Jaime VandenBerg
Height: 5’9
Hometown: Lethbridge, AB
Languages: English, Spanish
Occupation: International Model & Actress
Jaime VandenBerg spent much of her childhood in Coaldale, where she attended primary school before graduating from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, concentrating in legal reasoning. Her academic journey led her to write the LSAT and recently apply to Law School. Driven by a desire to help others, her philanthropic efforts began at a young age. From volunteering at her local food bank to contributing to a girls’ school in Rajasthan, India, and publishing an article on harassment in Cosmopolitan Philippines, Jaime was honoured with an International Diana Award for youth activism. Shifting her focus to gender-based violence, Jaime served as a crisis support worker in the Victim Services Unit at the Lethbridge Police Station, assisting with domestic violence cases as a victim’s court support. Through her training and collaboration with the police as a first responder, she gained invaluable insights for victims, which she later shared in her solo travel safety workshops. Jaime’s decade-long commitment to philanthropy, both locally and internationally, was recognized with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Jaime stepped back from her role in VSU when opportunities arose to travel the world for modelling contracts. What began as a dream of working internationally took a harrowing turn when she found herself staring down the barrel of a revolver. After being followed shortly after meeting with her agency in a new city, she faced a critical choice between fight or flight. By the grace of God and the intervention of a kind stranger at the perfect moment, the bullet missed her in a point-blank shot as she pulled back from the man attempting to take her. This life-altering moment granted her a profound new perspective. With renewed gratitude, she transformed her struggle into strength and refocused on her dreams.
After living in various countries, Jaime chose to plant roots and establish residency in Mexico City, where she discovered a passion for high-altitude mountain climbing. This pursuit became a significant part of her life, reminding her that despite life’s peaks and valleys, one can feel on top of the world again. She achieved the remarkable feat of climbing the top five highest summits for climbers in Mexico, embracing the sport’s challenges and triumphs. Jaime uses her platform to inspire others, championing the transformative power of dreams and the importance of overcoming adversity.
A favorite quote she discovered in her LSAT trainer by Mike Kim resonates deeply with her: “May your greatest curse in life be that your hard work is constantly mistaken for luck.” This quote encapsulates her belief that gratitude, hard work, and dreaming are the keys to success. As she continues to travel for work and steps into her acting career, Jaime maintains her gratitude for life. Her journey is a testament to the strength found in embracing life’s unexpected turns and the courage to pursue one’s passions. Having just wrapped her third series, Jaime is truly excited to see where life takes her next. Her unwavering dedication and positive outlook continue to inspire those around her, as she embraces each new opportunity with enthusiasm and grace.
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One of my greatest passions is high-altitude mountain climbing—a love I discovered while living in Mexico for a work contract. Since then, I’ve summited several of the country’s most iconic peaks, including Nevado de Colima, Nevado de Toluca, La Malinche, Iztaccíhuatl, and Pico de Orizaba.
Climbing brings me a unique sense of clarity. It’s a meditative experience that demands both mental focus and physical endurance. One of my most memorable moments was ascending the glacier of Pico de Orizaba at sunrise—crampons on, ice axe in hand, tethered to my friend Atzin—as the sky turned shades of gold and blue around us. That moment encapsulated everything I love about being in the mountains: solitude, strength, and awe.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, which has deeply shaped my approach to acting by helping me understand character, subtext, and story structure on a more meaningful level. Though not a traditional acting degree, it’s strengthened my ability to interpret and embody complex roles with nuance. I’ve also studied Spanish through formal classes since moving to Mexico City for a modelling contract, which has enhanced both my communication skills and cultural awareness. My creative journey—spanning philosophy, performance, language learning, and international modelling—has taught me the importance of adaptability. Every project brings a new team and energy, and I’ve learned to remain open, collaborative, and consistent in service of the shared vision.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Growing up in Alberta, I was immersed in a wide range of sports. I played hockey, skied, and snowboarded from a young age, and also participated in baseball, basketball, volleyball, and other team sports throughout my youth. Physical activity was a foundational part of my upbringing, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Today, the sport I continue to practice regularly is boxing. As a survivor of gender-based violence, boxing has become a personal and empowering outlet for me. It’s not about aggression or conflict—it’s about reconnecting with my inner strength and resilience. Boxing reminds me that my power comes from within and that it can never be taken away.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
One of the most influential people in my life is Darcy James, former director of the Victim Services Unit in Lethbridge and one of the city’s first female police officers. I had the privilege of training under her as a Crisis Support Worker. Her leadership, empathy, and dedication to serving others showed me what it means to live with purpose and integrity. Darcy’s example helped me understand that true justice comes from aligning personal values with service to the community—something that continues to guide me in every area of my life.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal is my proudest accomplishment, representing over a decade of dedication to philanthropy and community service. As a teen, I began volunteering locally, which led to building a girls’ school in Rajasthan and publishing an article on sexual harassment for Cosmopolitan, earning me the International Diana Award for Youth Activism.
Since then, I’ve volunteered as a crisis support worker, hosted fundraisers, led solo travel safety classes, and self-defence workshops. Collaborating with leaders, such as the mayor of Cobán, Guatemala, to deliver care packages to women in tribal regions, and working with organizations like YWCA Lethbridge, has strengthened my commitment to creating positive change.
This medal honours my ongoing journey to make a meaningful impact in the world.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
On January 18, 2021, my life changed forever when I was followed and found myself staring down the barrel of a revolver, truly believing it was my last breath. In that terrifying moment, thanks to the unexpected intervention of a complete stranger and the grace of God, I survived. This experience opened my eyes to the harsh reality that nearly every 48 hours a woman dies from gender-based violence in Canada, and every 11 minutes worldwide. While this moment does not define me, it has ignited a fierce determination within me to live each day with purpose and passion. It fuels my commitment to transform pain into power and be a catalyst for change and safety for others. My story drives me to advocate tirelessly for survivors and to raise awareness about this critical issue, reminding me that courage and hope can emerge even from the darkest moments.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work internationally as a model and actress—something I never imagined growing up in Coaldale, Alberta. My journey began at 14, working breakfast at a hotel, when I was scouted by a modelling agent. Though I was too young then, that moment planted the seed for my passion in fashion and performance.
Looking ahead, I aspire to open a boutique modelling agency in Lethbridge, where none currently exist. I want to help others achieve their dreams by providing mentorship and guidance, just as I was once encouraged. Alongside this, I’m pursuing my acting career with the goal of starring in a film that premieres at a major festival—an exciting milestone where I can share my work with a wider audience and connect with industry professionals.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
I’m truly blessed to be living two of my dream careers as a model and actress. Becoming Miss Universe would be the ultimate dream—a transformative platform to amplify my message of gratitude and ignite hope in others. It would empower me to inspire people around the world to seize every day with courage and determination, reminding them that their dreams are within reach. This role would not only elevate my voice but also give me the opportunity to create meaningful change and uplift communities globally.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I grew up in Coaldale, Alberta, where I attended St. Joseph’s School. My childhood was full of adventure and family bonding, thanks to my stay-at-home mom and my dad, who owned an RV dealership and service centre. Growing up with four siblings, we often explored the country in a large motorhome. On one memorable trip, a wrong turn even landed us in the middle of a parade! Whenever my dad needed to pick up an RV for his business, the whole family would join the journey, taking different routes each time. These trips took us through nearly every American state and most of Canada, igniting my love for travel and exploration from a very young age.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
The funniest job I’ve ever had was as a “Professional Ranch Dressing Consumer.” I filmed a commercial for Hidden Valley Ranch where I had to eat plates of ranch dressing repeatedly—definitely a unique and hilarious experience!
List any volunteering you have done.
Between Friends Program at Sunny South Retirement, Interfaith Food Bank, Knights of Columbus, Free the Children, Family Centre, Chinook Autism Society, Camp Columbus, YWCA, Lethbridge Police Station’s Victim Services Unit, and Cruz Roja Ciudad de Mexico (Red Cross Mexico City).
What is your most unusual talent?
One of my most unique talents is being a licensed scuba diver, with occasional ventures into free diving. Last year, I had the extraordinary opportunity to free dive in a cenote in the Dominican Republic for an Olympics commercial. This experience required me to hold my breath, dive deep, and surface with grace and poise.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
The most interesting place I’ve ever been to is Mexico. Despite having lived in Mexico City for a few years, I’ve realized how much there is still to discover. Learning Spanish has been transformative, allowing me to connect deeply with the culture and people, especially in the Pueblos Mágicos and museums, where language reveals the richness of local stories and history.
I aspire to visit every state in Mexico, drawn by its diverse culture, geography, and cuisine, each offering a unique tapestry of experiences that continue to inspire and enrich my journey.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself thriving in both my personal and professional life. I envision being happily married and raising children, fully embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood—an experience I believe to be deeply fulfilling. Professionally, I aspire to own a modelling agency where I can mentor and uplift young women, helping them turn their dreams into reality. While I plan to continue pursuing acting roles when the right opportunities arise, my primary focus will be on nurturing my family and empowering others to succeed in the industry.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
Recently, I have taken up photography as a hobby, with a particular focus on capturing the energy and essence of live bands. This passion has afforded me the incredible opportunity to photograph renowned artists such as Green Day, Cage the Elephant, The Arkells, and more. Through this creative pursuit, I have been able to blend my love for music and visual storytelling, capturing moments that resonate with both the performers and their audiences.
Life is incredibly precious, and the ability to dream and truly live is something I believe everyone should nurture. By embracing our passions and seizing opportunities, we can create a life filled with purpose and joy, inspiring others to do the same.