Larisa Hemon

BIO

Larisa is a fourth-year student at McMaster University, completing her B. Sc. and specializing in the Sensory Motor Systems. Aside from her studies, Larisa does research with GERAS – an aging research center, and is an executive member of the McMaster Ukrainian Students’ Association (MUSA) since 2019.  

On a more national level, Larisa is honoured to be part of the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union – SUSK. She has held the position of Regional VP Central (2020-21), VP National (2021-22), and is currently the Internal Relations Director (2022-23). She has had the opportunity to help implement new initiatives to SUSK, including: USO Spotlight Series; National Online Kolyada; Virtual Club Fair; National Networking Night and more. In addition, her roles on the covid-committee, project grant committee, congress planning committee and advocacy committee have also helped SUSK work towards strengthening and modernizing the Ukrainian Canadian community while also producing the next generation of leaders. Since the start of war, Larisa and her SUSK team have worked to advocate for academic accommodations and mental health support needed at post-secondary institutions across Canada. Currently she is focusing on establishing new Ukrainian Student Organizations on more campuses to help provide a sense of community and support to Ukrainian international and Ukrainian Canadian students. 

As a member of the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM), Larisa has volunteered as a counsellor at weekly meetings and summer camps over the years. This past summer, she held the position of program developer and coordinator for a Ukrainian refugee camp as well as a backcountry camping trip for youth.  

Larisa also dances in the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance School and is an active member at her Ukrainian Catholic church. Her appreciation for the Ukrainian community gives purpose to her involvement.