga is preparing to practice law in Canada. Fluent in English, Dutch, Dari, Pashto, and Hindi, she connects with diverse communities. Beyond law, Wranga volunteers with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada and enjoys tennis and hiking. These experiences rejuvenate her and foster a sense of connection with the world.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I find the greatest joy in using my voice and skills to advocate for justice, connecting with people, and immersing myself in the beauty of nature. These interests and activities bring balance to my life and give me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

I received training in street dance during my childhood and learned the basics of Tango as an adult.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

As a child, I participated in gymnastics, and now as an adult, I enjoy playing tennis with friends.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

My grandma was a huge influence on my life. Despite facing tough times, she showed incredible resilience. She got married young in an arranged marriage and raised eleven children, including my mother, making sure they all got an education even though she couldn’t read.

She went through a lot, but she always loved her home country, Afghanistan. She taught me to appreciate our traditions and roots. I loved hearing her stories and spending time with her. She showed me how to find joy in the simple things. She was a beautiful and graceful woman who always took good care of her appearance, even as a grandmother of 36 grandchildren.

Though she passed away in September 2023, her spirit and wisdom still guide me. I’m thankful for the lessons she taught me and the beauty she brought into my life. I will always carry her memory with me, honouring her in everything I do.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

One of my proudest achievements, aside from being part of this pageant, is my brave decision to relocate to a new country amidst the chaos of a global pandemic. Without the usual support from friends or family, I embarked on a fresh start, immersing myself in a new culture and language. Additionally, I worked hard to earn my Master of Law degree in a different legal system to become a licensed lawyer in Canada.

Despite facing challenges like losing my mother and grandmother within months of each other, I remained determined to achieve my goals and shape my own future. This experience has strengthened me and made me more independent, reinforcing my belief in the power of embracing change.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

What sets me apart is my ability to find beauty and strength in tough times. I have learned to embrace change and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether adapting to a new legal system or keeping my cultural heritage alive in a new place, I have found joy in every moment while staying true to myself.

My journey shows the resilience of the human spirit and the power of determination. It’s not just about reaching a goal; it’s about the experiences and lessons that shape who we are. I’m proud to share my story, hoping to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and chase their dreams with determination.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

My career goal is to promote fairness, justice, and service, especially for marginalized communities. With a diverse legal background, I aim to use my skills to bridge cultural gaps and advocate for those facing challenges.

I’m also dedicated to supporting those affected by illness, drawing from my own experiences.

Outside of work, I enjoy tennis and hiking to stay balanced. Through the Miss Universe Canada journey, I’m proud to champion ‘beauty with purpose’ and advocate for global change. Let’s work together to create a world of compassion and justice.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job is to blend my love for law with my commitment to social justice. I see myself in a role where I empower others, drive lasting change, and make a real impact on society.

As I start my journey with Miss Universe Canada, I’m thrilled to use this platform to speak up and encourage others to chase their dreams with passion and purpose.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, to hardworking parents—a nurse and an engineer. When I was 7 years old, my family fled the war in Afghanistan and sought safety in the Netherlands. Despite their high education in Afghanistan, my parents had to start from scratch when we moved to the Netherlands, all for the sake of giving my siblings and me a better life.

Life in the Netherlands was about resilience and sticking together as a family. Despite the challenges of adjusting, we found joy in each other’s company and cherished family moments. My parents always emphasized the importance of education, working tirelessly in small jobs to provide us with the best opportunities. Thanks to their sacrifices, my siblings and I are all well-educated—me in law in Canada, my sister in pharmacy in the Netherlands, and my brother on his way to becoming a plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, United States.

In 2022, my mother was diagnosed with cancer, and I went back to the Netherlands to care for her. Her passing in 2023 left a huge gap, but her love and strength continue to guide me. Through grief, I have found support from family and friends, which has fueled my determination to live life to the fullest, just as my mother wanted.

Joining Miss Universe Canada, I bring with me the lessons of resilience, compassion, and gratitude instilled by my upbringing. I’m honoured to share my story and pay tribute to my family’s legacy of love and strength.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

Working at a refugee law firm was incredibly meaningful for me. Helping people seeking asylum in Canada, many escaping violence and persecution, was an honour. As a former refugee myself, I deeply connected with their struggles.

Assisting them through the complex application process filled me with pride. Their gratitude, shown through prayers and referrals, was truly rewarding. It taught me that true fulfillment comes from making a positive impact on others’ lives.

This experience reinforced my belief in empathy, compassion, and advocacy for the vulnerable. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such meaningful work, and I carry the lessons learned with me as I pursue my aspirations of making a difference in the world.

List any volunteering you have done.

I served as a liaison between sponsors and contributors to projects in the field of education, integration, and development aimed at Afghan students in the Netherlands.

What is your most unusual talent?

My most unusual talent is being able to roll my tongue upside down.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

British Columbia, Canada, has a special place in my heart. From the lively city of Vancouver to the peaceful landscapes of Whistler and Vancouver Island, this diverse region has captivated me.

During a solo trip, I took a breathtaking gondola ride to Whistler. The stunning views of towering peaks and lush forests left me in awe, bringing a deep sense of peace.

Exploring Vancouver and its surroundings, like hiking in Grouse Mountain, gave me moments of reflection and self-discovery. British Columbia’s natural beauty, from Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline to Whistler’s majestic mountains, has left a lasting impression on me. It’s a place full of adventure and inspiration, and I’m grateful for the memories and lessons it’s given me.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I see myself living a life filled with purpose, gratitude, and a strong dedication to making a meaningful difference. Joining Miss Universe Canada marks the start of this journey, and I’m excited for the opportunities and challenges it brings. Every step I take will lead me closer to achieving my dreams and creating a better future for everyone.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

I like to mention my dedication to advocating for refugee rights and supporting those affected by cancer, based on my own experiences. I’m also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, whether in the legal field or beauty pageantry. These topics are close to my heart, and I’m always ready to share my thoughts and have meaningful conversations about them.

Yasmine Johnson

Height: 5’7
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English, French (conversational)
Occupation: Student (Criminology and French at Toronto Metropolitan University)

Yasmine is a Canadian university student working towards receiving her Bachelor of Arts, specializing in Criminology and French. She is new to the pageant world, but does not allow that to stop her from stepping out of her comfort zone to showcase her confidence that radiates on the inside and out! Her degree will allow her to succeed in her passion to be a social justice lawyer, representing victims of police brutality. Currently, she is working towards becoming a model through her dedication to living a healthy lifestyle and becoming the best version of herself by being active consistently.

Despite being a full-time student, Yasmine takes time out of her life to make positive change in the world. She uses her resources and personal experience to make connections with people from less fortunate communities, especially the homeless population. Through volunteering out of the goodness of her heart, she aspires to work with women who struggle to find homes, along with their children. She believes that everyone deserves equal opportunity, no matter what their upbringing is.

As a young woman of confidence and dedication, Yasmine can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. She is very passionate about her social justice advocacy, and plans to open her own law firm one day. She aspires to continue fitness and beauty modeling as well, and loves visiting countries around the world to build connections with a variety of cultures.

Miss Universe Canada gives Yasmine the golden opportunity to raise awareness to social issues in Canada, such as homelessness and domestic violence. Her main goal in this experience is to shine a light on these matters, and her charity work leading up to the pageant will continue once the pageant is over. Yasmine tremendously looks forward to the opportunities that arise in being able to connect with other women who want to work together to empower each other. She is inspired by Kate Angell’s quote, “Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates”, as this competition is not only centered on what is on the outside, but also the intentions that come from within to make the world a better place.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I am tremendously interested in becoming the best version of myself, and I accomplish this through going to the gym five days a week, challenging myself to cook new recipes, and journaling. A new hobby of mine has been going to watch jazz shows with my little sister, and helping each other get ready by doing our hair and makeup. I love trying new things such as hiking, exploring new cities, modeling, and yoga. What I enjoy the most is empowering people my age to let their voices be heard and to stand up for what they believe in, and I do this through motivating phone calls or in person discussions.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

In elementary school, I was a member of the school choir team as I have always had a passion for singing. In addition to this club, I participated in singing lessons outside of school which assisted in improving the range of my voice. I took drama classes throughout high school and although this was not professional training, I still learned a lot from my teacher about gaining confidence in being in front of large crowds. Participating in these singing and drama classes definitely sparked my interest in performing on a stage, especially on a pageant stage.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

As a child I played a variety of sports, as I have always had interest in being active to maintain a healthy lifestyle and body. I have participated in soccer, tennis, track & field, swimming, and I was the only girl in my martial arts class in high school! If the gym counts as a sport, you can find me there almost any day of the week.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

One person who has had the most influence on my life is my little sister, Anaya. Being blessed with a little sister is equivalent to having a forever best friend and when she was born, my life changed for the better. Everything I do and the dreams I work towards are influenced by her, as every decision I make is to make her proud. Having someone who looks up to me has taught me that unconditional love means doing anything for someone without limits. A sibling relationship is the longest lasting relationship in our lives, and I strive to inspire my little sister that she can accomplish her dreams while being a confident young woman.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

My proudest personal accomplishment is escaping toxic relationships, and through all of this I have kept love in my heart. Without getting into too much detail, I worked very hard to get out of environments that were negatively impacting my physical and emotional health. I suffered from anxiety, as I always had fear of not knowing what my day was going to look like. After getting myself out of these situations, I made mental health my priority and began to go to the gym consistently, which connected me to my emotions. I also began to journal which really helped me feel and understand my feelings. I used to ignore my thoughts and believed that what I was going through was normal, until I took a leap of faith and turned into a happy young woman. My life began to turn around for the better once I got out of these situations, and I have been blessed with opportunities that I never imagined having.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

The most interesting thing about me is I love to go against gender stereotypes, and I do this through participating in activities that society believes only males can do. I love building furniture, I can drive a moving truck, I can change oil in a car, and I can change a car battery. Many men laugh at me when I tell them that I am passionate about doing these things, but I laugh right back in their face and prove to them that anyone can do these tasks. I believe that this is interesting because I do not allow outside voices to get in the way of me accomplishing things that women tend to steer away from out of fear that they will be judged. Something that happened to me in relation to this is that everyone is very surprised when I tell them that I have built all of the furniture in my room, and I think it would be interesting if I started a business where I offer lessons to teach women how to do these things.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

My career ambition is to be a social justice lawyer who represents victims of police brutality, as minorities struggle to find representation when they experience this. Many people are under the assumption that police brutality is not as big as an issue in Canada compared to the United States, and this explains the lack of lawyers who work in the social justice field. I would like to create equity in our country and raise awareness to the fact that police brutality does exist in Canada. It is important that these victims have their voices heard through legal representation, and this will tackle the social issue of systemic racism. I plan to accomplish this goal by completing my undergrad in criminology, followed by going to law school to eventually become a lawyer. I also intend on doing community work while completing school to gain more experience in working with these victims on a daily basis.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My “dream job” in life is to be a well-known beauty and/or fitness model who has partnerships in various countries, so that I can live my dream of traveling the world while also modeling. I would love to get paid to travel, and I also have a great passion for being in front of the camera. Modeling will provide me with opportunities to meet people around the world, and I will also get to explore places I have dreamed of visiting. With great interest in makeup, hair, and fitness, I would love to work in fields that highlight these aspects through the model industry.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was raised in Toronto and Mississauga by my loving and hardworking mom. Despite not being the richest person, my mom did what she could to ensure that my sister and I had a happy childhood. I spent my childhood spending a lot of time with my little sister and helping my mom take care of her when she was busy cooking or working. We valued girl time, and my mom organized arts and crafts for us to do, along with spa days where we would do each other’s nails and hair. As a child, I also spent a lot of time with my cousins at family gatherings, and we would play board games or dominoes at our sleepovers. Through my family’s challenges and struggles in my childhood, I thank my mom for molding my sister and I into the strong and confident young women we are today. My sister and I loved going to the park with our neighbours to play games and stay active together, especially in the summer.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

Since I have stuck to the hospitality industry in all my jobs, an interesting job I have had is my current job as a server. It may sound generic and uninteresting, but everyday is a new experience at my work. I meet many different people every single day, and I learn about their backgrounds/lives through conversations at the table. I am also always on the go through my job which makes it more fun, in addition to the work events we have (e.g., Blue Mountain). Another interesting job I have done was helping my friend with his business where he cooked and handed out hot meals to homeless people for Thanksgiving. Although it was volunteering, it made me feel better than any amount of money could make me feel as I put a smile on people’s faces by giving them dinner.

List any volunteering you have done.

I believe that volunteering is a great way to discover things that you are passionate about, as you are doing it out of the goodness of your heart and not for money. I have been volunteering since I was a young child, and I look forward to participating in other volunteering as I get older and have more knowledge to give to communities. My volunteering experience includes:

Bake sale with the United Way
School Christmas Show
Basketball game for underprivileged youth
Hosted a clothing drive to donate to the Kidney Foundation of Canada
Zumba fundraising event for my friend who passed away from brain cancer
Handing out meals to homeless people

What is your most unusual talent?

My most unusual talent is that I have dreams that predict events which happen in the future. I like to think of this as a psychic power, as I always have dreams or nightmares and then they come true a few days later. For instance, I had a very vivid nightmare of a bridge collapsing one night and a few days later, I seen on the news that a bridge collapsed in another country. I hope that one day I can use this talent to predict the winning lottery numbers!

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

The most interesting place I have been to is an island in the Caribbean named St. Maarten. I have visited the island 3 times, as I love exploring the different culture and way of life that is evident there. The island is separated into a Dutch and French side, and I find it very fascinating how different each of the sides are. There, I also got to experience the steepest zip-line in the world, along with their unique airport where the planes fly right over your head on the beach. I love meeting people from around the world, especially in Caribbean cultures, as it connects me to my roots. Their fresh food and beautiful beaches make the island an amazing place to experience.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years I will be 31 years old, and I anticipate living my dream life while doing what I love. I hope to be a well-known model who has completed work in empowering young women to step out of their comfort zones and take risks (for instance speaking at schools, etc). I also hope to be a lawyer with my own law firm that hires and gives opportunities to young individuals who want to work in the social justice field. I would love to have visited a large amount of countries, where I participate in charity work to raise money for victims of domestic violence. I would like to be known as the face of beauty and fitness brands that I model for, while also walking a few runway shows. In addition, in ten years I hope to have my own family started while being in a loving and healthy relationship. I want to accomplish everything that people said I couldn’t do.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

I would like to add that becoming Miss Universe Canada will give me the platform to voice what I am passionate about, while inspiring young girls who look like me to broadcast their beauty. The personal challenges I have went through in my life at home make me stand out, as I went against the odds by even having the courage to apply to this competition. The fact that I have the opportunity to be part of Miss Universe Canada is a blessing in itself, and I am confident that no matter who is crowned the winner, I will make a difference in the world. I cannot wait to empower young women to realize that there is a light at the end of every tunnel, and things always get better when you have a positive outlook on life.

Zeinab Anvari

Height: 5’3
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Languages: English, Persian
Occupation: Child Care Educator

Zeinab was born in Iran and she is proud Canadian citizen living in Edmonton, Alberta. The challenges in her childhood equipped her with hard work and resilience. She has got her Bachelore Degree in Education and she has been working in child care for twelve years. Zeinab believes art is the best way to express ourselves, so she spends her free time doing mixed media arts and singing especially in her mother tongue which connects her to her background.

Zeinab also enjoys dancing. Aerobic and Zumba classes are her favorites.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

Dancing, hanging out with friends.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

I have taken singing lessons for 3 years.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

Aerobics

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

After my divorce, I was lost and broken, never thought that I can stand on my feet and build my life again. Luckily I got directed to a spiritual mentor. He definitely helped me to believe in myself and be grateful for who am I.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

Raising a healthy, happy, funny, soccer player, talented boy all by myself.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

I might look calm and shy, but there is a fire of passion and eager for life underneath my quiet face.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

I absolutely like my job and spending time with children. I would like to help more children who are suffering from financial and emotional challenges.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

I can say I am doing my dream job right now. As a successful Educator after 12 years working with early years I am standing where I meant to be. I am capable to create a warm and bright environment for children.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was born and raised in Iran. My childhood passed during the war between Iran and Iraq (1980-1988). Stress, fear and unsecured life turned my childhood into a dreadful years. Especially those 2 years that my Dad was a soldier and we had no news from him. Poverty was the next disaster chapter of my childhood. All those pain has made me more certain to create happy, wealthy, and cheerful moments for my son and all the children in my care.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

For a very short time I was a secretary in an institution but soon I realized that is not for me.

List any volunteering you have done.

I have been volunteering in our community gatherings, from setting up the venue to sing in different occasions.

What is your most unusual talent?

Sometimes when I am bored, I go to my closet and change some of my clothes style. For example making the skirts shorter or adding another piece of fabric to my blouse. (very classic designer)

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

Since my back home (Iran) is one of the rich culture and had a long pearsion history. Art (miniature) in Iran is mind blowing, specially in Isfahan.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

I would like to be an influencer in people’s life. Particularly for children and women.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

I am so greatful to be here today. My life has been better and better since I believed I can do this. I am so proud of who I am. All the difficulties and challenges made me stronger and more confident. It is my turn to shine.

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