What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

I once went on a 4 day Outdoor Education winter field trip (Average temperature: -23°C). We had to cross-country ski for 5 hours uphill to our destination which was suppose to have snow-caves built and waiting for us. We arrived to find the snow drifts had completely covered our snow-caves. So we built an emergency shelter out of tarps but it couldn’t fit all of us. I was one of the few who volunteered to sleep in my sleeping bag in the snow with no shelter in the middle of the Rocky Mountains! The next day we built two snow caves and improved the emergency shelter. Overall it was an amazing experience that taught me we are always capable of more than we can imagine.

What Charity/charities have you supported with your time and /or resources over the past two years?

The Hospice Foundation (Calgary)
The Heart and Stroke Foundation
Stars Ambulance
The Cancer Foundation
The Calgary Interfaith Food Bank
World-Vision
Saskatchewan Elks and Royal Purple
The Royal Canadian Legion
The Progress Club
I also volunteer my time with many other business organizations.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My “dream job” would be to become Miss Universe Canada. It would give me the opportunity to work with some wonderful charity organizations and make a difference in the world. I also believe the life experiences I would gain would help further my career aspirations.

In the future I would like to work as an event coordinator planning large charity fundraising events and continue working as a freelance advertising consultant.

Name one personal accomplishment (in addition to being a Miss Universe Canada contestant) that makes you especially proud.

I am especially proud of producing and hosting “The First Annual Kensington Miss Sun and Salsa Pageant” in Calgary, Alberta. The pageant takes place in the Kensington community during their big “Sun and Salsa” summer festival. The festival supports The Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank and each year they have over 50,000 people attending. I coordinated every aspect of the pageant from advertising, music selection, runway routines, to getting the sponsorships needed. In all I was able to raise over $10,000 in sponsorships and prize donations.

The contestants not only competed in this pageant but they also did fashion shows for 10 local clothing stores during the festival. In the end we found the perfect representative for the community. I loved every minute and ounce of hard work that went into putting the pageant together, including being the master of ceremonies for the event. I am looking forward to next year and continuing to improve the pageant. I am also looking forward to planning a large charity fundraising dinner for World Vision in February 2006.

What is the most important thing you want people to know about you?

I am a hardworking friendly person who can get along with anyone. But most importantly my dream is to make a difference in this world and be successful at whatever I do.

What are your favorite movie, song, sport and food?

Favorite Movie: any Harry Potter movie; I started reading these books to my family and got completely immersed in them. I absolutely love the authors imagination and I think they have done an incredible job bring the imagery to life on the big screen.

Favorite Song: Only Time by Enya; I once wrote a college paper to this song. I listened to it for 4½ hours on repeat because it was the only song I could get to play on the library computer. I didn’t mind though it’s such a peaceful song, it allowed me to concentrate and block out everyone else in the library.

Favorite Sport: Basketball and Running; I played basketball for about 6 years and I not only loved that it helped keep me in shape but I liked being a part of a team. I have been running since I was little kid, I always enjoyed being on the cross-country team. I continue to run now because it keeps me healthy and I enjoy the sense of accomplishment get from it. I love setting myself a goal, reaching it, and saying to myself “you can make to the end of the street”, getting there and saying it to myself again, constantly pushing myself a little further each time.

Favorite Food: Strawberries, Pasta and Potatoes (I am part Irish, so how could I not love my potatoes!)

What would you like to accomplish if you win the Miss Universe Canada title?

First and foremost I want to be a role model to young women across this country. I would like to help motivate youth to be involved in extra curricular activities, such as pageants or sports. Anything that helps them builds self confidence and develops life skills. In addition to that I would also like to work closely with children’s hospitals, diabetes foundations and hospice and cancer foundations. As well as promoting not drinking and driving and living a healthy lifestyle.

A motto that has served you as inspiration.

“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” - Author Unknown