Miss Universe® Canada 2008 - The Magic Continues

AGE: 26 | HEIGHT: 5'6" | HOMETOWN: ETOBICOKE, ON

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and the youngest of four children, Sharon quickly learned the importance of finding one's voice - she is a vibrant, intelligent, articulate young woman, driven towards success in all that she does.

Being a role model for young women and giving back to her community is essential to Sharon's outlook on life. Through example, Sharon hopes to teach young girls (like her God-daughters Shalini and Shivana) that to dream big is wonderful, and that through hard work and dedication we can make our dreams come true.

Sponsored by: J.P. Maintenance, G&F Auto, Amanda-Lina's Sposa Boutique, Physiomed Burnamthrope; Illkidz "Toronto's #1 Dj Crew", Me@You SPRL, UBI Me & You Ltd., Melissa Barrotti for ProMakeUp, Shanti Georgiou, Neelam Gabi, James and Shirley Persaud, Family and Friends.

Biography (click to open) ±

Sharon's travel experiences have contributed to her overall appreciation for what it means to be a Canadian Citizen and a young woman of colour in today's society. She believes that the Miss Universe title provides a wonderful opportunity for the winner to communicate with Canadian and world youth that life is not limited to the sky - that there is, in fact a whole universe out there yet to be explored.

Upon completion of the Liberal Arts and Science Diploma at Humber College, Sharon obtained her OMVIC license shortly after and has been working in the Automotive Industry for the past several years. As a woman who always puts one hundred and ten percent into everything she does, Sharon successfully worked her way through Sales and earned a position as a Customer Relations Manager. From there, Sharon's determination to succeed helped her to rise to the position of Area Sales Manager.

With continued hard work and dedication to her chosen career, Sharon currently occupies the role of Account Manager. The communication skills acquired from working nearly a decade in the Automotive Industry has increased Sharon's overall confidence, and her religious family upbringing keeps her grounded to what is truly important in life. If chosen to represent young women as Miss Universe Canada, Sharon will dedicate herself to promoting the sanctity of our children, and the importance of the female voice within our great country.

Sharon extends her heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to her parents, and friends, and to all her supporters for the positive energy they provide her with on a daily basis. To all her fellow Miss Universe candidates Sharon extends congratulations for all that you have achieved, and hopes that every one of you continues to have success and support in all that you do.

Questionnaire (click to open) ±

Are you currently employed? Yes
If yes, what is your occupation? Account Manager at First Class Financial Services Inc.

Have you completed secondary school? Yes
If yes, where? Don Bosco Secondary School

Have you completed university/college? Yes
If yes, where? Humber College of Applied Arts and Science

Have you completed any technical/professional school? Yes
If yes, where? Georgian College for Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry of Canada

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

In what sports, if any, have you participated and how long have you participated in each sport?
In high school, I participated in the 3 on 3 basketball tournaments and the team as well as track and field.

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.
Georgian College, Automotive Industry. June 2003
OMVIC certification

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
Love in action, breast cancer, and church events.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
To travel the world exploring and discovering different cultures and places as a host of my very own show

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
Oprah Winfrey has had a big influence on my life. I look up to her as my role model because she is a true example that women who are determined to succeed can do and be anything they set their focus to achieve!

What is the proudest personal accomplishment (other than being in this or any other beauty pageant competition)?
My proudest personal accomplishment is that at the age of 23 I was promoted to become the only female manager at Acura Woodbine running a whole department of staff and getting recognition from Acura head office for my achievements, then going on to become an area sales manager.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to get into the television media industry. I plan on going back to school to accomplish this goal.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in Toronto, Ontario by my parents. I am the last of four children, so my older siblings also played a key role in my upbringing of strong moral values. In my childhood education was always stressed as well as keeping with a close nit family always spending all the holidays and celebrating special events together. My family is my biggest support and the strongest foundation I could ever ask for! And without them I would not be a cultured and independent individual.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
Automotive sales person.

List any volunteering you have done.
Tutoring youth, modeling for special causes to raise monies for charity.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?
Japan. Japan's temples, pagodas, gardens and teahouses are amazing! I especially loved the spectacular Japanese cherry blossom festivals and breath taking castles.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
My personality and charisma for life. I am often told that I have a fascinating positive attitude for life that has been known to mesmerize and captivate people.

What is your philosophy of/in life?
My philosophy is: 'What won't kill you, will make you stronger' and 'If God brings it to me, he will bring me thru it'!

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
Raising my very own family as well as acting as a strong role model for youth influencing them to be successful in all aspects of their lives.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself? Something unique that has happened to you? Some interesting thing about you?
I have always been very interested in the auto industry. I started selling vehicles (Acura's) and within 4 months I was promoted to a departmental manager, managing over 10 staff members at the age of 23 that were a lot older than me. I excelled in that position and was recognized with Awards for my success. At the age of 24, I was hired as a Regional Sales manager for Wells Fargo Auto Finance.

I quickly grew my territory and was offered an Account Manager position at a financial brokerage, for auto financing, so I have been very successful in this male dominated industry in a short time period which shows that ambition, determination and drive can bring success!