Miss Universe® Canada 2008 - The Magic Continues

AGE: 23 | HEIGHT: 5'8" | HOMETOWN: KAPUSKASING, ON

Born in Northern Ontario, Kimberly was raised in Kapuskasing and moved to Ottawa 6 years ago. She attended La Cité Collégiale and graduated in Communications-Marketing. Kimberly is presently a student at Carleton University studying in Public Affairs and Policy Management.

She is currently employed with the Government of Canada working in Human Resources, which she really enjoys. At some point in her career, Kimberly would love to be involved in the development of HR Policies since she believes that a fair and equitable workplace is the key to great success.

Sponsored by: The Amalfi Spa, The City of Ottawa, Family and Friends.

Biography (click to open) ±

Kimberly actively supports and is involved with many different charities. She is a volunteer for the Government of Canada Workforce Charitable Campaign, which is a major supporter of United Way and Health Partners as well as all registered charities across Canada. She also supports the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa along with the Christmas Smiles for Seniors Program, which provides gifts to elderly people during the holiday season.

Her passion and curiosity for discovery is what makes her life worthwhile. Kimberly enjoys learning about the cultures of the world and understanding people's differences. She believes that if we can learn something about someone else, we can also learn something about ourselves at the same time. She believes that individuality is what makes people so fascinating.

Kimberly's best attributes are her outgoing personality as well as her goal-oriented mindset. She keeps busy with various hobbies, which include traveling whenever she can, baseball, rollerblading and swimming.

If chosen as Miss Universe Canada, Kimberly would use this opportunity to promote Sustainable Development and help people understand that this program is not just about the environment, it is also about a better quality of life for now and our future generations.

Questionnaire (click to open) ±

Are you currently a student? Yes
If yes, where? Carleton University
Area of study: My area of study is Public Affairs & Policy Management

Are you currently employed? If yes, what is your occupation?
Yes, at the Canada Revenue Agency, I work in Human Resources.

Have you completed secondary school? If yes, where?
Yes, Cite des Jeunes in Kapuskasing, Ontario.

Have you completed university/college? If yes, where?
Yes, Graduate from La Cite Collegiale in Communications- Marketing in Ottawa, Ontario.

Have you completed any technical/professional school? N/A

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)
French (Native Language), English

In what sports, if any, have you participated and how long have you participated in each sport?
I have been playing Baseball since the early age of 7 years old. (16 years) I played hockey while I was in High School. (4 years) I played Volleyball on and off (approx 4 years)

Please list any schools and universities (public/private/graduate/trade or technical) you have or are attending, as well as the area of study, graduation date and any degree or certification you received.
I am a Graduate from La Cite Collegiale with a degree in Communications- Marketing. (April 2005)
I am presently attending Carleton University, studying in Public Affairs & Policy Management.

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
Government of Canada Workforce Charitable Campaign
United Way
Health Partners
The Children Aids Society of Ottawa
Christmas Smiles for Seniors

What would be your "dream job" in life?
My dream job would be, to be the proud owner of a very successful Modeling Agency.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
John Lennon - Because he once quoted: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" and I truly believe this. As much as you want to plan your every step, there will always be some bumps along the way, some will be good, some will be bad but the key to happiness is to keep going, to accept and to learn.

What is the proudest personal accomplishment (other than being in this or any other beauty pageant competition)?
In the summer of 2004, I moved to British Columbia for work. It was a last minute decision but a life changing experience; it gave me the opportunity to learn who I really was as a person and what values are important to me. It was by far the best decision I ever made.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
At some point in my career, I would like to be involved in the development of HR Policies. I am at the moment attending Carleton University in Public Affairs & Policy Management in order to attain this goal.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in Kapuskasing, which is in Northern Ontario. I had a pretty good childhood, I am the oldest of two and I actually got along pretty well with my younger brother, which made it easier.
Kapuskasing is a small community, there were never any worries with us running around and playing outdoors.
I kept busy with sports and community events.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
During the summer of 2004 I was employed under the Young Canada Works Program. I was flown out to British Columbia for the summer and placed in a rural community where I had the opportunity to work for a non-profit Organization that specialized in providing services to persons with mental and physical disabilities while using the principle of normalization as its basic philosophy. It was by far the most challenging yet rewarding work I have ever done.

List any volunteering you have done.
I am an active member of the Employment Equity Committee in the Canada Revenue Agency. I have been volunteering for the Canada Revenue Agency Awards of Excellence for the past three years. I have also volunteered for the Public Service Commission's new Marketing Campaign. I also volunteered my time to direct a fashion show for the 5th Annual Multicultural Night held by the Headquarters Advisory Committee for Visible Minorities. I volunteered as the master of ceremony for the Canada Revenue Agency's Star Search Show that was organized in order to raise money for United Way.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?
I would probably have to say the Canadian Rockies. It literally took my breath away; I personally think it is the most gorgeous place. The area is so surreal, yet peaceful. There was just something about that place that inspired me and reminded me that I had a purpose. We are lucky to have such a Country with amazing places.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
I am real; basically what you see is what you get. I am not complicated. I know who I am and I know what is important to me. New things fascinate me and I love learning. I acknowledge and understand the differences between people and I have no problem adapting if necessary.

What is your philosophy of/in life?
I am a go-getter and I truly believe that if you want something really bad, only you make it happen. I believe that dreams are only dreams until they become a reality. Sometimes life is about taking risks, but if you don't risk anything you risk even more. Basically, life is too short, do what makes you happy because in the end that is all that matters.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
In ten years I hope to be very successful in my career, I wouldn't mind being married and to maybe have children. I hope to be as happy as I am today, if not more.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself? Something unique that has happened to you? Some interesting thing about you?
When I was three and half months old my family adopted me. I grew up in Kapuskasing, Northern Ontario. Growing up I always knew that I was adopted; it was no secret. When I turned 18 years old I opened my adoption file for communication with any of my biological parents. I was never really missing anything in my life and I was not treated any differently and so therefore finding them was only adding to it.

Last summer Social Services contacted me and after years of research they finally found them and they were interested in communicating with me. I have met my biological father and my meeting with my biological mother is yet to come. This chapter of my life has only been positive and I am grateful for my path as it makes me who I am.