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On Friday, September 29th, Shanelle Connell leaves for Toronto to represent the Okanagan in the 2017 Miss Universe Canada pageant.
Connell says that her reason for entering the pageant is much bigger than herself, and since that day she submitted her application, her platform has evolved into something much more than winning.
A student working through a BA in Psychology at the UBCO, Connell has a passion for social psychology and relationships, and her mission is to become an advocate for people in toxic relationships.
As a woman who has experienced the damage of toxic relationships herself, Connell hopes to use her position as a Miss Universe contestant as a platform to campaign for individuals suffering from all kinds of relationship abuse.
Connell has worked as a public ambassador for the Elizabeth Fry Society, and in doing so saw the need for a public voice that could campaign on behalf of abused individuals.
The contestant who wins the Miss Universe Canada pageant, crowned on Saturday, October 7th, will then move onto to represent Canada at Miss Universe at the end of November 2017.
Connell must participate in four categories at the pageant, which starts Saturday, September 30th, including humanitarian, bikini, evening gown, and interview score.
If Connell wins at Miss Universe Canada 2017, she will be the first contestant from the Okanagan to achieve the title. Connell says she will also be shortest, at 5 feet 3 inches.
You can help vote Connell into the top 20 until Thursday, October 5th by clicking her name on the People’s Choice Award section of the Miss Universe Canada 2017 page.
To learn more about Connell’s journey, click here. For updates on Connell throughout the competition, follow her Facebook page here.
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