Opening Session and Welcoming Remarks
Speakers:
- Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani – AOE, BSc, LLD (hon) Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
- The Honourable Randy Boissonnault – Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Gatineau, QC
- Garnett Genius – Member of Parliament for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, AB
- Yuliya Kovaliv – Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada, Ottawa, ON
- Oleksandr Danyleiko – Consul General of Ukraine in Edmonton, AB
- Jackie Lovely – Member of the Legislative Assembly for Camrose, AB
- His Worship Mayor Amarjeet Sohi – Mayor, City of Edmonton, AB
- Alexandra Chyczij – President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ottawa, ON
- Orysia Boychuk – President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Alberta Provincial Council, Edmonton, AB
Keynote Address
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Breakout Sessions
Engaging our Diverse Communities
Speakers:
Olha Skliar-Reva
Board Director, Edmonton Association of the Deaf, Edmonton, AB
Diana Artemenko
Community Services Coordinator, Ukrainian Canadian Social Services, Edmonton, AB
Nataliia Khmelova
Nataliia Khmelova is a counselor and facilitator of support groups for Ukrainians, coordinating the “MI PORUCH” project hosted by UCC-Alberta. She also leads the Ukrainian Association of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, working with Ukrainians globally. Natalia and her family have lived in Canada since June 2023.
Dr. Jeff Stepnisky
Dr. Jeff Stepnisky is an associate professor of sociology and Kule Chair of Ukrainian Community and International Development at MacEwan University. He studies sociological theory, selfhood, space and identity, and collective memory. Currently he is conducting research on the collective memory of Ukrainians in downtown Edmonton, commemoration of the Revolution of Dignity at the Maidan Museum in Kyiv, and the history of sociological theory in Ukraine, with Danylo Sudyn from Ukrainian Catholic University.
Oksana Tashkinova
Oksana Tashkinova, PhD, is a Research Project Manager at Dalhousie University and a Research Assistant at MacEwan University in Canada, she is also an Associate Professor at Priazovskyi State Technical University in Ukraine. Her research focuses on forced migration, family situation of Ukrainian forced migrants, youth resilience, and the sociology of education. She has contributed to research projects in Ukraine, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Canada, specializing in qualitative research methodologies. Oksana is also an educational expert, recognized by Ukraine’s National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education.
Developing Political Leadership
Strategies for developing political leadership; encouraging youth and how to prepare for leadership.
Speakers:
Tyler Shandro
Tyler is a passionate supporter of the Ukrainian Canadian community. As MLA in Alberta, he served as the Minister of Labour and Immigration at the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and was involved in Alberta’s response in February 2022 to support Ukraine. He successfully advocated for a monument on the Legislative grounds in Edmonton to commemorate internment operations, was involved in the founding of the Calgary Ukrainian Festival. He currently is a board member of the Canada Ukraine Foundation.
Alyssa Stoddard
Alyssa Stoddard is actively interested in youth provincial politics and advocacy. She has served in multiple roles on Viter Ukrainian Dancers Folk Ensemble’s Board of Directors, and enjoys performing with the group. She is passionate in preserving Ukrainian culture and heritage across Alberta, leading Viter’s 2023 community performance ‘Harmonies’ that included a performance for students and welcomed Ukrainian newcomers with donated show tickets. Alyssa is pleased to serve as the Secretary for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Alberta Provincial Council.
Deron Bilous
Deron Bilous is a results-driven executive. Deron served three terms in the Alberta Legislature, both in opposition and government. In addition to being appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Service Alberta – he created the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (EDT) to attract international investment, leverage science and innovation, and support the Alberta business ecosystem.
Taneen Rudyk
Taneen Rudyk is a fourth-term Vegreville Town Councillor, with a BA in Political Science and a background working in government, non-profits, and the private sector. As Past-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, elected to the board since 2017, Taneen understands the importance of effective advocacy and the impact of unifying voices in the local government sector. A tireless volunteer and community champion, she is dedicated to improving governance capacity, resolving conflict creatively, and representing her clients and constituents with integrity.
Ukrainian Bilingual Education
How to empower families through Ukrainian bilingual education, with an emphasis on the Ukrainian bilingual parents committee.
Speakers:
Yuliia Marcinkoski
Yuliia Marcinkoski is the Vice President of the Ukrainian Bilingual Parent Advisory Society in Edmonton, AB
Melody Kostiuk
Melody Kostiuk is a former Ukrainian bilingual teacher, bilingual consultant with Edmonton Public Schools and Senior Manager for International Languages at Alberta Education. She is a parent of three daughters who completed their studies in the Ukrainian Bilingual Program. Melody currently serves as a Board Member on the UCC-APC executive.
Andrea Chmilar
Andrea Chmilar is a Board Member with the Bilingual Ukrainian Catholic Parents Society in Sherwood Park, AB
Ukrainian Dance in Alberta
Celebrating achievements, overcoming challenges, and shaping the future of Ukrainian dance.
Speakers:
John Stadnyk
John Stadnyk has held various positions on the Tryzub Board of Directors over the past three decades, and is the current Chair. John has also held board positions with UCC and UCPBA Calgary, and UCPBA Federal. As a dedicated volunteer to Tryzub and the Ukrainian Community, John played an integral role in establishing Tryzub’s Scholarship Fund for CUAET Families, and Tryzub’s unrivaled Support for Ukrainian Newcomers.
Emily Belke Farrell
Emily Belke Farrell is a highly experienced dance instructor and adjudicator, currently serving as the Co-Dance Director of the Viter Ukrainian Dancers and Folk Ensemble. With over 15 years in dance education, Emily has directed and taught in various capacities, blending her expertise in Ukrainian dance, ballet, acro, gymnastics, tap, musical theatre, and contemporary dance. Her career includes notable roles such as Ukrainian Director at Dance Unlimited, Camp Director and Dance Teacher at Cheremosh School of Dance, and Artistic Director of Westlock Vrozhay Ukrainian Dance Club.
Lee-Anne Kumka
Lee-Anne Kumka is the President of the Fort McMurray Ukrainian Cultural Society and the Fort McMurray Avrora Ukrainian Dancers. Over the last eight years she has successfully navigated the organization through Covid, Community Flooding, Community Wildfire and evacuations, and assisting newcomers to settle in Fort McMurray. In her professional life she works as a City Planner for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. She is married and a mother of three girls who all dance with the Fort McMurray Avrora Dancers. Lee-Anne creates opportunities and is steadfastly dedicated to family, community, work and the Ukrainian Community.Kumka
Dean Mackedenski
Dean Mackedenski is the Artistic Director for the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Club in Lethbridge, AB
Anastasia Sereda
Anastasia Sereda is a founding member and lead instructor of the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Club in Lethbridge, where she has passionately shared her love of Ukrainian dance since 2002. A dedicated learner, she has participated in workshops with the Alberta Ballet and Virsky School in Ukraine, and performs with the Troyanda Ensemble at events like Globalfest and the Calgary Ukrainian Festival. Anastasia holds a Master’s degree in Women & Gender Studies and values the opportunity to inspire her students through dance.
Nonprofit Governance and Operations
Building a strong foundation: best practices in nonprofit governance and operations.
Speakers:
Olha Kulybanych
Olha Kulybanych is the president and founder of UCC Bow Valley, still a newcomer to Canada.
Joel Christianson
Joel Christianson is a Community Development Officer within the Government of Alberta’s department of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.
Building Your New Business
Strategies to build your own business.
Speakers:
Janice Krissa
Janice Krissa is the Co-Founder & CEO DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen in Edmonton, AB. In April 2022, Janice co-founded the Free Store for Ukrainian Newcomers with her daughter to aid in the settlement of Ukrainians fleeing the war. Janice was named the 2023 SAIT Distinguished Alumni, received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022, the UCC-APC Hetman Award in 2023, and was named a Top 40 Under 40 recipient by Avenue magazine in 2013.
Olha Frolova
Olha Frolova is the owner and founder of a creative workshop and home printing house. For 8 years in Ukraine, she created a workshop where she printed her artwork on various items for everyday use and as souvenirs (such as: mugs, thermoses, hoodies, t-shirts, stickers, and postcards).
Alexandra Cybulsky
Alexandra Cybulsky, is the President and owner of Cybal Finance and Tax Services Inc. in Edmonton.
Ukrainian Language
Preserving heritage: building and strengthening Ukrainian language schools across Alberta.
Speakers:
Liliya Sukhy
Liliya Sukhy is the Principal of the Ivan Franko School of Ukrainian Studies (since 2002), where she initially began as a teacher in 2000. Liliya has been a Science/ ULA teacher in the Ukrainian Bilingual Program for the Edmonton Catholic School District for over 20 years. Liliya is committed to creating an inclusive community that deepens students’ understanding of their Ukrainian roots and fosters future leaders within the diaspora.
Olia Myc
Olia Myc is an elementary school teacher at St. Mathew Catholic School of Edmonton as well as the principal of Ridna Shkola at George’s Catholic Church, Ukrainian Saturday Heritage School. Olia is the winner of the International Teacher Competition, receiving first place standing and “The Best Teacher of the Ukrainian Language Abroad” award from the Ministry of Education of Ukraine in 2020. In 2022, Olia was awarded the UCC-APC Hetman Award for her professional achievements and for working towards keeping the Ukrainian Canadian community in Alberta strong, dynamic and vibrant.
Taras Voitkiv
Taras Voitkiv- Principal, Ukrainian Heritage School, Calgary, AB
Liubov Nykolyshyn
Liubov Nykolyshyn is the principal of the Ivan Franko School of Ukrainian Studies in Fort McMurray. She has dedicated her efforts to supporting the Ukrainian community, and started the first Ukrainian heritage language school in Fort McMurray.
Youth Communities
Building our youth communities; what is being done and what you can do.
Speakers:
Inna Ivchenko
Inna Ivchenko is the President of the Edmonton Ukrainian National Youth Federation, Edmonton, AB
Lukian Podilsky
Lukian Podilsky is the president with the Ukrainian Students Society at the University of Alberta. Having grown up immersed in the Ukrainian-Canadian community, and is an active member of the Ukrainian Youth Association CYM and the Verkhovyna Dunai Ukrainian Dancers. As an admirer of Ukrainian culture and community, you will likely find him at any Ukrainian festival, concert, or zabava, sometimes with an accordion in his hands.
Mykhaylo Kozlovskyy
Mykhaylo Kozlovskyy is the President of the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada (CYM) – Edmonton Branch. As a committed leader, he plays a key role in fostering Ukrainian culture, heritage, and youth development within the Ukrainian community. Mykhaylo focuses on building strong relationships, promoting cultural education, and empowering the next generation of Ukrainian Canadians. He is passionate about creating opportunities for youth engagement, community service, and cultural preservation, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive environment for all members.
Andrei Kisil
Andrei Kisil is the president of Plast – Ukrainian Youth Scouting organization’s branch in Edmonton, Alberta. Elected to this position in the fall of 2023, Andrei is the youngest head of a Plast branch in Canadian history, having been elected at the young age of 23.
Chloe Smith
Chloe Smith is a 3rd year student at the University of Alberta studying towards a BA in Psychology. Chloe has been on the Ukrainian Canadian Students Society (SUSK) board since May of 2023, and is currently volunteering as VP National. She also sits on the Ukrainian Students Society executive at the UofA as VP External. Outside of school Chloe is also a member of the Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.
Media and Journalism
Voices of Ukraine: celebrating achievements, addressing challenges, and shaping the future of Ukrainian media and journalism.
Speakers:
Dmytro Gospodinov
Dmytro Gospodinov is the founder and producer of UCAN Radio, a Ukrainian Canadian media platform based in Calgary. With over 15 years of experience in the creative industries, Dmytro has been dedicated to supporting Ukrainian newcomers in Canada through UCAN Radio’s broadcasts, live events, and creative content since 2023.
Yulianna Voloshyna
Yulianna Voloshyna moved to Canada in 2015, and has been working for over 6 years as a producer and host of the Ukrainian Radio Program on 101.7 Connect FM. She is also the Western Marketing Director of New Pathway – Ukrainian News newspaper, as well as a Marketing Director at Alberta Kontakt TV.
Anhelina Taran
Anhelina Taran is a news correspondent of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Calgary and Youth Ambassador of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. She is also a TV host and author of the first Ukrainian-language program “Tvoi Novyny Calgary” (Your News Calgary)
Marco Levytsky
Marco Levytsky is currently the National Affairs Editor and Western Bureau Chief of New Pathway – Ukrainian News. He was the Publisher and Editor of Edmonton-based Ukrainian News which he merged with New Pathway in 2017. He has served on the Boards and Executives of numerous Ukrainian community organizations and committees and is the recipient of the Ukrainian Presidential Cross of Ivan Mazepa, the Shevchenko Medal, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council’s Hetman Award, the Ukrainian Professional and Business Association of Calgary’s Lifetime Achievement Awards and the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada’s Certificate of Honour. He is married to Lesia (nee Kolomijchuk) and they have a daughter Christine, who has blessed them with two granddaughters, Cailyn and Kyla Kope.
Vlodko Boychuk
Vlodko (Volodymyr) Boychuk has been involved in the Ukrainian community media production for the past 30 years. His previous experience includes working as a radio reporter for CBC–Radio Canada International and producing TV reports for Alberta Kontakt. Over the last 6 years, Vlodko has been involved as a Production Manager and Executive Director of the “Alberta Kontakt” Ukrainian language TV program, which is broadcasted weekly on OMNI TV channel across Canada.
Ksenia Lykiianchuk
Ksenia Lykiianchuk is the Co-Founder of the online community “nashi.uk” in Edmonton, AB
Nonprofit Fundraising
Maximizing impact: strategies for effective nonprofit fundraising.
Speakers:
Corrie Fortner
Corrie Fortner is the Vice President of Prairies & Territories & Senior Consultant in Edmonton. She is a dynamic, compassionate, and dedicated fundraiser with innovative ideas and a strong work ethic, with more than 30 years’ experience working with charities and not-for-profits, front line, fundraising, and management roles. Corrie has experience working and fundraising for organizations large and small, including Alberta Health Services and United Way. She has successfully provided leadership to teams, board and staff training, campaign planning, capacity building, exceeded goals in annual and capital campaign fundraising, grant writing, donor stewardship, database research, coaching, mentoring, risk management, and extensive program experience.
Amy Gomez
Amy Gomez is the President and CEO of AG Grant Development, bringing over 14 years of management experience in the charitable sector and 11 years in fund development, with expertise in grant proposal development and program design. Since founding AG Grant Development in 2018, she has helped clients secure over $200 million in funding across various sectors, including healthcare, recreation, and social services. As President of the Grant Professionals Association Canadian Chapter, Amy actively collaborates with peers across North America, ensuring her team stays at the forefront of evolving funding strategies and best practices.
Post – Secondary Institutions
Larysa Hayduk
Larysa Hayduk is the Director of the Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre (URDC) at MacEwan University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Ukraine, where she taught for nine years. Larysa earned a Master’s degree from the University of Alberta, with a focus on intercultural competence. Drawing from her extensive personal and professional experiences, she is passionate about fostering innovative connections among people from diverse backgrounds. As a director and instructor, Larysa leads numerous international and community projects, with relationship building, mindfulness, and reciprocity at the core of her work.
Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn
Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn (PhD) is the Director of the Kule Folklore Centre at the University of Alberta, and holds the Kule Chair of Ukrainian Ethnography. She is also the Curator of the Bohdan Medwidsky Ukrainian Folklore Archives at the UofA.
Dr. Natalia Khanenko-Friesen
Dr. Natalia Khanenko-Friesen is an oral historian and cultural anthropologist. She is the UAlberta Huculak Chair in Ukrainian Culture and Ethnography, Director of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, and the Co-President of the Ukrainian Oral History Association. She is the founder of the academic journal Engaged Scholar Journal and has authored several books, including Ukrainian Otherlands: Diaspora, Homeland and Folk Imagination in the Twentieth Century and Інший світ, або етнічність в дії: Канадська українськість кінця 20-го століття. Natalia’s work is deeply rooted in community engagement and seeks to amplify the experiences of ordinary people and extraordinary stories.
Dr. Olenka Bilash
Dr. Olenka Bilash (Ph D) is a professor emeritus in second language education and serves as the Director of the Ukrainian Language Education Centre, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta. She is author of the NOVA language development series, conceptual designer of Ukrainian language videos about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and co-developer of a Ukrainian language app. Her resume speaks to eclectic interdisciplinary collaborations with arts, humanities, fine arts, medicine and science. An award winning teacher and researcher, she has shepherded dozens of graduate students from five continents through their research programs. Her edited book on the impact of 50 years of multiculturalism in public education will soon be released by Brill.
Ukrainian Music and Art
Honouring heritage, navigating challenges and inspiring future direction.
Speakers:
Larissa Poho
Larissa Poho (Pohoreski) is an award-winning multidisciplinary creator, performer, production
designer, visual artist and tattooist. In 2018 she was named as one of ACUA’s Top 30 Under 30
for her diverse skill sets and artistic contributions to Alberta’s Ukrainian community. She studied
at both the University of Alberta’s Theatre Design and MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts
programs. She has been fortunate to work with a number of celebrated performing arts
companies including: Citadel Theatre, Mayfield Dinner Theatre, Theatre Network, Northern Light
Theatre, Teatro, Fringe Theatre Adventures, Opera Nuova, Alberta Musical Theatre Company,
Pyretic Productions, Catch the Keys, Ballet Edmonton, National Arts Center, Viter, Shumka,
Vohon, and more.
Team of Artis Theatre
The First Ukrainian Theatre in Calgary
• Yuliia Ilevych: Co-Founder & Actress & Social Media Manager
• Oleksandr Popil: Co-Founder & Operations Coordinator
• Snizhana Bora: Co-Founder & Director
Irena Szmihelsky
Irena Szmihelsky, a native of Edmonton, had been passionate about music from a young age and pursued this strong interest as a career in her adult years. She earned her Master of Education with a specialization in music at the University of Alberta. In addition to vocal, piano, and pedagogical music studies, Irena devoutly attended intense two-week choral seminars annually. Over the course of twenty years, she built a strong foundation and deep understanding of Ukrainian choral music and studied conducting under her mentor, the late Maestro Wolodymyr Kolesnyk, former conductor of the Kyiv State Opera. She later became an instructor of conducting technique at the annual Choral Conductors’ Seminars of Ukrainian Music sponsored by the Ukrainian Music Society of Alberta (UMSA). She served as president of Ukrainian Music Society of Alberta from 1991 – 1996 and currently holds the position of interim president.
Lyubov Kostetska
Lyubov Kostetska has been painting for 30 years. She has extensive experience in painting walls and massive paintings in Europe, and is fond of painting clothes in the national style. She believes that every artist has her own style.
Yaroslav Kitynskyy
Yaroslav Kitynskyy currently serves as the Second Vice President on the Executive Board of Dnipro Choir. He is also the Vice President at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Edmonton and an active volunteer within the Ukrainian community.
Humanitarian Aid
Rebuilding hope: collaborative efforts and future visions for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
Speakers:
His Grace Bishop David Motiuk
Bishop David Motiuk was born in Vegreville, Alberta. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1988 and to the episcopacy in 2002. Since 2007 he serves as the Ukrainian Catholic Bishop of the Eparchy of Edmonton. He is a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Synod of Bishops and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The Very Rev. Archpriest Cornell Zubritsky
Fr. Cornell was born and raised in Vegreville, AB. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (Slavic Languages & Literature/Religious Studies) at the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Theology (Summa cum Laude) at St. Andrew’s College in Winnipeg. Since August 2022, is the Dean of the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, pastoring a community of approximately 300 faithful and, presently, a substantial number of newly-arrived Ukrainian nationals who have made the cathedral their spiritual home. Fr. Cornell’s 25 years of service in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada includes, parish ministry in Manitoba and Alberta, a decade of service in the UOCC Office of the Consistory. He also served in executive roles through two consecutive terms on the Consistory Board, and is currently serving a second term on the board of directors of St. Andrew’s College in Winnipeg. He is currently the 1st Vice Chair of the Western Eparchy Council.
Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz
Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz is an active Ukrainian community member. She currently is the Corporate Secretary / Executive Officer with Canada Ukraine Foundation (CUF), National President of the League of Ukrainian Canadian Women and Past-president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress: Alberta Provincial Council.
Roman Mykytenko
Roman Mykytenko is the Vice-President of the Ukrainian World Congress in Denmark.
Archiving, Recording and Sustaining Ukrainian History
Preserving our legacy: strategies for archiving, recording history, and sustaining institutional memory.
Speakers:
Dr. Elaine Verchomin Harasymiw, BA, BEd, MA, PhD
Elaine Verchomin Harasymiw has been a teacher, administrator in government, university professor, and a leader in voluntary associations. She has exercised leadership in the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, and, following in the footsteps of her mother, one of its founders, has held the position of President of the Alberta Branch for over 15 years. She has a husband, two children (both artists), and two teen-aged grandchildren.
Joyce Chrunik-Rudiak
Joyce Chrunik-Rudiak is the chair of the UCWLC Museum Committee, and President of the newly incorporated Ukrainian Museum UCWLC (Alberta) Society. She is a retired school teacher who spent 28 years of her 37-year teaching career teaching grade one in the Ukrainian Bilingual Program in Sherwood Park. She’s been an UCWLC (Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada) member for 25 years serving a secretary, vice-president, and president with the St. Nicholas UCWLC Branch, and UCWLC Eparchial President for four years. She is currently taking courses towards an AMA (Alberta Museums Association) Certificate.
Gordon Yaremchuk
Gordon Yaremchuk is the Executive Director, Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society, which supports the activities of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. He is a 4th generation Ukrainian-Canadian, originally from Myrnam, Alberta. He is a former historical interpreter, researcher, volunteer, and President of the Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society.
Dr. Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn
Dr. Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn (PhD) is the Curator of the Bohdan Medwidsky Ukrainian Folklore Archives located at the University of Alberta. She is also the Director of the Kule Folklore Centre at the UofA.
Business Networking
Unlocking success and increasing your business networking in circles.
Speakers:
Alex (Oleksandr) Taraiev
Alex Taraiev is the President of UCPBA Calgary and the Board Member on the UCC-APC executive. With a strong background in finance, Alex holds multiple certifications, including B.Fin., CIFC, CPCA, and RRC. He is also an Associate at IG Private Wealth Management – Colbourne Group PWM.
Dr. Walter Kowalchyk
Dr. Walter Kowalchyk is a prominent leader in the Ukrainian community of Alberta, currently serving as the President of the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Edmonton (P’s&B’sYEG). He has held significant roles over his 23 years of experience in public education, including Teacher and Principal at a Ukrainian Bilingual School. Within the Alberta Ukrainian community, he has served as President of the Camp Oselia Society, Vice-President of both the local and provincial chapters of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada (UCBC), and President of the Volya Ukrainian Dancers, where he also taught Ukrainian dance.
Olha Vozna
Olha Vozna founded the Ukrainian Women Business Foundation a year ago. Since its inception, they have conducted more than 70 meetings and grown the community to over 1,100 members. The organization members assist each other in finding job opportunities, integrating into the community, and establishing businesses. During the tax season, the 50+ volunteers helped low-income individuals file approximately 2,000 tax returns for free through our Free Tax Care Tax Clinic.
The Signs of Russian Propaganda and Their Interpretation
Speaker:
Dr. Oleksandr Pankieiev
Dr. Oleksandr Pankieiev is the editor-in-chief of the Forum for Ukrainian Studies, the online analytical magazine of the Contemporary Ukraine Studies Program, and a research coordinator of the Canadian Institute for Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He is also the president of the Alberta Society for the Advancement of Ukrainian Studies and vice-president of the Alberta Local and International Education Association, as well as serving on the boards of other organizations. His research interests include the history of Stepp (Southern) Ukraine and Russia-Ukraine relations. He is also pursuing research in Ukrainian Canadian diaspora studies, ethnography, digital humanities, and propaganda. He is the author of three historical sourcebooks and many articles on related topics. This year, he edited the book “Narratives of the Russo-Ukrainian War: A Look Within and Without,” published by the ibidem Press.
The Future of the Diaspora
Speakers:
Paul Grod
Paul Grod is the President of the Ukrainian World Congress, a global NGO that represents the interests of Ukrainian communities around the world (20M+). With member organizations in 80 countries, the priorities of the UWC are: Ukraine’s Victory, Rebuilding Ukraine and strong Ukrainian communities around the world. Previously Paul was the President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Professionally Paul is the CEO of Rodan Energy Solutions, a North American developer and operator of distributed energy resources. Prior to founding Rodan, Paul was a corporate lawyer with Gowling WLG and an investment banker with CIBC World Markets. He holds degrees in Political Science, Business, and Law.
Alexandra Chyczij
Alexandra Chyczij has served as the President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) since 2018. She is a lawyer by profession and for over 25 years has led prominent legal associations like The Advocates’ Society and the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association. Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Alexandra has been the Ukrainian community’s leading voice in shaping the diaspora’s and Canada’s response to the war. She was twice named in the Top 40 of Canadian Foreign Policy Influencers for UCC’s advocacy on behalf of Ukraine. These efforts were also recognized with an Order of Merit presented by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
Orysia Boychuk
Orysia Boychuk was elected President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC) in November 2018. UCC-APC represents the interests of Ukrainians in Alberta, uniting over 70 organizations. The organization is dedicated to supporting Ukraine and strengthening the Ukrainian community in Alberta.
Under Orysia’s leadership, the Ukrainian community in Alberta has navigated some of its most challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which continues to have significant impacts on Ukrainians in Alberta.
Professionally, Orysia is a Senior HR Business Partner with the Government of Alberta. She holds a degree in Psychology and Criminology, as well as a Master’s in Sociology.