Sommer Knight

Height: 5’7
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Languages: English
Occupation: Student (Clinical Psychology, University of Ottawa)

Sommer Knight is a visionary leader, award-winning advocate, and a first-class student. The quality of her civic and academic contributions has been recognized with various accolades: the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, the BBPA National scholarship, the Audrea Golding Black Student Leadership Award, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

As a Black, second-generation immigrant woman who has overcome the challenges of being born and raised in a lone-parent, low-income household, Sommer’s journey has shaped her into an innovative, initiative-driven leader with a vision for creating positive change in my academic, work, and community environments.

Sommer is committed to using her platform to make a meaningful difference and to addressing issues that matter. In fact, she is currently involved in her school and wider community on many levels. She sits on several equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) committees, and is currently a radio anchor for the African Canadian Association of Ottawa, where she uses her platform to speak to issues related to mental health. Sommer plans to become a child clinical psychologist to advance the well-being of children and families involved in hopes to reduce mental health disparities.

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

In addition to my commitment to community impact, I am an individual who enjoys the art of performance and modelling. I also enjoy spoken word and poetry. Since I was young, I’ve always been captivated by the power of language. For me, spoken word is more than a performance; it’s an intimate conversation with the world. The stage is a canvas where I can express my authentic self and celebrate the beauty within and around me. I am also happy to share that I am currently a radio anchor for the ACAO Talk Radio, where I lead a weekly segment on Wellness Wednesdays and use my platform to speak to issues related to mental health.

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

• Mental Health First Aid Training
• ASIST Training
• Active Listening
• Vocal Training
• On Camera Workshops/Acting Training- Improv; Scene Study; Monologues; Commericals; Auditioning; Techniques; The Art of Self Taping

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

Growing up, the outdoors was my playground, and I cherished every moment spent playing with the neighborhood kids. Even as I transitioned into young adulthood, that love for outdoor activities never waned. Recreationally, I played basketball and in school, I also joined the women’s volleyball team. In fact, volleyball remained a cherished pastime that I continued to play it into my university years. I’ve also developed a deep appreciation for Muay Thai. It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about empowerment, especially for women. Learning the art of self-defense is crucial, and Muay Thai provides a powerful means of achieving that. So, whether it’s the thrill of the game on the court or the discipline of martial arts training, staying active and engaged in these pursuits has enriched my life in countless ways.

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

The person who has had the most profound influence on my life is undoubtedly Maya Angelou. She embodies the essence of strength, resilience, and grace in every aspect of her being. As a woman, a scholar, an activist, and a writer, Maya Angelou’s life and work resonate deeply with me. Her words, like those in “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman,” resonate with such power and beauty that they’ve become guiding lights in my own journey. Through her poetry, Maya Angelou instills within me the courage to persevere in the face of adversity and the confidence to embrace my identity unapologetically.

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

One of my most cherished personal accomplishments is being awarded the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. This accolade stands as a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. The Vanier Scholarship is not merely a recognition of my achievements; it symbolizes the immense potential and responsibility bestowed upon me as a scholar and a leader. Earning the Vanier Scholarship has not only opened doors for advanced academic pursuits but has given me a profound sense of purpose. It serves as a catalyst for my commitment to effecting positive change, both within my academic sphere and in the broader community.

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

The most interesting thing that has happened to me actually happened recently! I am thrilled to share that I was selected to participate in the “Ottawa Black Creatives Hub: Performing Arts Showcase” sponsored by Horspairsocial, the Ottawa Arts Council, the City of Ottawa, Algonquin common theatre, and Youth Action Now in February 2024. It will be my first time presenting a self-written spoken word piece in front of a large audience. I hope to contribute to a broader dialogue on mental health, fostering understanding and empathy. I believe that art has the power to inspire change and provoke thoughtful discussions. This spoken word piece is my contribution to that effort, and I hope the audience enjoys!

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 child clinical psychologist. There is a shortage of child and family psychologists and there is also an underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in the field of psychology. These discrepancies further contribute to treatment disparities. I am also interested in working in this career because of the prevention focus. As a child and family psychologist, one is given the opportunity to detect early maladaptive patterns among children and families to promote long term, adaptive and strength-based approaches to improve well-being. Being a child and family psychologist also requires being a child advocate. I am committed to the protection and well-being of children and their families to ensure optimal health outcomes. Therefore, I aspire to be a child clinical psychology as it would allow me to integrate different perspectives and learn about triangulation to navigate family dynamics with a consideration for cultural differences.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job is as diverse and multifaceted as my own interests and passions! While pursuing a career as a child clinical psychologist is a central goal, I firmly believe in embracing the richness of life by exploring your talents. Teaching is an aspiration close to my heart. I hope I can teach in the future to inspire growth and foster curiosity in the students I have. I am also drawn to the idea of incorporating creative wellness into my professional journey. Engaging in activities such as poetry or modeling allows me to tap into my artistic side, promoting self-expression and holistic well-being. In essence, my dream job is not confined to a single role or profession but rather encompasses a diverse tapestry of experiences and pursuits. By doing this, I aim to create a fulfilling and meaningful career that reflects the full spectrum of my talents and aspirations.

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

Growing up under the guidance of my single mother was both a blessing and a lesson in resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges, she showered me with unconditional love while instilling in me the value of hard work and determination. Her unwavering belief in my abilities and her mantra that “the sky is the limit” became the driving force behind my aspirations. As a first-generation immigrant, my mother understood the power of education. Despite limited resources, she emphasized its importance and ensured that I had access to quality education. While material wealth may have been scarce, my mother’s greatest gift was the gift of opportunity. She taught me to cherish every chance I had to learn, grow, and succeed. As, I embark on this journey in the pageant world, I carry with me the lessons and values instilled by my mother. My greatest hope is to make her proud and to continue honoring her legacy of strength, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the power of education.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

My journey through various jobs, from newspapers to grocery stores, factory work to leasing agent, and even modeling and acting, has been a testament to my work ethic! Each role has offered unique experiences and lessons, shaping me into the person I am today. However, I’m thrilled to share that I’m expanding my horizons yet again by venturing into the world of writing. I’m excited to announce my plans to become an author, with a special focus on publishing a children’s book centered around mental health.

List any volunteering you have done.

Volunteer (most recent):

• African Canadian Association of Ottawa (2020-Present)
• Black Community Resource Centre (2019-2021)
• Hope Community Centre (2009-2020)
• London Health Sciences Centre – Hospital Volunteer (2016-2018)

What is your most unusual talent?

I have this uncanny ability to forget the name’s of main characters I watch in TV shows/films. I don’t know how it’s possible, but I do it every time. My friends and family find it very funny!

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

During my sophomore year of high school, I embarked on a transformative journey as part of the SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) Non-Profit program, focusing on philanthropy and volunteerism. This experience led me to an extraordinary opportunity: traveling to Haiti for a week to aid families affected by the devastating earthquake in 2010. Collaborating closely with Dr. Nina Nejmeh, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of healthcare and humanitarian efforts on communities in need. This eye-opening experience not only sparked my interest in the health field but also reinforced my commitment to giving back and making a positive difference in the world.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

I hope to become a child clinical psychologist that meaningfully contributes to the field of child, adolescent and family psychology. I also hope that I am still involved in research, teaching, and engaging in my creative pursuits to create a meaningful and fulfilling life for myself and hopefully others.