Miss Universe® Canada 2008 - The Magic Continues

AGE: 26 | HEIGHT: 5'8" | HOMETOWN: OTTAWA, ON

Ronjiny was born in Toronto and raised in eight different countries including Serbia, Korea, Romania, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia and India. This upbringing instilled an international outlook to life and a deep appreciation for different cultures. She is passionate about the arts, fashion, traveling and social work concerning rural development.

She graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor in Sociology. Ronjiny aims to apply her education and experience in working with underprivileged children and women in rural communities to better understand their needs and inspire them to achieve their goals.

Sponsored by: Poised Boutique, Soundara Rajan, Bob Peters Garage, Mary Peters, Seema Haider - Makeup Artist, Go-Pals Designers Shoes, Family and Friends.

Biography (click to open) ±

Having worked with children in rural areas of India, she realized the greatest satisfaction in life is when you put your 100% into helping someone else lead a better life and to smile. She truly believes the best form of worship is to be happy and grateful in life.

Ronjiny is looking forward to what the days of the pageant will hold for her and the journey itself, which is where true growth occurs.

Her strongest belief is that behind every event, positive or negative, there is a purpose and one should learn and grow from it.

Questionnaire (click to open) ±

Are you currently a student? No

Are you currently employed? If yes, what is your occupation?
Yes, I am a program analyst for the U.S. Business Development Division at Foreign Affairs Canada & international Trade.

Have you completed secondary school? If yes, where?
Yes, in Russia (Anglo-American School) and India (Kodaikanal International School)

Have you completed university/college? If yes, where?
Yes, at the University of Ottawa

Have you completed any technical/professional school? No

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)
English and Bengali

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc).
Dance - "Uday Shankar" - fusion of jazz, ballet, Flamenco and Indian classical
Art - visual artist (6 years)

In what sports, if any, have you participated and how long have you participated in each sport?
Tennis - since age 10
Swimming - since age 11
Rowing - since age 15

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.
University of Ottawa - Graduated in 2005 with a Baccalaureate in Social Sciences in Sociology

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
Canadian breast cancer foundation
Society for international development
Art of living foundation - international humanitarian foundation in association with the UN participating in activities related to health, education, sustainable development and conflict resolution.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
My dream job would be working with and educating underprivileged children and women through building relations with them and applying my social development skills, education, and international background.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
Sri Sri Ravishankar - founder of the Art of Living foundation. He has taught me the meaning behind "less is more," by reminding me of life's simplicities and beauties and how to transcend obstacles. He influenced me with his ability to teach knowledge with FEWER WORDS, each holding great meaning to them.

What is the proudest personal accomplishment (other than being in this or any other beauty pageant competition)
Going for my acting dreams in a foreign land, and coming out of it strong and even more knowledgeable despite not reaching my goal. The journey itself was a great accomplishment.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
Helping underprivileged communities through the power of knowledge, health, AND education. Using my sociology background and international development working skills, I aim to help open a school in a rural community and educate individuals on maintaining a healthy lifestyle (emotionally and physically) in staying strong in body, mind and soul.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in 8 different countries (Serbia, Korea, Romania, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, India and Canada) due to my father's job with the Canadian foreign services. After moving constantly to new environments and ways of life, I learned to accept the joys and pains of leaving and making new friends. As a result I can say I am a well-cultured individual with a passion for multiculturalism. I developed the ability to easily adjust to new situations and identify with people with different backgrounds.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
In applying my passion for art, during my initial years at University I freelanced painting murals for children's bedrooms. It was the most fun job I had and I felt I was reliving my childhood while painting my favourite characters and bringing bedroom walls to life with playful images.

List any volunteering you have done.
Art of Living Foundation
International humanitarian foundation in association with the United Nations, focusing on stress reduction and spiritual cleansing as well as engagement in community events
Development projects and field work; working with sustaining literacy amongst children in rural regions of South India.
Conducted meetings at regional Universities, administration and corresponding with University officials
Teaching English to Children in Rural schools in South India
Mural painting for rural schools in South India
Society for International Development
Website design and implementation for Ottawa office: www.sidottawa.ca
Made honourary member of the committee
Environmental Advisory Committee
Website design and implementation for Ottawa committee: www.ottawaeac.com
Soup Kitchen in Moscow

Where is the most interesting place you have been?
I lived in Moscow during impressionable years of my life (teenage years) and grew a deep appreciation and familiarity with its culture and the warmth of the people. I enjoyed the fusion blend in its culture that was reflected in the arts, dance, architecture and even language. I fell in love with the eastern and western ideologies integrated in Russia's traditions.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
I would say it is my international identity and familiarity with multiculturalism. Living in different countries has taught me to see the similarities we all share rather than to focus on our differences.

What is your philosophy of/in life?
Everything happens for a reason - the trick is to learn and grow from the experience.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
I hope to be carrying out my dreams in my profession and leading a balanced life personally and professionally. I also aim to give my 100% in my job and in helping others.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself? Something unique that has happened to you? Some interesting thing about you?
I got the opportunity to see the world at an early age, which has made me the person I am today. It has taught me that an ideal woman stands for strength, intelligence, love, and self-respect and is aware of her environment and never compromises her self-worth.