Alena Konovalova - Miss Universe Canada 2012 Profile

Alena Konovalova | Miss Universe Canada 2012

Age: 24

Height: 5'7"

Hometown: Maple

BIO: As a driven and energetic woman, Alena likes to surround herself with positive, motivated people who support and motivate her towards achieving her goals and aspirations. She is a hard worker and has always dedicated herself entirely to the things that she is involved in.

In her spare time, Alena loves to spend time with friends and family, read, or enjoy sports such as soccer, hockey or basketball.

She also loves to act and perform, and was fortunate enough to meet her majesty Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh after a performance she was a part of during the Queens visit to Canada in 2010.

Alena likes to maintain a healthy lifestyle by having a proper diet and exercise daily and encourage those around her to lead a healthier lifestyle. She also enjoys spending time and inspiring children and volunteering during the summer to help teach kids math and English.

If chosen to be Miss Universe Canada, Alena will dedicate her time to numerous charities with a focus on helping children and women in need.

Over the past year, the SOS Children’s Villages charity has grown very dear to her heart and she would love to dedicate her time and passion into bringing more awareness and educating people about the importance of helping children in need through SOS Children’s Villages.

One of her biggest passions is the environment, she is always finding new ways to make her home greener and at the same time helping to educate those around her about making greener choices in life. She believes that to educate the children of today will make a change in the world tomorrow.

The motto which she lives by is, “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

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

English and Russian

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

I love to read books that inspire me to look and think about the world in a new light and discover the wonders I never knew about. I also love sports (playing, watching and discussing) soccer and hockey in particular.

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

I have enrolled in few acting schools in the GTA which help me pursue my interest in acting and help me discover and reach new and complex emotions while I am playing different characters. It has also helped me develop a better public speaking skill and allowed me to step out of my shell in ways I never thought possible.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I have loved sports since I was a little girl and have been a part of hockey teams, volleyball teams and most recently a Co-Ed soccer team where I played as striker.

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

I would have to say my sister. She has always been a very well rounded person and has always excelled tremendously in academia. While I was growing up, she was always someone I looked up too and strived to be as strong and inspirational as she was while still making time for family, friends and a successful career.

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

I love to act and perform, and was fortunate enough to meet her majesty Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during the Queens visit to Canada in 2010. I had been selected to be one of the 10 performers for the Queen herself during a private 3D presentation that we worked night and day to put together.

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

Anyone that knows me knows that I am a huge animal lover and always feel the need to help and rescue animals. While away on vacation a couple years ago I found a puppy that was malnourished and dehydrated. I brought him to the vet, gave him all his shots and fortunately was allowed to bring him home to give him a longer and happier life.

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

I have always loved working with people and being the resource that people can rely on and trust, because of this I chose to pursue my education in the Human Resource field. My overall career ambition would be as a Director of Human Resources in a non-for-profit organization where I would apply my studies and expertise while working to better the lives of others around the world.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

To have a career where people value my opinion and where my decisions matter. I would love a career that involves travel so that I could get the opportunity to experience the world. I would love to be a Director of Human Resources in a non-for-profit organization where I would apply my studies and expertise while working to better the lives of others around the world.

Are you currently a student?

Not in post secondary

Area of study:

I have a degree from York University in Human Resource Management however I am always studying and trying to develop my craft in acting.

Are you currently employed?

Yes

If yes, what is your occupation?

I currently work as a Sales Representative for GBS Communications (TELUS Dealer)

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

I was born in Russia and will always hold my roots dear to my heart, however I consider myself to be raised in Canada. I consider my childhood to be very regular. Although it is only my parents and my sister in Canada, some might consider it lonely but my home was always filled with love and laughter. I was brought up to respect my elders and my religion but at the same time had the freedom to make my own decisions about my future. My parents to this day try to give me and my sister everything they didn’t have in life and I will forever be grateful to them. They are my biggest fans and my support structure through everything I attempt in life.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

I started a snow shoveling business one winter for part time and had a couple of people that thought it was a great idea to work with me. I was able to delegate to the point where I was just doing the sales and never had to shovel one drive way.

List any volunteering you have done.

I worked a couple summers at a retirement centre close to my house. It was extremely fascinating to hear the life stories and experiences that a lot of the people there have gone through. I had also volunteered at a women’s shelter in my town organizing food and clothing donations. Over the past couple of years I had been volunteering my time to tutor elementary school students, teaching them math and English.

What is your most unusual talent?

When I first learned how to play the flute in grade 6 I have always been fascinated to learn new songs and perform in school concerts. Even though I do not get much practice currently I have kept the knowledge of playing.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

I have been fortunate enough to travel to many exotic and secluded places around the world however, the most interesting place I have visited was Paris, France. It is fascinating for me to step into a completely different culture and way of life. One that is not reliant on monetary values but rather on enjoying and experiencing life. I love trying new foods, seeing the exquisite monuments and learning about the rich history of such an influential country.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years I want to be a Director of Human Resources for a non-for-profit organization that helps children around the world. I would want to have a career where people value my opinion and where my decisions matter. I want to have a family of my own and involve my children in making a difference in today’s society by taking them around the world to have them experience and be educated with different cultures around the world.

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

Being a part of Miss Universe Canada has been one of the most memorable and favorite activities I have ever been a part of. It has opened up so many doors for me and has allowed me to be involved in a charity hands-on. I have always wanted to start a foundation from the ground up and encourage and involve my loved ones. It is extremely rewarding to see the joy on their faces while we plan and put together my foundation.

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