MISS UNIVERSE CANADA 2011 CONTESTANT - Blerta Mahmuti

Name: Blerta Mahmuti

Age: 22 | Height: 6’1″ | Ottawa, ON

Blerta Mahmuti was born in Peja, Kosovo and fled from her native home in 1999 due to the Kosovo War. Arriving to Ottawa, Canada with her parents and two brothers—Blerta quickly took advantage of the resources available to her in her new home.

She is currently completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies and Biology at Carleton University while working for MBNA Bank of America. Upon completion of her studies, Blerta seeks to work in policy-settings that advocate for the sustainable use of the earth’s resources, and implement efficient environmental legislation.

In addition to full-time studies and employment, Blerta is also a trained pianist and holds a certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music of Canada. Moreover, having faced hardship during the war in Kosovo, Blerta recognizes the significance of giving and helping others which is reflected through her continued sponsorship through World Vision of a young girl in Honduras.

Throughout her endeavours, Blerta is supported by her loving family and friends who she devotes a significant amount of time to. Blerta’s hobbies include photography, hot yoga, working out and outdoor sports.

Since her childhood, Blerta’s passion for fashion and trends has influenced her artistic expression through her music, modeling and personal projects involving interior design. Influenced by both European and North American art, Blerta’s diverse appetite for creativity naturally led her to be a part of various fashion events including Ottawa Fashion Week.

By competing for Miss Universe Canada pageant, Blerta will be able to apply her love for art and fashion while acting as an ambassador to Canada. She will make a meaningful contribution to the competition by bringing determination, success and poise.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends

Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)
I’m fluent in Albanian(Shqip) and English.


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com/muc

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA 2011 CONTESTANT - Betsy Leimbigler

Name: Betsy Leimbigler

Age: 20 | Height: 5’10″ | Saint-Jérôme, QC

Betsy started her studies at the University of Ottawa at age 16, and will graduate this June in Honours International Studies and Modern Languages. Born in Canada, Betsy was raised and educated in the National Capital Region of Ottawa/Gatineau, and spent a few years in Japan and China with her expatriate parents.

Her academic activities have taken her to Europe and the United States. Betsy is multilingual and has a passion for charity and volunteer work, in which she has been extensively involved.

She was selected as one of 15 students from across Canada to be a Senate Page on Parliament Hill. Betsy works as a Parliamentary Tour Guide in Ottawa, explaining the Canadian government institutions to visitors in both official languages.

She is a fashion model, and has supported various charities for hospitals and health research with her modeling agency.

She has received a number of awards and scholarships, such as the National Millennium Excellence Award, due to her community service, innovation, leadership and academic achievement. Through other government scholarships, she has also studied at Université Laval in Quebec City, and Universität Konstanz in Germany.

As a proud Canadian inspired by those who surround her, Betsy promotes Canadian cultural values which she believes are enhanced through education and community support. In the future, Betsy sees herself working on humanitarian and volunteer projects both at home and abroad, and becoming an Ambassador of Canada.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends.

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

English, French, German, Mandarin, Japanese, (basic Spanish)


Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com/muc

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA 2011 CONTESTANT - Ashley Brown

Name: Ashley Brown

Age: 21 | Height: 5’8″ | Chilliwack, BC

After graduating high school, Ashley boarded a plane bound for Townsville, Australia, where she was involved with Youth with a Mission.

She later traveled with a small team from Townsville to Vanuatu, a small island nation in the South Pacific, where she partnered with the local village leaders to pioneer a youth program in a coastal community.

When she was 20 she lived in Harpenden, England for three months where she studied international conflict resolution and peace initiatives with representatives from across the globe.

She in the second year of her degree at the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia where she is studying Political Science and Applied Ethical and Political Philosophy.

It is her hope to one day work for an international human rights organization that seeks to empower women and fight for children’s rights.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends.

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)

English



Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com/muc

Emily Johnson ‘Miss Maine' Gave up her Pageant for Sister’s Wedding

Miss Maine USA, Emily Johnson, has announced that she has decided to skip Donald Trump's Miss USA Pageant to attend her sister's wedding.

Emily Johnson decided to give up her Miss Maine USA 2011's pageant title

This is a surprising choice and a huge sacrifice on her part. It takes years of work to earn such a prestigious title, plus by missing this event, she is giving up her title, and the valuable prizes associated with it!

The first runner-up, Ashley Marble, has happily accepted this wonderful opportunity to represent her state as Miss Maine for the pageant.

The New Miss Maine USA 2011, Ashley Marble

The executive director of the Miss Maine USA pageant Mackenzie Davis "understands Johnson's reasoning, but she says Miss Maine is a serious commitment and that she's disappointed Johnson withdrew from her duties," according to MSNBC News.

Although this certainly proves her dedication to her family, it seems like her sister could push the wedding by one weekend to show her support for her loving sister's dreams.

Special thanks and credits to celebs.gather.com

MISS UNIVERSE CANADA 2011 CONTESTANT - Ashleigh Clark

Name: Ashleigh Clark

Age: 23 | Height: 5’10″ | Saskatoon, SK

Ashleigh is an accomplished dancer, model, and actress, and an advocate for the arts in her community.

She was born and raised in Saskatoon, SK, and began dancing at age 3, studying ballet. She went on to complete her RAD Advanced exam, and now studies a range of styles from jazz to salsa.

Her love of dance led to being accepted to the CCPA in Vitoria, BC to study acting, dance, and music. She then continued to the NYFA in Los Angeles, CA to study acting and production. Ashleigh now brings her knowledge to her to the next generation through teaching.

Ashleigh is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Miss Universe Canada and to have the love and support of her family the whole way.

Sponsored by: Family and Friends.

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language):

English and French

Special thanks and credits to www.beautiesofcanada.com/muc