Age: 26 | Height: 5’10”
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Sabiha Zafar was born in Mumbai, India. She is often asked the meaning of her name. It is derived from an Arabic word which is translated as “like a beautiful morning”.
Growing up Sabiha had the privilege to visit and live in various countries around the world. When she was 8, her family relocated to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) where they lived for several years. Sabiha’s passion for always learning new things relocated her to London, England to study Cosmetology at the Schnell Hans Academy (accredited with City and Guilds).
The transition gave Sabiha an appreciation for different cultures and taught her the importance of accepting diversity and embracing change. She finally moved to Vancouver where she currently resides as a proud Canadian Citizen.
Sabiha has embraced the World Health Organizations definition of Health which states:
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” It was precisely for that reason Sabiha decided to pursue a career in the healthcare field.
In June 2011, Sabiha Graduated with honors as a Pharmacist, from the University of British Columbia (UBC). She is currently working as a Pharmacy Manager for Rexall Pharmacy in the Vancouver metropolitan area. Sabiha accredits her success to the unconditional love and support of her parents. They have provided her with a strong foundation and taught her that service to others is an essential building block to a healthy lifestyle.
Sabiha understands the importance of volunteer work and giving back to the community. While juggling the rigors of Pharmacy school, she assisted nursing homes and community pharmacies in remote northern communities of British Columbia.
Sabiha currently presents seminars at nursing homes and long term care facilities about the importance of disease identification and prevention. She also provides a wide range of services through her pharmacy such as; summer sun clinics, food intolerance testing and annual flu clinics at local temples and churches. Sabiha hopes to continue pursuing her lifelong dream of enabling people to achieve optimal health; physically, mentally and emotionally. She feels her educational and cultural background allows her to be in the perfect position to promote and achieve this goal.
Sponsored by: Rexall Pharmacy, Family and Friends.
Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language).
English, Gujarati, Arabic, Hindi.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I enjoy travelling, playing competitive soccer and basketball, snowboarding, hot yoga, learning about astrology and reading romance novels.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I took belly dancing lessons in college for 2 years.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I played basketball on my school team.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My grandmother. Growing up my mom and dad worked full time jobs and I spent most of my time at my grandparent’s house. My grandmother who never once was angry with anyone her whole life, was the happiest person I ever knew and took care of her whole community, literally. She taught me how to be resilient during my dark moments and that real happiness is independent of materialistic possessions.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Graduating as a Pharmacist (with honors) from the University of British Columbia at the age of 24.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
A lot of people don’t know this but growing up I used to be quite overweight. At my heaviest I weighed 175lbs (in grade 8). Finally in grade 12 I lost 35 pounds with the help and support of my family.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
- I would like to own an independent pharmacy or chain of pharmacies focused on overall well –being of my patients.
- I would like to complete my MBA in the next couple of years to pursue that goal.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job would be to work for myself and have my own restaurant on a beach either in Costa Rica or Nicaragua. It would be a place where tourists and locals come for good food and live entertainment (local bands/dancers, etc).
Are you currently a student?
No
Are you currently employed?
Yes
If yes, what is your occupation?
Pharmacist (Pharmacy Manager for Rexall Pharmacy)
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
- I was born in Mumbai (India) and lived there for a few years, then moved to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and finally migrated to Canada. I have had a very diverse upbringing in various cultures;
- As a child I was blessed to have travelled to unique places for vacations (thanks to my parents)
- Also I was raised mainly by my grandparents in my early childhood and grew closer to my parents later in my adolescent years.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
My very first job was working in a men’s spa called NIMA’s in Vancouver. I did pedicures there at the age of 18. (Thinking back on it, wasn’t the most pleasant job out there).
List any volunteering you have done.
- I volunteered at the BC cancer agency for 2 months;
- Participated/volunteered at the Big brother-Big sister event held at the University of British Columbia in 2009.
- I have also volunteered for 4 weeks at a long term care home in Kamloops, BC
What is your most unusual talent?
From years of doing hot yoga my body is really flexible and I can do a standing split and touch my forehead to the floor while doing a partial leg split.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
At the age of 14 I visited the city of Baghdad (Iraq) with my parents. It was one of the most interesting and eye-opening trips of my life.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In 10 years I hope to have completed my MBA and have enough means to start up my own independent pharmacy that is centered on patient focused services. It is my way of giving back to my community by promoting health and wellness. Also I see myself starting my own family.
