Daniela Pragosa
Height: 5’7
Hometown: Aurora, ON
Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish
Occupation: TV Host and Journalist
Daniela Pragosa, a distinguished journalist and TV host from the sunny beaches of Portugal, is renowned for her captivating charisma and profound connection with audiences. Her journey began with a passion for athletics, where she excelled as an endurance runner from a young age. At the tender age of seven, Daniela faced a deeply impactful personal tragedy when she lost both grandparents to suicide. This experience ignited her lifelong dedication to suicide prevention and mental heath advocacy.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, Daniela pursued an Addictions and Community Services program at CDI College during her pregnancy with her daughter. Her academic excellence and compassionate spirit shone trough as a graduated with honours and undertook a pivotal placement at the World Change Society providing support to youth transitioning from foster care.
Currently associated with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Daniela envisions pioneering her own fitness brand. Her innovative approach aims to integrate physical fitness as a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being, thereby fostering positive change within communities.
Daniela Pragosa exemplifies resilience, compassion, and a relentless commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world. As a contestant in Miss Universe Canada, she continues to embody strength and grace, inspiring others with her advocacy and dedication to mental heath.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I’m passionated about fitness and enjoy exploring different workout routines and sports. Mental heath is also important to me, I practice yoga, mindfulness and meditation regularly. I love pondering big questions about existence and engaging in philosophical discussions. Spending time at the beach is a favourite activity of mine. Above all, I cherish the time I spend with my daughter. I love making people laugh, and I find joy in bringing humor into my daily interactions.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
While pregnant with my daughter Valentina, I felt my biggest call for helping people helping themselves, so I decided to enroll into the Addictions and Community Service Worker Program at CDI College. I have successfully completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ( ASIST) and CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training. Additionally I hold my certifications in Standard First Aid, CPR HCP, AND AED.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I started competing at a very young age as an endurance runner, though I’m passionate about all sports and physical activities. I’m in the process of becoming a certified fitness trainer. I’m studying with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My daughter is the person who has changed my life for better and forever. She has matured me as a women, she makes me want to be a better human, Valentina has thought me unconditional love. I know that every single move I make will impact her so I became way more thoughtful of my actions after giving birth to my Guardian Angel.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
One of my proudest accomplishments is the journey I’ve taken, living in different countries and adapting to new cultures, all while staying true to myself despite societal pressures.
As a single mother raising a daughter in a country where I wasn’t born and where I don’t have any family around. I have faced numerous challenges but my determination and resilience have seen me through.
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 have the ability to read and feel what others are thinking or feeling, wish allows me to connect deeply with people. I speak 3 languages fluently and I’m processing well with French now, wish will be my fourth language. I have a genuine enthusiasm for various forms of communication, including sign language. As a social butterfly, my outgoing personality helps me build relationships and networks effortlessly.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambitions are centered around becoming a motivational speaker who inspires others through the powerful intersection of God, fitness, mental heath, and the arts. Currently I’m diligently working towards my certification as a personal trainer, aiming to further my expertise. Building a robust fitness brand is a kew priority where I emphasize the vital correlation between mental well-being and physical exercise. Concurrently, leveraging my experience as a TV host, I aspire to have my very own tv show that integrates these passions seamlessly.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job is to inspire and empower others through media and entertainment. I envision myself as a motivation speaker, TV or radio show host, or an actor portraying characters that embody personal growth and empowerment. By using my God-given abilities to uplift and support others, I aim to work toward a purpose that brings fulfilment beyond financial rewards.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I grew up in a quaint, like town in Portugal, nestled between Lish greenery and surrounded by beaches. My grandparents were all farmers. Life was simple and connected to nature, with three energetic brothers ensuring sports and fun were always part of the daily routine. We enjoyed wholesome, heathy food stage from the land and spent our days exploring the coastline and enjoying the sea breeze.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
Well, my first jobs were all about helping out on the family farm feeding animals, fixing fences, the whole nine yards. Then I took a leap into the world of TV hosting. Quite the pivot, right? From muddy boots to stage lights, I guess you can say I’ve upgraded from talking to cows to talking to cameras!
List any volunteering you have done.
Growing up I have dedicated myself to volunteering at a retirement home in Portugal, there I provided essential care such as feeding and assisting with toileting for elderly residents. I also volunteered during my university years. One of my significant contributions was in events management, particularly organizing ‘Cubs’ a surf and bodyboard competition in Peniche, Portugal. This event aimed to support university student while fostering a sense of community.
While I was pregnant and studying for addictions as community services work I interned/volunteered at the World Change Society to support youth who come from abusive households or have experienced the foster care system , aiming to provide them with mentorship and guidance during challenging times. Most recently, I had the privilege of volunteering as a model for the SickKids Fired Up Gala at the Four Seasons in Toronto.
What is your most unusual talent?
I’m very good at reading people’s emotions with a natural ability to tune into any room’s atmosphere.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
The most interesting place I’ve been to is Canada. It’s like having all countries inside of one. You can experience a little of all nations in one country, and that’s very captivating to me, specially coming from very small town.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In 10 years, I envision my future fitness brand making a profound impact on lives through empowering marketing campaigns focused on mental heath and overall well-being. Rather than limiting myself to a specific title, I see myself continuously learning and expanding pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve and imparting that knowledge to others at every opportunity.