The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Charitable and Educational Trust is proud to announce the second cohort of the Youth Ambassadors program. The selected Youth Ambassadors represent a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and talents, reflecting the rich tapestry of Canada’s Ukrainian community.
You can read their short biographies below.
Ievgeniia-Diana Furda
Winnipeg, MB
Ievgeniia-Diana Furda is a passionate youth leader with diverse talents in learning, education, community engagement, performing arts, and sports. She is the President of Winnipeg/Manitoba CYMK Branch, and has experience as a program facilitator and instructor of youth career development programs. Ievgeniia-Diana founded and presided over a charitable initiative, served on a student advisory council, and was a member of the Youth Parliament of Manitoba. She is also a singer, dancer, pianist, and chess player. With a positive attitude and strong organizational skills, she fosters collaborative relationships and advocates for Ukrainian community and youth voices, creating inclusive environments for development.
Inha Havryliuk
Mississauga, ON
My name is Inha and I am proud to introduce myself as a Youth Ambassador. I hold degrees in Educational and Language Studies. After immigrating to Canada, I switched my career to the social sector and now work as an Information Counsellor at a local community centre. I guide newcomers through their settlement journey, providing essential knowledge and resources. Through the Youth Ambassador Program, I look forward to gaining professional skills to become a strong leader and public influencer and eventually lead impactful projects to support Ukrainian Youth across Canada.
Kateryna Kostyniuk
Calgary, AB
My name is Kateryna Kostyniuk, a sales and marketing professional by trade and a community advocate at heart. I serve as a board member and Communications Director for the newly founded Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Bow Valley branch. As a newcomer to Canada, I’ve actively engaged in volunteering with both Ukrainian and Canadian initiatives, believing that strong communities begin with each of us. Instead of asking, “What can I do?”, I believe in simply doing what you can—no matter how small—and watching the impact grow.
Marianna Kovtun
Halifax, NS
My name is Marianna, and I am a BSc Biology student at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, NS. I previously studied medicine in Poltava, Ukraine, and now work as a Licensed Practical Nurse. After arriving in Canada, I served as a medical and legal interpreter, gaining insight into the challenges immigrants face. Passionate about youth advocacy and aspiring to become a physician in Canada, I believe the Youth Ambassador Program will help strengthen my voice and leadership. Actively engaged with the Ukrainian community, I also serve on the executive of UCC Nova Scotia and the local Ukrainian Student Society.
Mykhailo Kozhukhar
Edmonton, AB
Mykhailo Kozhukhar (AB) is a Juris Doctor (JD) student at the University of Ottawa (ON) Faculty of Law. Mykhailo has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Honours). He has contributed to cultural student societies and volunteer donation efforts, including contributions to Ukrainian humanitarian aid and support for displaced Ukrainians. Mykhailo looks forward to using his professional and academic competencies to contribute to local Ukrainian Canadian communities.
Tetiana Kulichenko
Halifax, NS
My name is Tetiana Kulichenko. I am an artist, community organizer, and cultural leader originally from Ukraine, now living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I love combining creativity with community service. I am currently involved in administrative processes at the Ukrainian School in Halifax and am an active member of The Ukrainian Theatre. I also coordinate workshops, cultural events, and volunteer teams. I'm passionate about supporting newcomer youth and helping others feel connected through art, culture, and community. I believe in building strong, inclusive spaces for Ukrainians in Canada.
Kateryna Kuzmenko
Ottawa, ON
Kateryna Kuzmenko is a passionate advocate for Ukraine whose activism began at age sixteen during her FLEX exchange year in the United States, where she found her voice speaking out after witnessing the start of russia’s full-scale invasion. Since then, Kateryna has engaged in extensive public advocacy—from school presentations to speaking at national commemorations and international forums like NorSec2025 in Oslo. She currently serves as Vice President of the uOttawa Ukrainian Students’ Club, where she leads advocacy initiatives, organizes events, and secures sponsorships. Kateryna also teaches at Lesia Ukrainka School and remains deeply involved in Ottawa’s Ukrainian community.
Anna Mihunova
Montreal, QC
Anna is a graduate of Kharkiv National University in Visual Art and Cultural Project Management, and McGill University in English Language and Culture. She has served as a McGill24 Ambassador, raising funds for displaced students, and is the Project Manager of the Montreal CSAI Youth Committee, organizing events for immigrants. She previously worked at Brave Generation (formerly Mentor Ukraine), supporting hundreds of Ukrainian youth in accessing international education. She also founded Connect and Learn, a project for newly arrived Ukrainians in Montreal, and is an active performer and organizer in the Montreal Ukrainian community.
Khrystyna Nyshchei
London, ON
My name is Khrystyna Nyshchei. I am 25 years old. I am a Ukrainian third-year PhD student at Western University (ON). I was born and raised in Ukraine, in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. I completed two master's degrees in history and journalism at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine. In 2022, I began my studies on the PhD program in History at Western. I am the author of three books, and I am currently working on research about the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the Soviet Union time. I try to combine my scholar achievements with participation in the life of the Ukrainian community. That is why I joined the Youth Ambassador program of UCC – to be useful to the Ukrainian community in Canada and to be useful to Ukraine in such difficult times.
Lukian Podilsky
Edmonton, AB
Lukian completed a Science in Kinesiology undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta this spring, and intends to pursue a master's in Neuroscience in the fall. He has over three years of leadership experience on the executive team of UofA’s Ukrainian Students’ Society, including his recent term as president. Lukian is an avid member of Edmonton’s Ukrainian community through his involvement with the Ukrainian Youth Association CYM, Dunai Ukrainian dancers, and various self-directed community projects. As a Youth Ambassador, he aims to expand his community involvement on a national level to better serve both Ukraine and Canada.
Solomiia Repekha
Toronto, ON
Solomiia is currently studying Public Relations at the University of Toronto. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philology, specializing in Ukrainian Language and Literature, from Lviv Ivan Franko National University. Passionate about Ukrainian culture, traditions, and folklore, she actively shares her heritage with peers from diverse backgrounds. Solomiia is deeply engaged in her community, contributing to over ten volunteer and non-profit organizations across Toronto. Her work reflects a strong commitment to cultural exchange, civic engagement, and inclusive dialogue.
Bohdana Sereda
Ottawa, ON
Bohdana holds a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carleton University in Ottawa, where she was also involved with the Ukrainian Students’ Club. Currently, she works as a security analyst and spends her free time pursuing various hobbies, including cross-stitch embroidery, crocheting, and photography. Bohdana is particularly passionate about literature, having recently resumed writing poems and short stories with a strong emphasis on Ukraine, its history, and culture.
Ivan Teslenko
Toronto, ON
Hi, I'm Ivan Teslenko! At 24, I'm a Software Engineer at Google Waterloo. Fun fact: did you ever use the TD banking app? I actually worked on it for two years after moving to Canada in 2022! Beyond coding, I'm passionate about driving positive change and connecting with people (I speak four languages!). I'm really looking forward to being a Youth Ambassador and collaborating with this community.
Sieimur Veliiev
Montreal, QC
Sieimur Veliiev is a youth leader with international experience in humanitarian communications, nonprofit development, and global advocacy. Through his work with the Red Cross Ukraine, he facilitated communication between international organizations and journalists, while supporting fundraising and media outreach during wartime. As a Rebuild Ukraine Ambassador with the European Youth Parliament, he co-authored a political manifesto focused on sustainable post-war recovery. Now continuing his mission in Canada, Sieimur supports nonprofit initiatives focused on immigrant and youth empowerment. He is committed to advancing global innovation, sustainable development, and social impact.
Anastasiia Yemets
Montreal, QC
Anastasiia Yemets holds a BA and MA in Psychology from Dnipro National University, Ukraine, and is currently pursuing an MA in Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University. Her research explores the impact of war and forced migration on young refugees' mental, physical, and social health. Drawing from her own refugee experience, she focuses on trauma, resilience, and social justice to support adaptability among refugees in Canada. Her current study uses participatory, qualitative, arts-based methods to examine the experiences of Ukrainians affected by war in Montreal. In her free time, she enjoys biking and spending time in nature.
Marko Zolotarov
Abbotsford, BC
Marko Zolotarov is a Ukrainian advocate and co-founder with extensive experience in humanitarian relief, community development, and international diplomacy, He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Trinity Western University (TWU). Since 2014, he has represented Ukraine and Canada at global peace summits and co-founded the Ukrainian Bible Church in Abbotsford (UBCA) - creating a support network for displaced Ukrainians in Canada since the full-scale invasion. As a Parliamentary Intern focused on National Defence, he contributed to research on key security issues, supporting efforts that strengthen Canada’s defence posture and transatlantic engagement.. Marko recently became the first Ukrainian participant in the NATO Summit Simulation (NSX) at NATO Headquarters. Passionate about Ukraine’s sovereignty, democracy, and global diplomacy, he brings a strong voice to youth advocacy and civic leadership.
