The road to Miss Canada Globe

Danielle Ly Greene took time from her busy schedule preparing for the Miss Canada Globe pageant to talk about why she's doing it, what she wants to accomplish and becoming a strong, independent woman.

The 22-year-old from Nairn Centre studied performing arts in high school, where her love of dance, singing and fashion evolved. She is currently working as an environmental consultant, and likes to kickbox and snowboard when she has spare time.

Q. How did you become part of Miss Canada Globe?
A. I have always been interested ... in competing in a pageant. As a youngster, I remember watching the pageants on TV and reading about them through articles in magazines and newspapers. I was asked by the third runner-up from last year’s Miss Canada Globe if I would be interested in trying out for the pageant. I told her that I was very interested, but a bit apprehensive about trying out. She explained it to me, and I went through the qualification process and was selected as a finalist in this year’s Miss Canada Globe. Her contacting me out of the blue was a sign that this is the year.

Q. What is your pageant experience?
A. This is my first one!

Q. What attracted you to the competition?
A. I was attracted to this competition because this pageant is all about a person, not just your physical attributes, but your inner beauty and strength. It doesn’t mean you have to be the perfect Barbie doll; they want to see who you are as a complete person. This competition is not just about how beautiful you are. The pageant promotes women in today’s society and being a role model for youth.

Q. What message do you want to share with others?
A. I want to show all women out there that they are beautiful and your dreams and goals in life can be achieved as long as you strive for them and work hard. Your past experience and the troubles you have encountered should not hold you back but allow you to move on to bigger and better things.

Q. What do you think makes you the right girl for the job?
A. The fact that I have had some struggles in life and still have a smile on my face every day — I’m happy and energetic, fun, and always positive about life. I look forward to each and every day.

Q. What are you hoping to get from the pageant experience?
A. I want to show everyone that your dreams can come true. I'd also like to gain more poise and more confidence.

Q. Why do you want to take part in the pageant?
A. I want to be a part of this pageant to show that someone from our small city in the north can make their dreams come true.

Q. Who are some of your influences and role models?
A. My Father is a big influence in my life. He has taught me through the years that your dreams can come true; That even though you may have made some mistakes along the way, that the important part is learning from those experiences and to keep moving forward in life. To always help others around you, to show compassion. To look at the big picture and not to have tunnel vision.
My aunt has also been very important in my life. You can say that we are alike in many ways. She has shown me so much in terms of ethics and how to succeed as a woman in the world of business. She has demonstrated how to stand on your own two feet, and I have become a strong independent woman.

Q. If you are successful, what will you do with the responsibility that comes with being Miss Canada Globe?
A. I would get the opportunity to travel and attend the international pageant, representing Canada. The Miss Canada Globe pageant also supports many charities and my role would be to attend functions for these charities on behalf of the pageant.

Q. If people are interested in supporting you, how do they go about it?
A. Please contact me at my email address [email protected]. I need to raise $3,000 in order to just attend the pageant.
In addition, I need to pay for an evening gown, cosmetics, accessories and travel. There are different ways to support me — either cash donations, or gifts of makeup, hair and clothing. Sponsors will receive a receipt for their donations and my major sponsors will have their logos printed in the Miss Canada Globe program. Any donation would be so greatly appreciated.

Posted by Arron Pickard