Vernon

Photo: Contributed - Tianna Shaw

Since Tianna Shaw was 7-years-old she's always wanted to participate in a pageant.

Now at 20, the Vernon resident will be representing Canada at Miss Ethnic World in Las Vegas this September.

Shaw got her pageant start at Queen Silver Star, and worked her way up to Miss Teen Canada and now Miss Canada, but she doesn't compete just for the glitz and glamour.

"I really found a passion in raising money for charity. My cousin passed away from cystic fibrosis (CF) and it was a really hard thing for me to take, but I found with a crown on my head I had a bigger voice to raise money for CF so I moved on and took the BC title for Miss Teen Canada."

Shaw has raised thousands of dollars for her cause and she says it's her main focus for competing in a pageant.

"I started an annual charity fundraiser for CF in Vernon . . .  I get a bunch of local artists to come and play and we raise money through raffles, 50-50 and we talk about CF. This is our second annual this year and I hope to raise a lot more money."

In September, Shaw plans on traveling to Las Vegas, a week prior to the pageant to visit a young girl in hospital with CF.

"I did the same thing with my past pageants, I just want to spend a week in Las Vegas doing charity work before the pageant."

During the Miss Ethnic Pageant Shaw will be judged in:

• A personal interview
• Fashion Wear
• Cultural Expression
• Evening Gown
• Athletic Wear
• Community Service

Photo: Contributed

"This is the first time I don't have to wear a bathing suit while I compete, so I am very happy about that. I am going to make a dress with a giant Canadian flag on it to represent my nationality."

Shaw will be the first Canadian competing in Miss Ethnic World and says she is looking for support from her community and her country.

"I am raising money for the Miss Canada pageant and looking for sponsors. I really am looking for support from Canada."

If you would like to help Shaw on her road to Miss Ethnic World and her fight against Cystic Fibrosis, please visit her Facebook page.

The Miss Ethnic World competition is open to women of all ethnic/cultural backgrounds and has six competing divisions Pre-Teen, Teen, Miss, Ms, Mrs. and Elegance.