 |
|
THE GIG...
Host of MuchNews
Host of The NewMusic
Hannah Simone brings a wealth of worldly experience, education and enthusiasm to her new role as a MuchMusic VJ. Equally passionate about both world issues and pop culture, Hannah’s ready to offer a well-informed and well-spoken perspective on everything from global human rights to the latest music trends.
A NATURAL-BORN STAR
Born in London, England, Hannah grew up in Calgary before moving to Saudi Arabia at age seven. With no access to music television, she and her friends collected VHS tapes of North American videos, immersing themselves in Western tunes, clothing, style and everything else on the cutting edge of cool. Hannah and her pals memorized the lyrics and dance moves to entertain their community with shows.
THE WORLD IS HER OYSTER
Hannah’s family left Saudi Arabia when she was 10, leaving the turmoil of the first Gulf War behind. That year, she attended three different schools on three different continents. At age 13, she moved to Cyprus. Here she landed a modelling contract and appeared on the cover of that country’s top fashion mag. Three years later, she relocated to New Delhi, India, where her dad was employed. She attended an American Embassy school and spearheaded a charity concert to raise awareness and money for a shelter to house women and children with AIDS. Hannah returned to Canada at 17, living first in White Rock, BC, and then Vancouver, where she completed a degree in international relations and political science at UBC.
After spending two years as a researcher for a book authored by former Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, Hannah moved back to London, where she became a human rights and refugee officer for the United Nations. In this role, she developed cultural awareness programs for Model UN participants, educating them on the politics, history and ways of life in other countries.
THE MOVE TO MUCHMUSIC
It was during this period that she developed a keen interest in becoming a MuchMusic VJ. A move to Toronto, a broadcasting degree from Ryerson, and a stint as CKLN’s assistant news director and specialty programmer helped Hannah land her new job at Much.
RIGHT NOW, HANNAH WANTS PEOPLE TO KNOW…
“I’m inspired by the fusion between music and humanitarian issues.”
SIMONE'S STATS...
- Star sign: Leo - a multi-talented leader with a big heart
- Her roots: Hannah is half Indian and half German-Italian-Greek Cypriot
- The musicians that move her: Gwen Stefani, Damian Marley, M.I.A., Damien Rice, Ani DiFranco, The Philosopher Kings
- Stage star: A veteran of numerous plays, Hannah was the principal actress in Vancouver’s 2002 production of The Vagina Monologues
- Social issues she's passionate about: human rights, AIDS in India, women's rights, child soldiers, anti-landmine campaigns
- Where you may know her from: Hannah previously hosted a Canadian design show featuring makeovers and tours of interesting homes and spaces around the globe
- A world wanderer: She has visited over 100 international cities thanks to her nomadic life and career, from Los Angeles and Dubai to Singapore and Mumbai
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
