Danielle Kadjo

Introduce yourself to the Tap Audience

I was born in Ivory Coast but raised in many parts of Europe including Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Paris and Belgium. I later moved back home before settling in Canada. I acquired a (BA) Business Administration degree from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) where I majored in Finance. I’m currently completing a Masters degree in Project Management while working as a Mortgage Development Manager at the National Bank of Canada.

What was your favorite moment growing up as a kid?

My favorite moment growing up has to be all the time I spent with my childhood best friends Khady and Alice. We were not limited by reality; our friendship was sincere and pure. I miss these periods when joy was associated to simple things such as playing outside on a summer’s night and the way we were able to transform anything into everything. I have truly appreciated these kinds of careless and authentic relationships.

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

I love to travel, to meet new people and also to learn about different cultures. In my spare time, I enjoy modeling and learning more about the latest fashion trends, drawing fashion sketches and sewing clothing.

Am also involved in several non-profit organizations such as the EQUITERRE Foundation, The Canadian Red Cross, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Operation Smile. I have built many humanitarian projects for the purpose of growing and providing a helping hand for less fortunate communities in Canada and other parts of the world.

I am also the Founder and President of the Canadian Red Cross Charity fashion show held annually in the national capital region of Canada, and the woman behind the WE DID IT! FASHION SHOW created to mark the World Humanitarian Day in memory of all those, humanitarian workers, who have lost their lives trying to rescue distressed communities.

When and how did you get into this business?

I started modeling ten years ago. My aunt is a well-known designer based in Ivory Coast. I learnt from her. I have always been fascinated by the way she is able to give life to fabrics and create outstanding designs.

Who is your favorite model and why?

My favorite model is Jourdan Dunn. She brings brains, beauty, mile-long legs, and some much-needed diversity to the runways. I consider her as an example, a personality to follow and a pride for the back models in the industry.

Where do you generally shop? My favorite places to shop are La Maison Ogilvy, Simons and Zara.

What other modeling/acting projects have you done? what has been your biggest event so far?

I have worked with several companies such as Banana Republic, Platinum Studio Canada, Allied Beauty Association (ABA Canada), Canal Vox TV Channel, Singer Bobby Bazini, Diamanza Imperial Models Agency, the Grand Prix of Canada – Formula 1, RSVP Canada and a thousand more. I’d say my biggest events so far have been modeling for Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa Fashion Weeks.

Tell us about Miss Universe Canada, how did you get involved?

The Miss Universe Canada 2015 competition is a National event that will take place in Toronto from May 15 to May 24, 2015. The objective of their screening process is to select delegates of good health and fine moral character who possess intelligence, beauty, physical fitness, personal style, poise and charisma to compete for the Miss Universe Canada 2015 title. We must represent and exemplify the outstanding young women of today and must be capable of gracefully carrying out the success and pressures of holding a national title. The winner of the National competition must be able to fulfill a year's duty as Miss Universe Canada and will represent Canada at the Miss Universe 2015 pageant in the fall of 2015.

I was selected over thousands of applications and will compete with over 50 national delegates from across Canada. I see this adventure as something positive to continue to build my social network in order to continue the humanitarian work that I’m doing with the Canadian Red Cross and UNESCO.

Why should anyone support you and why should you be crowned Miss Universe Canada?

For me, becoming Miss Universe Canada is much more than having a sash and crown. I’m proud to be African and also a Canadian citizen. All the projects I have done are focused on making Africa a better place to live. I’m fighting for the African community and for our country of adoption as well. I’m also aware that I represent a chance for a black woman to win this contest for the first time in the history of this pageant, which would be a symbolic and significant moment.

Furthermore, I consider myself blessed, as I’m the only finalist from the entire province of Quebec. I will be representing a lot of people and it’s a double fight for me. I have dedicated much of my life to giving back to the community thus it would be an honor for me to represent the color and the symbol of our national flag, to avail the cultural richness and what Canada has to offer to the world. Becoming Miss Universe Canada would also be a way for me to continue to help, serve and represent with dignity my community, to make a difference in people’s lives and the world around me.

You can support Danielle towards her quest by becoming an official sponsor of her campaign: each candidate must raise a total of $ 2,500 to cover administrative costs. You can contact Danielle HERE