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

My interests include working with children, spending time with my family and friends, and staying active. I’m passionate about health, wellness, and personal growth, so many of my interests revolve around staying active and challenging myself. As a former dancer, movement has always been a huge part of my life starting in elementary school, all the way through to University. Whether it is in the dance studio, taking hot pilates classes, or simply for walks, moving my body is something grown to incorporate into my day-to-day life.

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

Dancing

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

Growing up, my brothers played soccer every summer and my parents would always ask if I wanted to join them. At the time I was more interested in playing on the sidelines with my toys, until one year, without my knowledge, my parents decided to sign up my brothers, sisters, and myself. I was so scared and nervous, I didn’t know anything about soccer, but as it turned out I was a natural! I could run fast, kick the ball with accuracy, and be a leader on the field to my team. Over the next 10 years I got to love the sport and become a pretty good athlete though I haven’t played or a few years ow, soccer always holds a place in my heart, and my feet.

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

Someone who has been incredibly influential in my life as a young black athlete is Simone Biles. As a young woman of colour, seeing Simone excel at the highest level of her sport in the world while carrying herself with strength, confidence, and authenticity has been deeply inspiring. She has shown the world that success is not just about talent, but also about resilience, and discipline. What I admire most is how resilient she is despite the backlash she has been facing since the beginning of her carrier. Being so young in the spotlight she was able to has exceeded expectations and accomplished more than most athletes’ twice her age. Simone Biles is an amazing black woman, athlete, and inspiration. She represents excellence, athleticism, and reminds women like me that we can achieve greatness no matter our age or skin colour.

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

My proudest personal accomplishment would be the extra semester I took in my undergraduate studies. During my fourth year at the University of Windsor, I learned that I was missing one credit meaning I would not graduate that year. At the time I was devastated, all of my plans had been put to a halt, I was embarrassed and ashamed that I wouldn’t be joining my friends at graduation. After some time, and some tears, I finished my degree and got the best lesson of all, everything happens for a reason. During my extra semester I got to have an extra year on my dance team, I got to compete in a local pageant, and so many more opportunities that I wouldn’t have been given if I graduated on time. In that year I got the time to figure out who I wanted to be and I’ve grown so much from that moment of devastation. I am where I am today because of that extra semester and I couldn’t be more proud.

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 unique experiences I’ve had was living with nuns in North Bay! While completing part of my educational journey I was lucky enough to be housed right on Lake Nipissing with a community of over 50 religious sisters! The Motherhouse of off Lake Nipissing houses many accredited sisters who were able to create accommodations for a few education students each year, as many of the sisters were teachers and nurses themselves years ago. In 2023 I was humbled enough to have been one of the few girls selected to live on he grounds of this amazing house. Living there in North Bay was such a different environment from what I was used to. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me become more independent, and is definitely one of the best, yet unique experiences I’ve ever had!

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

My career ambition is to become an impactful educator who works in the school board to fight for the future of education. I recently graduated from teacher’s college at one of the best schools in the country and am beginning my career in education as I’ve always been passionate about working with youth and fighting for their rights. I plan to continue developing my teaching practice and philosophy through learning from experienced educators, and gaining hands-on experience working with youth through community organizations. I aim to be the leader who helps shape confident, capable, and empowered young people through creating stable futures in education for all generations. I will use my time to work hard in the classroom and school communities to be able to gain enough experience to one day be the voice of leadership in the school board. I have and always will advocate for inclusive and supportive learning environments that allows education to grow and flourish for the next generations to come.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job in life would be a combination of my love for traveling, and shared experiences. I’ve always loved the idea of exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and creating meaningful memories along the way. Ideally, I would love to be able to travel the world with my friends, being able to experience the world together, and grow through those experiences. Traveling like this wouldn’t just be about seeing new places, but about broadening my experiences and perspectives, while building a life filled with adventure and deeply connected relationships with my people.

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

Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, I grew up in a very big, yet close-knit family where culture and togetherness were always important values in our home. Many of my memories surround being in the kitchen learning how to cook and bake alongside my parents, or simply being together at the dinner table for family meals and celebrations. Those recipes, skills, and core values are those that I use everyday and will continue to use and pass down to my future family.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

The most unusual job I’ve ever had was being a manager at a trampoline park. Because I’ve always been outgoing, active, and have had a passion for working with children, accepting a job at my local trampoline park was a no brainer. Now, this job wasn’t all jumping and fun, I did have many responsibilities as I was leading 20+ team members. Because this was my job through high school and university I definitely hold my years of experience there in my heart, along with the many pairs of grip socks that I have.

List any volunteering you have done.

For over 2 years I’ve been lucky enough to work closely with the McBride Youth United Association. This non-profit founded by Canadian Olympian Brandon McBride, aims to mentor impovrished youth in the city of Windsor Essex by teaching skill-building, essential life skills, strong interpersonal skills, and pro-social friendships. I’ve have been lucky enough to help run the after school and summer programs, and being able to provide hot meals, mentor the next generation and provide educational tutoring to the youth in need in my community.

What is your most unusual talent?

My most unusual or random talent would be that I can snap with both hands at the same time, which is always a fun little fact to share. It may seem simple, but I think it reflects a bit of my personality—I like bringing lighthearted energy into a room and not taking myself too seriously all the time.”

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

One of the most interesting places I’ve been to is Vancouver, British Columbia. It immediately stood out to me because of its beautiful mix of nature and city life. Being from a smaller city like Windsor I loved being able to have my big city moments while still enjoying the scenery of the mountains and ocean. Though I was still in Canada, Vancouver reminded me a lot of California, with its laid-back energy, scenic views, and diverse culture. Most Canadian travelers look outside of our own country when searching for new adventures, but we do have so many beautiful places like Vancouver, in our own country that provide the same feel and eccentric vibes as international trips. Vancouver left a lasting impression on me because I was able to get an amazing travel experience of both exciting city life and peaceful nature views, all in my own country,.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I hope to be well established in my career, making a meaningful impact in community, and have settled down in my personal life. Over 20 years of my life I’ve dedicated to being a student, I can’t say what the next 20 years will hold for me but I hope to have had time to settle down and create memories with a family of my own. As the middle of 5 children I’ve always been surrounded by family. I grew up around such supportive people and strong familial bonds, I have hopes that in the next decade to come I will be able to create bonds with children of my own.