Local model Jessica Leigh Wozniak has a new opportunity to represent White Rock and Surrey, competing for a national title, Miss Canada Globe.
"As a national finalist, I am excited to be representing my community," she said.
But she needs local sponsorships to help cover her expenses for participating in the pageant, which takes place in Toronto in August.
Wozniak, 19, an Earl Marriott Secondary grad, made it to the top 20 out of 85 semi-finalists in last year's International Top Model contest in Vancouver. In the finale of the contest at the River Rock Theatre in Richmond last June she was chosen 'Most Photogenic' of the competitors.
"Since the ITM competition I have been extremely busy with photoshoots and runway shows," said Wozniak, who is in her second year in Kwantlen Polytechnic University, pursuing a bachelor of arts degree with a major in criminology,
A part-time server at Montana's Cookhouse at Grandview Corners, Wozniak counts acting, musical theatre, snowboarding, wakeboarding and fastpitch softball among her interests.
Promotional material for the Miss Canada Globe contest emphasizes a mission to promote multiculturalism and contribute to special events and non-profit fundraisers, as well as provide an opportunity for Canadian women to compete for a title "regardless of their height, size or creed."'
Wozniak said last year's ITM competition – which provided six weeks of intensive modelling training, including photo shoots, interviews and fashion shows – was a big confidence-builder for her.
"I had a great experience with the ITM contest last year, and as this is more of a pageant, I thought it would be something new and different that might be as much fun, if not more fun, to try," Wozniak said.
"With more diversity of contestants it's an opportunity to work with many people of different backgrounds, get along and make new friends. I think it will be a great experience."
Sponsorships will help cover Wozniak's expenses including airfare and hotel room, food, hair, makeup and transportation, and sponsors will be provided with tax receipts.