Darla brings experience in program development, fundraising, along with strong community outreach and administrative capabilities to the UCC team.
“Darla possesses all the qualities necessary for successful design and implementation of new projects supporting the vision of UCC,” stated Paul Grod, UCC National President. She has tremendous capabilities and energy for new initiatives that will benefit the Ukrainian community in this new era of our development.”
Darla has a Science Degree from Highline College and worked in the healthcare field for 23 years. She has traveled extensively to Ukraine over the last 17 years and her language capabilities include English and Ukrainian. Darla has been involved in the Ukrainian community since she moved from Seattle, Washington to Winnipeg, Manitoba 27 years ago. Her community accomplishments include:
- President of the Manitoba Parents for Ukrainian Education and the Osvita Foundation, providing leadership and direction for both organizations.
- Co-organized Project “Zir” bringing doctors from Canada and the US to provide vision care in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine.
- Founded a not-for-profit organization called Ukrainian Adoption Services Inc. where she served as the Executive Director for five years. Darla is proud that many children from Ukraine now call Canada home.
- Created a new registered charity, “Harvesting Hope Program” which provides humanitarian aid to orphanages in Ukraine.
- Involved with UCC Manitoba Provincial Council over the past 13 years and currently serves on its Immigration Committee.
Darla has two sons, Andriy and Derek who both attended the English Ukrainian Bilingual Program in Winnipeg. Andriy and Derek are both students at the University of Manitoba.
Among her other accomplishments, Darla has written a book detailing the emigration of her sons’ Baba from Ukraine to Canada.
