Adventures of a Beauty Queen

Chanel Beckenlehner, Miss International Canada 2009

Adventures of a Beauty Queen first saw Chanel Beckenlehner on the official website of the Miss Global Beauty 2009 which was held in China a few months ago as of this writing. She was on this blogging beauty queen’s list of Top Picks for that pageant so it wasn’t a surprise when she placed in the Top 15. I made her acquaintance online and found out that she is not only pretty and smart, but is a true ambassadress. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Miss Canada Chanel Beckenlehner as she gets ready to represent her country in the coming Miss International Pageant 2009 in China this November!

As of October 19, 2009 Chanel is 2nd in the Internet Voting Event. In first place is Ms Indonesia. Our very own Ms International Philippines Melody Gersbach is third and Miss Puerto Rico is fourth. Click here to place your vote…

Please visit Chanel Beckenlehner’s Official Website

Part 2 of this interview is here…

1) Tell us a little about yourself… (hobbies, college, work, etc)

University:
I am a pre law student attending the University of Toronto working towards my Honours B.A. specializing in Political Science. Following this, I would like to work towards completing the Juris Doctor Law Degree through the University Of Toronto Faculty Of Law. My appreciation and deep respect for the diversities within the world’s population, has propelled my life goals to become an advocate for social justice and rights.

Hobbies:
Some of my hobbies include golfing, acting (theatre + film), working out and belly dancing. I also have a background of elite athletic training in the equestrian sport of Dressage and competitive dance (ballet, tap, jazz and modern).

Work:
In the summer months, I work at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Caledon, Ontario as a beverage cart server. It is such a pleasure to work outside and to be in touch with nature. This particular job has been beneficial in developing my business skill set. I have been able to improve my interpersonal skills through networking, sales and marketing techniques. Customer service and satisfaction are paramount to the success of my serving style. Positive, outgoing, friendly, approachable, excellent rapport with customers and always striving for top sales is my trademark. Not to mention, I get to work on my golf game.

2) What made you join Miss Universe Canada?

It was the summer of 2008, right after Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza won the title Miss Universe 2008 that inspired me to learn more about the process of pageantry.  I immediately went online, researched the Miss Universe Organization which then led me onto the Beauties of Canada Organization (Miss Universe Canada). It was over the next couple of days, while working at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Caledon, Ontario as a beverage cart server that I was approached on numerous occasions to apply and run for the position of Miss Universe Canada 2009. I took this as a sign to submit my application and so began my journey in the beauty pageant industry.

"My appreciation and deep respect for the diversities within the world's population, has propelled my life goals to become an advocate for social justice and rights." - Chanel Beckenlehner

3) What are your other beauty titles?

- I was selected to represent Canada at the Reinado Internacional del Cafe 2009 Pageant held in Manizales, Colombia. I became a semi finalist apart of the Top 10. This competition was an international event in which delegates from around the world vied for the title.

- I was one of 57 delegates who competed for the title of Miss Universe Canada 2009. I became a semi finalist who placed within the Top 12 for the national title. In addition, I became the winner of 2 fast track awards (Miss Elegance as well Audience Favorite) at the Miss Universe Canada 2009 pageant. I also received the title of Miss Congeniality at the Preliminary GTA/ Central Ontario Miss Universe Canada 2009 Pageant.

- I was then selected to represent Toronto, Canada at the Miss Global Beauty Queen 2009 Pageant held in Daqing, China. I became a semi finalist and placed within the Top 15. In addition, I also won the title Miss Charm. This competition is an international event in which well over 60 delegates from around the world vied for the title.

- I have been selected to represent Canada at the 49th Miss International 2009 competition. This pageant will be held November 12th – November 28th in Chengdu (Sichuan Province, China). Over 60 contestants are expected to attend the pageant. Alejandra Andreu of Spain will crown her successor at the end of the event.

4) Do you also have modeling experience?

Yes, modeling really interests me!  I am currently building up my portfolio.

5) Who was your best friend in the Miss Global Beauty Pageant in China?

International competitions provide the opportunity to travel and meet people from across the world. This is a unique chance to expand our understanding of many different international cultures and customs. Through these experiences friendships blossom! I enjoyed getting to know all the delegates of Miss Global Beauty Queen however I became particularly close with Miss Tenerife Spain, Miss Australia, Miss Thailand, Miss Denmark and Miss Belgium.

6) Any remarkable experience in that pageant?

I have such amazing memories and experiences of China! The people of China are so welcoming, accommodating, hardworking, well disciplined, highly educated and respectful! This country has so much to offer with its breathtaking scenery, traditional architecture, fashions, cuisine, natural wonders and highly spirited culture. A standout feature would be the high quality of service very efficient, productive and helpful country. I really enjoyed learning about traditional cultural arts and practices such as Tai Chi (Chinese shadow boxing), Chinese calligraphy and oriental medicine.

"Speaking as a student of international relations I am interested in learning more about China's peacekeeping efforts. In fact, China is led by the President Hu Jintao who is about fostering better international relations and international cooperation." - Chanel Beckenlehner

7) You are raising awareness for the American Nicaraguan Foundation and SOS Children’s Villages. Could you tell us more about this?

Through Beauties of Canada, I became involved with organizing charitable fundraising initiatives in support of providing housing projects and family based care in Nicaragua. This charity SOS Children’s Villages is an independent, non-governmental social development organization, which has been active in the field of children’s needs, concerns and rights. Working alongside SOS Children’s Villages is the ANF (American Nicaraguan Foundation) which supports programs and projects that improve the quality of education, nutrition, healthcare and housing available to Nicaragua’s poorest communities.

8) In the Philippines, beauty pageants are serious business. Is it the same in Canada?

The professionals within the pageant industry in Canada are passionate, focused and driven to help raise the bar of our contestants on the world stage.

9) Speaking of the Philippines, do you have any Filipino friends, family or acquaintances in Canada?

Yes I do have several friends who come from the Philippines.

10) What is your opinion on women who have plastic surgery or beauty enhancements to ‘improve’ their chances of winning a pageant?

Whatever it takes for one to feel beautiful + happy in the inside is what really matters. We all strive to better our physical appearance in various ways whether it be through diet, exercise, beauty treatments, clothing, a new haircut or enhancements through cosmetic surgery… it is all about personal choice and we are lucky to have option to do so.

Part 2 of my interview with Chanel Beckenlehner HERE!

Click here to visit the Official Website of Miss International Canada 2009 Chanel Beckenlehner.

Q&A with Chanel Beckenlehner on Missosology.org

Chanel Beckenlehner, Miss International Canada 2009 is on Missology.org’s Hot Picks!