Coco Rocha is Canada's fashion "it" girl in more ways than one. Not only does she exude strong spirit on the runway for iconic companies ranging from Versace, to Dolce and Gabbana, she also stands up for what she believes in; whether it be helping a charity close to her heart, or speaking out against destructive aspects of the fashion industry.

Charity work has always been on the young Vancouver native's heart. She has put her coveted catwalk skills to use many times, garnering funds for Haiti relief, cancer research, and other charitable foundations. She continues to do her best to keep these issues alive in the public's mind, saying, “The worst problem, especially in our industry, is that we’re always looking forward. We don’t necessarily remember or continue to do things.... Whatever it may be, every day, just Twittering about it, telling people, ‘Buy this T-shirt!’ Do anything.... I just hope people continue. It just needs to keep going.” And keep going Coco does, continuing to present herself as a tour de force in more ways than one.

In fact, Coco has swiftly become a strong advocate for change in the fashion industry, speaking out against the industry's unnatural standard of beauty and dress size. The gutsy Canuck has told the fashion world to stuff it, replacing their size zero requirement with a happier lifestyle. "This is who I am, take it or leave it."

Despite the constant pressure of working in the fashion industry, the inspirational Coco Rocha is happier than she has been in a long time. She remains one of Canada's most successful models, working with famous photographers and campaigns across the world while simultaneously demanding change.

You go, Coco.

xoxo Stacey

It wasn’t too long ago when the world was inspired by Joannie Rochette and her ability to overcome adversity and skate her way to a bronze medal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics just 2 days after her mother had died of a sudden heart attack. In doing so, she became the first Canadian ladies competitor to stand on the Olympic medal podium in 22 years.

As the Olympics concluded, Rochette was named co-recipient of the Vancouver 2010 Terry Fox Award. This award honours athletes who are the epitome of determination in motion, who pushed on no matter what the pain or obstacles in their path. Rochette’s determination was also honoured by the Canadian Olympic Committee when she was elected Canada’s flag bearer for the Closing Ceremonies.

Not only an inspiration in her sport of choice, Rochette has shown a commitment to humanitarian causes, traveling to Peru last June with World Vision Canada, a charity that helps sponsor disadvantaged children throughout the world.

This past March at Toronto’s LG Fashion week, Canadian celebrities and top fashion designers helped to shine the spotlight on women’s heart health at the third annual The Heart Truth Fashion Show, Joannie Rochette being one of them. A cause dear to Rochette’s heart, the show- sponsored by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation was the perfect fit and part of her “new mission”- raising awareness of how heart disease now kills more women than men in Canada and took the life of her mother, Therese, suddenly on February 21, 2010.

The Heart Truth Campaign aims to raise awareness among women of ways to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke and give them the tools they need to protect themselves.

I am constantly inspired by people like Joannie Rochette who are able to take a heartbreaking situation and turn it into an opportunity to help others, raise awareness and educate.

For more information on The Heart Truth Campaign, visit: www.thehearttruth.ca

xoxo Megan

Every now and then we like to peak in on our past Who Inspires U? Video Contest contestants to see what they have been up to since they participated in the “mad dash” to our $10,000 Grand Prize. Throughout the 3 rounds of the video contest that we have done so far, we have come across some pretty talented and motivated young women who never cease to inspire us as we watch them pursue their dreams. We have seen everyone from aspiring singers and musicians to artists and filmmakers go after that $10,000 Grand Prize to help them get where they want to go. Speaking of filmmakers, one of our past contestants, Adrienne Burns, recently completed a film project she can be quite proud of.

This creative go-getter is an aspiring film director and currently works for Balmshell, a Toronto based cosmetics company. Adrienne Burns describes herself in her blog as the kind of person who “thrives when doing 5 things at once.” With short films under her belt, Burns is well on the path to successfully following her dreams.

From a young age, films fascinated her and by the age of 17 she had her mind set on pursuing a career in film. Now 27, her first passion is making music videos because it combines image with sound in a unique and creative way, while also – telling a story.

Recently, Burns completed a short film to music is called “The Loner”, for UK newcomers “Flash Fiktion”. “The Loner” was written and directed by Burns.

The inspiration for this video came from the fear of waking up one day and not recognizing yourself or what happened to your dream of being a successful artist. There are many ideas put into this video and subliminal meaning in the subtle actions of the characters – Burns encourages those to watch the video more than once.

We applaud Adrienne Burns on her awesome video and encourage you to check it out!

http://www.vimeo.com/11655361

xoxo Megan