Miss Universe® Canada 2008 - The Magic Continues

AGE: 26 | HEIGHT: 5'9" | HOMETOWN: CALGARY, AB

Stephanie Koo was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and lives a fusion of eastern and western cultures. She is extremely proud to be Canadian, and also has strong Asian values instilled in her. She is world-wise due to her penchant for adventurous travel and exploration into the unknown.

Stephanie speaks three languages - French, English, Mandarin - and loves to immerse herself in the world's colorful spectrum of culture, art, language, and, most importantly, people. She is a student of life!

Sponsored by: Pink or Blue Baby Couture, Artists Within, Honey Pixel Studios, Leo Fu's Szechwan & Mandarine Cuisine, Family and Friends.

Biography (click to open) ±

Before going into the extensive list of her accomplishments, it is vital to articulate Stephanie's "Why Statement" - why does this Miss Universe Canada pageant mean so much to her? The answer lies in her deep desire to show the universe how one young Canadian female can create positive ripple effects that continue to touch people's lives well beyond her year of service.

Evidence of Stephanie's heart is clearly displayed in her volunteer work at "The Seed", a street ministry shelter for the homeless and less fortunate. There, one can observe how Stephanie views all human beings as equals. She makes it a point to look everyone in the eyes, to hug those in need of a friend, and to communicate her commitment to loving all. Her ambition for philanthropy is ceaseless, and she wants nothing more than to use the Miss Universe Canada position to catalyze a lifetime of generous and sensitive care, plus inspire millions of women across the world to do the same. Stephanie Koo has this ability; it is her very essence, her raison d'être.

When she's not volunteering her time helping people in need, she runs her own business, which started as a mere idea. Launched with her unmatched dedication and perseverance, it now flourishes as one of Calgary's most successful baby boutiques, Pink or Blue. Via her business skills - mostly derived in self-education - she has managed to become a regular figure in local and national media, promoting the latest trends in kids' fashion. Stephanie is ultra-comfortable on-screen, and highly effective as a leader.

For Stephanie Koo, achieving the Miss Universe Canada title is simply a means to an end, an end result for which some might say she was placed on this earth: To ignite and unite the world with compassionate service and generous love. Miss Universe Canada is a door-opening emblem, an opportunity to share this passionate mission with the world. There are certain people on this planet who have no choice but to create beauty - one look into Stephanie's heart and soul shows that she is one of those special people. She is the embodiment of Miss Universe Canada in every aspect of the role.

Questionnaire (click to open) ±

Are you currently a student? If yes, where? Area of study:
Yes. I am a student of life!!!

Are you currently employed? If yes, what is your occupation?
I am a self-employed/entrepreneur. I own a trendy, high-end Baby/Children's Boutique called Pink or Blue Baby Couture. I go to LA twice a year to do all the buying, and I also run the store as well.

Have you completed secondary school? If yes, where?
I graduated from St. Mary's High School in Calgary, Alberta with a Bilingual Degree.

Have you completed university/college? n/a

Have you completed any technical/professional school? n/a

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)
Oral and written proficiency in English and French
Oral proficiency in Mandarin

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc).
I played the Clarinet and Percussions for 6 years in Band (Junior High and High School). I was also in the Choir for 6 years.

In what sports, if any, have you participated and how long have you participated in each sport?
I played on almost all team sports throughout Junior High and High School. I still play Volleyball in adult leagues.

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.
2 years @ Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta - Studied Bachelor of Education

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
- The Mustard Seed Street Ministry
- The Love, Hope, Strength Foundation
- PSI Seminars
- Canadian Blood Services

What would be your "dream job" in life?
My dream job in life would be a full time philanthropist. Someone who flies around the world and speaks on behalf of different non-profit organizations, and who works closely with different charities. To be able to go to third world countries and visit orphanages and help build homes. To be able to take part in relief during times of disaster, ie. Hurricane Katrina, 9/11. To visit sick children in Hospitals or bring the less fortunate food and clothing.

If I were able to do this full time, it would be more fulfilling then any other work out there. So my goal is to work very hard over the next 10 years to create liberty financially, and enable myself to devote the rest of my life to making a difference in people's lives.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
Define "person", because I would have to say that other than my parents, God has had the most influence on my life. I am not a religious person, but I am a spiritual person, and at the end of the day, we are all human and we all need something to believe in. I don't believe that there is only one form of God, but I do believe that we all need a little hope, and faith, in whatever shape or form that may be for ourselves.

God has always been present in my life, growing up with my father's side being Catholic, and my mother's side being Buddhist, I've learned to find my own spirituality and practice my own religion. My religion is simply "Love" and I pray in my own ways, but this conversation that I have has guided me through the ups and downs.

What is the proudest personal accomplishment (other than being in this or any other beauty pageant competition)?
My proudest accomplishment has been becoming a business owner. It all started with a thought, a vision, and through a lot of hard work and perseverance, it has become a reality and a success! Now I know that here is nothing that I can't do!

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 top Venture Capitalist for different charities and organizations around the world. Becoming Miss Universe Canada would enable me to work side by side with such organizations and gain experience. My goal is to work very hard for the next 10 years, retire at age 35 and devote the rest of my life to philanthropy.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. My parents are first generation immigrants from Taiwan. They came here with a dream, and worked extremely hard to give my sister and I a good life. I am truly a fusion between Eastern and Western cultures - I am a very proud Canadian, and I also have very strong Asian values instilled in me. The family restaurant has been open for almost 30 years now.

Because everyone worked hard, I remember going there after school and doing my homework in the back room alongside my sister and cousin. Sometimes, we'd even be put to work, bussing tables and helping when it got really busy. This is where I developed my strong work ethic.

I was baptized Catholic shortly after I was born, and grew up attending Catholic schools and Church. I went to French schools and also took Chinese school on the weekends. I am fluent in three languages. I was very lucky to start traveling at a very young age. My mom used to take my sister and I to Asia every year to visit family, and we also took annual family vacations. To this day, I have a fascination with visiting new countries and learning their culture. I have very fond memories of family growing up. My only sibling is an older sister, and she is also my best friend. Family is extremely important to me.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I've experienced working on different movie sets and commercial shoots as a background actor. I do not pursue acting, but the shoots are often late at night or over the weekend, so I would do them to make extra money. It was so interesting to see how things are put together behind the scenes. I was able to work with famous directors and be in the same scenes with some famous actors! It was truly amazing to witness how they create what you see on-screen.

List any volunteering you have done.
I have volunteered at the Street Ministry for many years. Cooking, cleaning and serving food to the homeless. Anything I can do to help the organization. They really do amazing things. They set up educational programs to teach different skills ie. computers, and trades. They also help kids get off the street. They clean them up; provide them with clothing and a resume to help them obtain employment. I believe everyone deserves another chance, especially our youth.

As a young girl, my older sister and I volunteered at a Nursing home. We fed the seniors during meals as well as spent time with them. We became really close to some of the seniors and when they passed away it was devastating. It was like losing a grandma or grandpa.

I've also volunteered my time to staff the PSI Seminars. It's a seminar that teaches people personal empowerment, to create positive energy in their lives, resulting in better relationships, setting goals, and effective communication. It's a motivational experience that really helps people make positive changes in their lives. I've volunteered many times to support this organization.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?
Anywhere new is interesting to me because I'm experiencing new culture. Hiking up mountains in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China to reach sacred Buddhist Temples to pray amongst monks, climbing waterfalls and visiting Bob Marley's grave in Jamaica, hiking through rain forests and up volcanoes in Hawaii, appreciating the beauty in the paintings at the Louvre in Paris, these were all equally interesting experiences and I look forward to more adventures!

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
I am a perfect lady, poised, polished, and beautiful - but if I found a hair in my food, I would pick it out and keep eating! I am also a woman who is intelligent, cultured, and well mannered - but can crush beer cans on my forehead with the boys! Often times, and in my travels around the world, people tell me they've never met anyone like me, so I must be pretty unique!

What is your philosophy of/in life?
My philosophy on life is to "Laugh Daily, Love Generously, and Empower myself and others". Some things are just that simple.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
In 10 years, I would like to achieve financial liberty so I will be able to devote the rest of my life to philanthropy. I would like to have established my businesses and a family, and have the liberty to devote my time to traveling the world and helping different organizations.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself? Something unique that has happened to you? Some interesting thing about you?
The universe works in mysterious ways...
Have you ever seen or heard of "The Secret?" Well, I believe that I really can create what I want in life by putting the right energy out there. I recently embarked on a personal spiritual journey. I reached a point in my life (at 25) where I wanted to make certain changes in my "beingness." It was time to grow, and for me this meant spiritually. I have had many successes in my life, more than most 25 year olds, but I started to look at how I measured "success". Was it by looking at my list of accomplishments? Was it in a dollar amount? Or was it through material things?

Success can be perceived differently, and I started to look at success measured by the relationships I have with loved ones, and in how much I make a difference in this world. I set new personal goals for myself. I realized that I feel a sense of fulfillment and happiness when I know I am making a difference. Giving is receiving. Whether it be volunteering at the homeless shelter, or making someone close to me feel truly loved. I decided that I wanted to devote my life to philanthropy. I wanted to travel all over the world and do whatever I am capable of to making a difference. But, how was I going to do this? In the real world, we have responsibilities. And also, how would I start to get involved? And then......

I was standing in the Vancouver airport waiting for my bags, and a lady approached me and asked me if I would like to compete in the Miss Universe Canada Competition. The thought had never crossed my mind before, but at that moment I knew exactly why this was happening. What is the role of Miss Universe Canada? To speak on behalf of different charities and non-profit organizations. To be a role model and represent Canada.

This was an amazing opportunity for me to pursue my passions. I was a bit speechless at first, and she told me that she didn't know why, but she knew that I just had to go to the competition. She wasn't sure if I would be able to, because the competition had been closed off already. I went back to Calgary a few days later, and I went for an interview and my photos were sent in, and I was approved!

As silly as this may sound, I truly believe that this is a "calling" for me. That I am meant to win this competition and do amazing things during my time as Miss Universe Canada! I trust my intuition because something feels so right about this. I'm Excited! I'm Excited! I'm Excited!!!