Age: 26 | Height: 5’8″
Hometown: Toronto, ON

Kerri-Ann is a graduate of Durham College’s Business Marketing program and is currently working in her field for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, in the role of Partner Marketing Supervisor. In this role she often finds herself at other ends of the world meeting with partners and properties.

Travel is one of her passions and enjoys the new experiences and cultures that travel brings. One of the most spiritually enlightening trips was found while spending time in Bali and spending time with a traditional Balinese family and learning their traditions and way of life.

Kerri-Ann is also extremely passionate with making a difference in the community. Kerri-Ann credits meeting Nelson Mandela as one of the turning points to her path in making a difference in her community and within society.

In grade 8 she wrote an essay explaining why she should meet Mr Mandela and what was needed as a change in the world. Kerri-Ann’s essay received first place in York Region giving her the spot to meet Mr Mandela in person.

She still vividly remembers this once in a lifetime experience. Several years later meeting Herb Carnegie and being a part of the Future Aces program, added to the motivation to make a difference and build true character within the community and following the credo: “Always striving for improvement” and “Being the best you can be.”

In high school Kerri-Ann successfully built an internship program that would be offered at her secondary school after volunteering with the program for years. She noticed that the program was in need of extra help and awareness and any extra support would be beneficial to the program. The program “Stepping Out” assists young adults living with both mental and physical disabilities is now a co-op/internship program that students can volunteer with to receive credits in Grade 11 and 12.

In College Kerri-Ann was an active member in the Business Administrative Marketing club which organized all school events including new student orientation, food and clothing drives, charity nights and social evenings. As a student ambassador she supported other students during orientation and was asked to come back as a speaker for new students after graduation.

This past September Kerri-Ann was part of a 5 person volunteer committee to raise money for the Cardiac Care Centre at Southlake Hospital. In a team effort the tournament raised close to $30,000 for cardiac care, which will assist in treatments for patients who have received severe cardiac surgery and the much needed equipment to stay up to date with technology. Golf Red was a way to raise money for the development of a much needed care center, but also to raise awareness and spread the word on heart health in men and women of all ages.

Another important initiative Kerri-Ann is working on is in partnership with Best Buddies Canada to develop a program for adults to volunteer with adults with intellectual disabilities to create meaningful friendships to have experiences together, whether it is going to the movies, or whether it is simply a friend to talk to. Currently she manages 50/50 ticket selling at MLSE games within her office leading the group of sellers from the office at Maple Leafs and Raptors games that support Best Buddies through the TeamUp foundation.

As a committee member of the social committee at the office Kerri-Ann and her colleagues are actively involved within the community. Kerri-Ann served as Committee president from 2008-2009, and still sits on the committee as an active member assisting with the St Andrews church soup kitchen, United Way campaign and various environmental initiatives.
Dance and performing are also some of Kerri-Ann’s passions. A trained ballerina and competitive figure skater of 13 years Kerri-Ann continues to stay active as a young adult taking part in after work dance programs and drama productions. These extracurricular activities taught her the value of dedication and hard work to achieve success in addition to believing in oneself to achieve your dreams. A quote that Kerri-Ann feels exemplifies this the best is Eleanor Roosevelt‘s famous words “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Kerri-Ann is currently working towards her professional marketing designation with the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA).

Sponsored by: Delorme’s RV Sales & Service, KatchMaxim, Sherman Orthodontics, Dr Robert Klein – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Associates, Make up by Rachelle – Rachelle Santos, Chloe Magazine, West Productions, Porter Airlines, Fairmont Copley Plaza – Boston, The Goodlife Network, SCHOOL, Melissa Nails, Republic of Hair, Family and Friends.

Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language).

English

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

Travel, drama, dance, yoga, fitness, painting, reading and spending time with family and friends

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

• Competitive figure skater for 15 years
• Ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary dance training
• Bongo productions, Michael Caruana acting coach
• Tom Todoroff acting workshop
• Pro Actors Lab on camera training (ongoing)

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

• Competitive figure skater and dancer for 15 years
• Snowboarding
• Waterskiing
• Golf
• Rock climbing
• Rollerblading

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why? 

There have been many people that have been an extremely positive influence in my life. I think it is hard to think of just one person other than my mom and dad that have been positive influences, as there have been so many mentors and coaches in my life and people that I am still yet to meet which have shaped and continue to shape the person I am today. Two important people that I feel have made an extremely positive influence on my life is both Nelson Mandela and Herb Carnegie. Meeting these 2 influential trailblazers was truly life changing as both of those men were able to change not only communities but the world with their efforts.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)? 

Other than participating in the Miss Universe Canada pageant, receiving my triple gold tests and junior free skate in figure skating was a huge personal accomplishment. The amount of hard work and dedication involved in passing these tests makes me extremely proud and encourages me in my future goals and in the power of believing in yourself and in what you can achieve. All of the discipline and focus helped me grow and develop into the woman I am today and as I continue to grow and pursue my goals I know with dedication and hard work anything is possible which includes the amazing opportunity of being a part of this pageant!

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you? 

One of the most interesting and unique things that has ever happened to me is when I had the opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela. I am extremely thankful for this experience and it is one that has shaped my life and is something that will continue to shape the person I am as I grow.

Something that is interesting/unique about me is that I am extremely optimistic, I try and see the best in everyone and learn from every situation or experience with a positive outlook.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal? 

My career ambition is to continue growing within the company I already work for. FRHI is an extremely supportive and positive working environment where I am continuously learning and growing. I plan on developing within the company by completing the CMA professional designation and by learning new languages to better support the international growth of the company. I plan to learn both conversational German and Mandarin by the age of 30.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

I would love to continue in my current career in the hospitality industry with Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, having the opportunity to travel and meet new people and spend time with different cultures is such an enriching experience and my dream job.

Are you currently a student?

Although I have already graduated and I am working in my field, I continue to take after work classes to assist with my professional development.

If yes, where?

Canadian Marketing Association.

Area of study:

I am currently working towards my professional designation with the Canadian Marketing Association.

Are you currently employed?

Yes, I am employed with Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI).

If yes, what is your occupation?

My role is Partner Marketing Supervisor, Americas & EMEAI. Currently  based in the FRHI Toronto headquarters, I am managing partnership programs within the Americas and EMEAI regions creating campaigns to support our 3 brands: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Swissotel Hotels & Resorts and Raffles Hotels & Resorts worldwide.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.  

I grew up in Thornhill, Ontario before moving to Whitby at 16 and then back to Toronto when I was 18. Growing up in Thornhill I was extremely involved in the community through sports and the arts programs that I was involved in through the support of my parents. My childhood was extremely supportive, my parents have always supported and encouraged my brother and I to follow our dreams. I can honestly say my family has always been there for me no matter what. When I was a competitive figure skater, my parents sacrifice a lot, they were sure to make every competition, test and show… in addition to taking me to all of my practices and off ice training! Even when my parents divorced they were both such amazing role models in staying friends and keeping our family close.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had. 

I’m not sure that I have had any “unusual” jobs, but I have had many fulfilling jobs that have led me to the career I have today including various retail, restaurant and some time as a fitness instructor at Extreme Fitness. Perhaps the most unusual was when I used to teach power skating to rep hockey players…in my figure skates. The coach of the team had hired me to teach the players edges and precision…I must say I too learned a thing or two from the players including how to shoot a pretty good slap shot!

I also have to mention one of the most fulfilling jobs I had was when I worked with a program called Stepping Out. Stepping out is a program that was developed for young adults with disabilities to encourage development within the community.  It was extremely rewarding to go into work every day knowing that I was making a difference in someone’s life.

List any volunteering you have done.

• Golf Red fundraiser for Southlake cardiac centre
• Best Buddies Canada
• Volunteer Builders
• St Andrews soup kitchen
• United Way
• Various corporate volunteer and charity initiatives within the corporate social committee

What is your most unusual talent?

I’m not sure if it is a talent, but I can wiggle my ears which is pretty unusual!

Where is the most interesting place you have been to? 

Travel is one of my passions and every trip I have been on I have learned so much about other cultures and lifestyles. Out of all of the places I have been so far I have to say Bali was one of the most amazing and interesting places I have ever been. Bali is such a spiritual and beautiful place filled with culture and interesting sites. I can’t even describe the feeling I had while traveling through the coast of Bali, visiting the temples, enjoying the food and spending time with a traditional Balinese family, the whole trip was from start to finish was an eye opening experience.

I am always looking forward to my next adventure…my next big trip planned is this summer to the Middle East which I am extremely excited for.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years? 

In ten years I hope to be doing what makes me happy and living life to the fullest and have my own family that I can raise as my parents raised me. I hope to be inspiring others and continuing on with volunteering and charity initiatives and providing the voice that many of the causes need.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

Being a part of the Miss Universe Canada family is such an honour. All of us women/delegates representing our diverse country are given this amazing platform to be a positive role model for women everywhere. I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity. The experience with Miss Universe Canada and the Beauties of Canada Organization has already been life changing and an experience that I will never forget and take with me as I create new and future life experiences.