Toronto’s Elena Semikina competing in Miss Universe pageant tonight

The Miss Universe pageant, that so-appalling-it’s-compelling affair helmed by Donald Trump (how can they still get away with it in 2010? Why can’t we stop watching?), is on tonight, and Torontonians have an excuse to tune in this year—Miss Universe Canada is one of our own. Allow us to introduce Elena Semikina, the 26-year-old, six-foot-one bombshell who’s boldly representing our great nation.

She’s more than just a pretty face: Semikina is currently studying marketing and finance at York, taking classes in neurolinguistic programming on the side, and dipping her toe into acting and dancing (all without neglecting her daily workout). Someday, she hopes to be “a successful communicator who specializes in eco-marketing”—and, of course, to design her own shoe line. In case her Renaissance woman range of interests isn’t inspirational enough, Semikina wants to impart a message: “Our words and actions can inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.” A message best delivered in lingerie and chandelier earrings, no doubt.