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

I love going to the gym and weight training, it makes me feel like I can take on the world! I also enjoy walking and hiking with my 3 pups. We have been on many adventures. The longest was 22km, and they wanted more. Haha! Drawing and writing have been passions of mine since I was young. I’m also very spontaneous!

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

Well a fun fact! I was a trained and a licensed forklift driver. One of the very few women in that particular job. I absolutely loved it. I also joke about, “I don’t sing, dance very well, play an instrument or bake, but, I can drive a forklift, plumb a house, lay floors, paint, renovate and operate tools.”

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

My sport was track and field, the 4 x 100 relay. I was always the last runner bringing our team home. My love for running still remains. I also ran in the “Around the Bay” race, it was incredible to be surrounded by so many uplifting and encouraging runners.

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

Princess Diana – she is the epitome of elegance, grace and selflessness. Her genuine compassion and passion for helping people and being truly interested in the causes she was involved in are beyond admirable. She went through many challenges and difficulties with family and friends. Was judged and scrutinized. I can relate to that. She learned through hardships to carry on and stay true to who she was meant to be; the people’s Princess. I admire her beauty, strength and passion that proved there is goodness in the world.

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

Anyone that knows me would say the same, my boys! I am so thankful and blessed to be their Mama. They truly keep me grounded and on my toes. They were so supportive each time I went back to school, especially for Medical Aesthetics. You know your supported when your sons allow you to use them as Models for practice and exams. Enduring waxing, pedicure and makeup was so much fun. I graduated top of my class with their love and support. Going through the Real Estate program my son continuously encouraged me, when I doubted myself. Words can’t describe this type of accomplishment of raising incredible men.

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

“Get into the courtroom, where is your client??” Um, I’m not a lawyer. Interesting that I was constantly mistaken for being a lawyer when interning as a mediator in the courthouse, even the judge was speaking to me about clients. I was very uplifted that’s for sure.

The most interesting my friends and family would say is my outside does not match my inside. Meaning I am opposite of how I am perceived. Although I am very outgoing, playful and funny, I can be very shy. I can be both the dainty girl, then switch and lift weights and watch and recite movies like the Gladiator and Troy.

I always keep my sense of humor, even in the most heartbreaking and difficult of times. I find it keeps situations light and keeps me grounded to how precious life is and how we react to it.

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

My ambition is to continue on my career path of being a Family Mediator, Divorce coach and Realtor. My goal is to be the go to for all things divorce. My plan is to hold speaking engagements and add humor as I find this really does ease the stress. I have recently graduated from a woman’s business program for female entrepreneurs, and I’m excited to make this a reality.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

“I’m gonna be a Lawyer or an Architect” I was saying this literally since I was about 5 years old. I went to University for Interior design and found although quite good at it, I loved law, hence going back to school for Family Mediation. I always loved law and it was in me. I’d still love to go to law school. On the total opposite side, I always wanted to own a candy shop like Charlie and the chocolate factory. Haha!

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

I am a Burlington, Ontario girl. I grew up there since I was 4 years old. I continue to always go back. I have lived and worked in the city throughout my life. My father still lives in our family home. I was the tomboy kid. Riding my bike, skateboarding, climbing trees, finding creatures in the stream. Burlington back then was dirt roads, the city bus picked you up in front of your house. I came in when the street lights came on. I had a lot of fun with pool parties, picnics, travelling and snow forts. Just thinking about it puts a smile on my face.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

Starting off with my first job of babysitting and being a summertime nanny at 13 years old. I followed this with being the 1st female pizza maker at my job at 16 years old. I remember the manager saying that it was too difficult and heavy to carry pans. He said if I can carry the full rack of 12 slice, prepped pizza rake from the back walk in, 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 had a position of driving the forklift, reach truck and order picker; Fun! I also taught plumbing at Home Depot University and the kid’s workshop.

List any volunteering you have done.

Previously, I helped at the Good Sheppard putting together packages and took part in Victim Services (Halton Region). I am looking forward to assisting in many areas here in Hamilton.

What is your most unusual talent?

My unusual talent…Hmmm. I would say being a bit clumsy and being able to laugh at myself; always keeping my sense of humor. I was in a bubble gum blowing contest and won for blowing the largest bubble. Reacting instantly in situations and going straight to problem solving mode. I can do plumbing and enjoy it. Additionally talking to people. Since I was very young I have always attracted people to talk with me. I never knew why back then, now I feel honored when strangers tell me their stories, they somehow trust me having never met or known me. I knew then I had a purpose.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

Hamilton, Ontario!!! The Historical Steel City! Being Burlington raised and lived in almost my entire life, I recently moved to Hamilton. Although literally right next door to Burlington, living here has opened my eyes to this incredible city. The historical buildings that have been preserved, original mansions and of course Dundurn castle are an architect’s dream.

Here are just a touch of the hi-lights:

• The community of small businesses and entrepreneurs has a strong bond.
• “City of waterfalls”, with over a whopping 100 around the city.
• Cultural scene of the arts and incredible artists including the Art Gallery of Hamilton (the largest of public galleries in Canada)
• Anyone hungry? The diverse food scene is flourishing! With multicultural foods, street foods and unexpected fine dining.
• One of my personal favorites, is the trails. From the Bruce trail, to the famous rail trail, and the Bay waterfront, the scenery is simply beautiful and majestic.

These are only a few reasons I chose Hamilton as interesting!

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

Within 10 years I really want to be holding the speaking engagements for all things divorce. Additionally I want to have my books published. I have written and completed a children’s book on bullying and I’m working on a humor book on dating. The do’s and don’ts for ladies and then a follow up for the gents. I want to do something remarkable to leave behind.

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

Being part of the Miss Universe Canada platform is extremely bitter sweet for me as my mother passed away December 2024, before she could know that I was selected as a delegate (the bitter). The sweet part is that it was because of her telling me to go for it, I did; because when Mom tells you to do something you do it, and here I am. I hope to make her smile.

Just for fun… I can’t tell you how many times I was removed from class for chatting and being silly; the class clown. My desk was even put out in the hallway and I had to sit there and do my work. I must have thought that was funny too because it didn’t stop me from doing it again and again. Sorry to all my teachers I drove crazy. Haha!

I’ll add… I have a serious love for candy! Sours, gummies love it.