Nicole Matsalla 

BIO

Nicole was born and raised in Saskatoon and has always been passionate about celebrating her Ukrainian culture, volunteering, and being a community leader!

She graduated at the top of her high school class in 2014 and was awarded the prestigious University of Saskatchewan’s President’s First & Best Scholarship. In 2017, the Shevchenko Foundation recognized Nicole for her community leadership and volunteerism with the David A. Mysak Future Leaders Award.

At age 4, Nicole began Ukrainian dancing at Boyan Ukrainian Dance Association. She was part of the inaugural Boyan on Tour team in 2012, where she had the opportunity to travel and share her passion and talents with international audiences. During this time, she also founded an assistant dance instructor program, and began instructing herself – she went on to teach in Saskatoon and Rosthern. In 2013 she fulfilled her childhood dream and became a Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble (PFE) performing cast member. Since then, Nicole considers PFE her second family, and has performed with the company around the world!

Beyond dancing, Nicole is an active community volunteer and leader. She has passionately served as PFE’s Fundraising Coordinator and is a member of Saskatoon’s Ukrainian Canadian Business Professional Association. Similarly, for over six years she volunteered as a mentor and tutor with the Saskatoon Open Door Society’s Youth Study Group program. Currently, she serves on the SaskCulture and Creative Kids Canada, Saskatchewan Branch boards of directors as Multiculturalism director, and was also recently elected Vice-President.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Advanced Global Business certificate from the University of Saskatchewan. She is currently pursuing her MBA and works as a social entrepreneur, where she advocates for and uses business as a force for good in the world. Nicole looks forward to being involved in the Ukrainian Canadian community for years to come!