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

I’m a gym rat! It is my stress release and sanctuary. There is just something about weight lifting and feeling like a beast when you’re done. It has always been an important part of my life. I also love writing poems, stories and drawing. I’ve always been artsy.


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

I love to continue learning and have done so by being educated in Family Law Mediation, domestic violence, real estate and medical aesthetics. I joke that I can assist you with your divorce, sell & buy your new home and make you look hot as hell while doing it all.


In what sports, if any, have you participated?

Track & Field, 4 X 100 meter relay was my race! I was always the 4th runner to bring our team to the finish line. What a rush that was!


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

My Nana (Stella) until this very day has always been closest to my heart. Although she is no longer with us, her presence surrounds me. She showed me how to enjoy life, live with passion, selflessness and compassion. Weekends were spent eating and laughing. She always wore her red lipstick that I will never forget. A lady does her hair and at the bare minimum wears her lipstick she would say. She was full of grace and was always kind to all she came into contact with. She is the only one who saw me deeply, and was uplifting and encouraging. There isn’t a day that goes by that I wish she was here to see all that I have accomplished and the woman I have become. I know she would be proud as she has been my inspiration along the way.


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

My sons! Nothing makes me prouder than raising 3 incredible sons.


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 is that I am not as I appear. I have many layers that cannot be seen, like I love having gospel music playing in the house to keep me grounded and at peace. I enjoy opera and plays, and reading quotes by great historians. On the total opposite spectrum I can plumb an entire house.


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

I am aiming to add to my family law studies and take a paralegal program. Additionally taking legal courses to better my skills. I aspire to holding speaking engagements around the nation relating to divorce and dating after divorce. I want to show all those who are struggling with it that they will survive this, and of course bringing humour to it to keep things light and encouraging. My goal is to be the go to for all things divorce.


What would be your “dream job” in life?

Lawyer, always a Lawyer. Family law in particular. Since grade school, I always had the passion and dream. Being a Family law mediator and divorce strategist has fulfilled part of this dream. I want to add criminal law as well.


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

I was raised in Burlington ON. Life in the 70’s & 80’s was literally awesome! From riding my bike on the dirt roads, coming in when the street lights came on, skate boarding, climbing trees, pool parties and roller skating rinks. It didn’t get much better than that. I was a tomboy. Of course having a part Ukrainian background, there was lots of eating and gatherings. I can still smell the ladies cooking in the kitchen and sneaking food before it was placed on the table.


List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

My very first job was babysitting and being a summertime nanny at just 13 years old. I followed this with being the 1st female pizza maker at 16 years old. I remember the manager saying that it was too difficult and heavy to carry pans, of course I had to prove him wrong. He said if I can carry the full rack of 12 slice, prepped pizza rake from the back fridge, to the front and place it on the overhead shelf above the dressings he’d give me the position. I can still see his face, haha! I have also had my forklift, reach truck and order picker licenses, Oh what fun that was! I also was the first female to teach plumbing at Home Depot University and lead the kid’s workshop.


List any volunteering you have done.

I took part in a Victim Services ride alongs, which inspired me to continue with my studies in family law. I assisted at the Good Shepard putting packages together for those in need. I took part in the Gore Park project (Hamilton, ON) feeding and supplying food for anyone who needed support. The people I met were so wonderful and gracious receiving our help.


What is your most unusual talent?

I once won a bubble gum blowing contest for blowing the largest bubble. Haha! I can write poems in a moment especially if something has affected, inspired or emotionally touched me. I have writing books everywhere. Once the thought comes I literally get the fingers to anything I can write on. I’m a natural problem solver, especially hands on. I have 13 years of plumbing behind me and was called the “gadget girl.” If it needed to be solved I made the solution.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

I enjoy New York City and Las Vegas for their hustle and bustle, and the incredible architecture and diversity. Punta Cana for its beauty, especially the churches.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In 10 years, and no pressure on my sons, but I hope to be surrounded by the laughter of grandchildren. Haha! For fun we had a conversation many years ago what I would be called and we chose “GG” for gorgeous grandma. I’d also like to be living a life of travel and checking off my list of places that I always wanted to visit like Australia, Spain, Rome, Morocco, Monaco, Italy and Egypt to name a few.


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

I think all delegates should be asked what the first thing is we are going to do after the pageant? I say EAT and SLEEP! Hahaha! Always with my sense of humour. I definitely want a gourmet box of doughnuts!