Age: 23 | Height: 5’8″
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Catherine was born in Toronto but grew up primarily in the small town of Bowmanville, Ontario. Catherine’s mixed heritage, her mother Chilean and father English-Canadian, has fostered her love for language and culture.
She speaks English, Spanish, French and has a working knowledge of Portuguese.
Although having recently graduated with a certificate in Corporate Communications at Seneca College, while attending the University of Toronto for her undergraduate degree, she became part of a sorority, Delta Delta Delta, where she was able to participate in philanthropic endeavours for Sick Kids Hospital and St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
It was also through the sorority that she first developed her love for public relations. Catherine believes that this field allows her creativity and personality to shine through her work.
Little did she know, university would not only bring about new experiences and knowledge, but she would pull herself through an important loss as well. Her close friend passed away in a car accident, which made her realize what was really important to her: to maintain strong relationships with those she really cares about.
One of her personal mottos is “everything happens for a reason but you help create your own fate” and likewise, she believes every person comes into your life for a reason. In her case, it is her friends and family who made her a strong woman who can adapt to any situation gracefully. Her friendly personality has made it easy for her to make friends, even in the oddest of situations, and as such, she’s tried to maintain the strong friendships that she’s developed over the years.
In her spare time, Catherine loves photography, playing volleyball, and exploring different restaurants around the city with friends and family. She loves adventure, keeping busy, meeting new people and singing loudly in her car to r&b or country music.
Participating in pageants since the age of 16 and having won the title of Miss Teen Latina Canada in 2006, she has tested her ability to be put on the spot. Nothing much scares Catherine, she loves a challenge and knows she’s prepared because she’s been at her worst and knows there is only room to grow.
If Catherine were to succeed in winning the title of Miss Universe Canada she would love to continue to give back to her community. She would fundraise for Sick Kids Hospital and perhaps initiate a scholarship system that she and her best friend conceptualized for young Latin American high school graduates wanting to go to University.
Sponsored by: FAME MEDIA, Liberty Entertainment Group, Scion Canada, Beauty Consultant Christal Dimakos, Pretty Sweet Cupcake, Marnie Spidla Fitness, Family and Friends.
Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language).
Apart from English, I speak Spanish and French.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
Wow! Well my list of interests and hobbies could go on forever, as I am the definition of a busy body! However, I’ll list my top 5!
1) Photography
2) Exploring the City and it’s restaurants (I blog about them too)
3) Event planning
4) Playing volleyball
5) Fashion and shopping
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I studied piano for twelve years and although I no longer take classes, it has allowed me to appreciate not only the art but the effort that is required to make and perform music.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I absolutely love Volleyball! I’ve been playing every year since high school and I currently play every Monday night. I occasionally ski, play basketball and have dipped my toes in the sport of dragon boating!
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
The person who has had the most influence on my life would have to be my high school best friend, Megan. She was the kind of person to live everyday to its fullest potential and appreciate even the smallest but important moments of life. Although she passed away just over 4 years ago, her contagious optimism and sincere love for life has continued to affect my life, reminding me to see the beauty that every passing day brings, small pieces to the story my life will tell.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Although this accomplishment is experienced by many, I believe one of the happiest and proudest moments in my life was when I received my acceptance letter to University of Toronto’s faculty of Civil Engineering.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
I think the most interesting thing about me is that I am kind of a ‘jack of all trades’. I love learning new things and I learn very quickly. By no means do I consider myself a professional in any particular thing, but I like to be skilled in anything life brings my way.
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 successful Public Relations professional. Everything about the field interests me, from the writing to strategic planning, media relations and event planning. I tried to hold as many PR positions throughout University and recently completed a graduate certificate at Seneca college in Communications. In addition to my schooling, I’ve tried to practice the skill sets I’ve been taught, through internships and helping out with small scale PR projects.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job would be to be a Senior Communications or Public Relations Manager at a corporation, brand or agency that I love. Ultimately, my dream job is to love, live and breath my career so that every passing day is rewarding.
Are you currently employed?
Yes, having recently graduated, I’ve just started to build my career!
If yes, what is your occupation?
Currently I am an Associate Creative Director, a Public Relations internship at Claremont Consulting Group. Additionally, I often serve as an executive assistant to a private banking wealth manager, allowing. On my spare time, I also run my own small photography business.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I moved around a lot when I was a young child but grew up primarily in the small town of Bowmanville, Ontario. The town is situated an hour east of Toronto and is famous for its Zoo and recent appearance on Million Dollar Neighbourhood. My childhood was full of love, support and full of activities. My parents encouraged me to participate in as many activities and extra-curriculars as possible. They supported my successes and failures, whatever they may have been. I had and still do have a very open and communicative relationship with my parents and my mom has always the first person I turn to for advice on anything from school to boys to the meaning of life!
List any volunteering you have done.
When I lived in Bowmanville, I volunteered often at my local parish church and elementary school. More recently, I’ve volunteered at soup kitchens; raised money and volunteered at Sick Kids Hospital as well as St.Jude Research Hospital. I also started my own fundraising initiative for an underprivileged elementary school in Santiago Chile.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
I’d have to say one of the most interesting places I’ve been to was Cairns, Australia. I was surprised to find that it is a large city that is engulfed in tropical climates and exotic touristic attractions. I was able to snorkel in the great barrier reef, hike through and travel across the rainforest via skyrail, but also meet the extremely friendly locals that made the whole experience even better!
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years, I hope to be a well established PR professional. I am unsure at the moment in what industry I’d like to work, but whatever it may be, I hope that I have succeeded in climbing the corporate ladder, constantly working towards new challenges and goals. It is my hopes that I will have attained enough experience and seniority in my field that I can eventually settle down and start a family. I also hope to have traveled to places I have not yet been around the world, maintained and made new friendships and continued to participate in or organize philanthropic endeavors.
