Suzette Hernandez - Miss Universe Canada 2012 Profile
Suzette Hernandez | Miss Universe Canada 2012
Age: 26
Height: 5'9"
Hometown: Vancouver
BIO: Suzette is a ramp model, an avid traveler and a fulltime commerce student. She is a health advocate who loves reading, singing, playing sports and volunteering in her community.
Growing up in Vancouver, she speaks fluent English, Tagalog and a bit of French. Living, in her terms, is defined by experiencing what the world offers.
True to her philosophy, she has travelled all over North America, Europe, the Caribbean and Asia.
She loves experiencing other cultures and hopes to be able to taste all the wonderful delicacies of traditional cuisines around the world.
Having modeled for seven years, she has grazed many runway shows, magazines, and has even been featured in a commercial as well as several TV shows.
When asked about what drives her, she proudly talks about her father.
Her dad’s courageous battle with cancer has been a source of strength for this little lady. In an interview she once said, “As in Oprah Winfrey’s words, ‘he allowed me to see that not even the sky is the limit.’”
The pain of her loss fuels her hunger for success and has made her a very multifaceted woman. Presently, she is pursuing her Degree in Marketing, and dedicates her spare time to her family and volunteer work—planning and organizing fundraisers to help those in need. She has been a member of the non-profit organization called the Batangas Club of British Columbia since 2004, fundraising to sponsor children with no means to pursue an education.
Suzette Hernandez believes that anything is possible through hard work, perseverance and determination. She hopes to incorporate the knowledge she has gained from her traveling adventures to best represent Canada’s distinct cultural mosaic as the next Miss Universe Canada 2012.
Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language).
English and Tagalog
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I love reading books, playing volleyball and traveling the world. I enjoy organizing charity events the most because it allows me to use my social skills as well as my business background and education for a greater good.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
Figure skating, swimming and vocal training
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Softball, volleyball, swimming, figure skating
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Oprah Winfrey inspires me because her life story is a constant reminder that anything in this world is attainable with hard work, persistence, determination and motivation. I admire her charitable involvements and confidence.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
I recently donated my hair to the BC Cancer Society. A total of twelve inches of one length and virgin hair was cut. It was a huge sacrifice for me to have kept my hair that long especially while competing in pageants and modeling. The reason why I did was because I thought about the things that most women treasure in their lives. Hair is one of those things. I wanted to give my gift to those who are unable to grow it. Their happiness made it well worth the wait. I am proud to say that I would do it all over again
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 travelled back and forth from Canada to the Philippine Islands in 2010 and 2011 to model and do charity work. The Philippines has a high number of abandoned children. While I was there I volunteered my time at the local orphanage. Being able to care for these children made me more appreciative and broadened my perspective of life. In 2010, Philippine government officials presented me the Dangal ng Lahing Lemereno Award. Engraved under my name it states that the award exists:
In recognition of the honor and prestige that she has brought to the municipality, for being an embodiment of the true essence of being a Lemerena and for providing an inspiration and a worthy example for the young to emulate.
In addition, after several public appearances, the Philippine Star labeled me as “articulate” while the Manila Bulletin referred to me as a “health advocate”. Both are the most prestigious newspapers in the Philippines.
The most interesting thing about me is that I have a very passionate heart. I believe that time is best spent doing the things that matter most in life. I desire to make our society a better place and to give back to those in need so that they may have the same opportunities that I have had.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I would like to be the head of the marketing department for a global retail trade company. I have been a store manager for several years for a few well-known companies. Most recently, I was one of the youngest and successful store managers at Guess Inc., and I am currently pursuing my marketing degree so that I may be able to work at corporate office and pursue my ambition. After all, life is all about moving forward.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
I would love to be a full time super model and a beauty queen so that I may be able to use my influence and title to be able to continue to make a difference in the world and empower our community.
Are you currently a student?
Yes
Area of study:
Business Commerce
Are you currently employed?
Yes, I am currently employed.
If yes, what is your occupation?
I am a part-time freelance model.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born by the tropical waters in a little village in Lemery, Batangas Philippine Islands. I had a very happy childhood. I was the youngest of four siblings and spent most of my days with family members. My mother used to tell me stories of how I started wearing heels just as I started to learn how to walk. She says that I’ve always played with my blankets, wrap them around my body and pretend that I was wearing a gown. My childhood is a big part of who I am today. I value the time that my parents took to raise me and I will always be grateful for their sacrifices.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I was hired to model for a live mannequin fashion show. I wore clothing from a high-end boutique at the Mercedes Benz opening gala in North Vancouver. It was unusual because I had to stay still for long periods of time and only move when it was time to change outfits. In the end, it turned out to be a lot of fun.
List any volunteering you have done.
For a few years I served as the vice president of the youth committee at South Vancouver Community Church, formerly known as the Filipino Christian Alliance Fellowship. Performing in the church choir and volunteering at the annual daily vacation bible school, I worked with two other dedicated members to arrange events for our weekly youth gatherings. Our mission was to host events that served as an alternative place for the youth during Friday nights. We aimed at developing a fun atmosphere for teenagers from all walks of life. Recently, I have fundraised for Habitat for Humanity, Dress for Success Vancouver, and the Batangas Club of British Columbia.
Presently, I am organizing a charity fashion show with silent auction for the SOS Children’s Villages in Nicaragua. The huge event is set to take place in downtown Vancouver in April and I am the head producer and organizer.
What is your most unusual talent?
I used to be a figure skater.
Where is the most interesting place you have been?
I have traveled to several countries and the most interesting place I have ever been to is Puerto Princessa, Palawan. It is located in one of the 7,107 islands in the Philippines. It is nestled between lush virgin forests and beautiful beaches.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years I see myself successful in my career and continuing to volunteer my time empowering children. I also hope to have a family of my own and most of all to be living a very happy life.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to compete in the Miss Universe Canada 2012 Pageant.
* Back to Miss Universe Canada 2012 Contestants
* Special Thanks to Beauties of Canada
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