Bohdanka Hontar

Bohdanka has been an active member in the Ukrainian Community for her entire life. Growing up she participated in bandura classes at St. Demetrius Church, Ukrainian dancing with Barvinok, junior drum core, marching band and Hayivky with the Ukrainian Youth Ensemble, attended Ukrainian school at Lesia Ukrayinka, and founded and became president of the Ukrainian Student’s Club at Wilfrid Laurier University. However, her greatest passion has always been the Ukrainian Youth Association (UYA, also known as CYM). A member of the Mississauga Branch for almost 40 years, much of her volunteerism has been devoted to this organization. Over the years, Bohdanka has held every leadership position at the Branch, including Head Counsellor, Vice-President, President, while also leading numerous committees and initiatives. She has contributed at both local and national levels, helping organize camps, jamborees, and conferences. She continues to sit on the Board of Directors at the Mississauga Branch, is the UYA representative on the BCU Scholarship Committee and is currently in her second triennial term on the National Executive of UYA Canada. A professional high school educator for over 15 years, Bohdanka brings her expertise to the organization by creating resources, training youth, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Many of the materials she has developed remain widely used today. She has also dedicated much her summers to organizing and leading UYA camps for youth across Canada.Bohdanka has a unique talent for engaging and recruiting volunteers for every project she takes on. Over the past 20 years, she has collaborated with numerous organizations, encouraging participation in both UYA and broader Ukrainian Canadian events. The strong presence of sumivtsi at annual Remembrance Day and Holodomor Commemorations, the many volunteers at the Refreshment Garden at the Toronto Ukrainian Festival, and the carolers visiting homes each winter all stand as is a testament to the initiatives she has helped coordinate. Highly respected within the Ukrainian Youth Association, many cannot imagine the organization without her. Her passion, commitment and willingness to mentor others have inspired countless individuals to continue on the path of volunteerism and give back to the Ukrainian community.