Daria Podilsky

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Daria Podilsky has always been passionate about sharing her Ukrainian culture and identity with those around her. A lifelong member of the Ukrainian Youth Association CYM Edmonton branch, she has served as the Educational Director since 2021, where she develops weekly programming for children and youth aged 3 to 16. Over the past five years, she has been instrumental in revitalizing CYM Edmonton’s youth programming after the pandemic and supporting the integration of newly arrived Ukrainian newcomers. Daria has taken on various key roles on the Alberta CYM Summer Camp Committee such as Program Director and Chair, and has played a crucial role in the organization and delivery of camp registration and other administrative duties since 2022.Daria has danced professionally with Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers since 2017, touring across North America, and with the National Ballet of Ukraine. She is honoured to have played lead roles in productions highlighting prominent Ukrainian themes and, as a fluent Ukrainian speaker, frequently supports rehearsals as a translator for guest choreographers from Ukraine. Daria has contributed to Shumka’s organizational life through service on multiple internal company committees, the Board of Directors (2019–2021), and the Fund Development Committee, where she was especially committed to stewarding strong donor relationships during the pandemic. In 2023, she started further expanding her cultural outreach by teaching Ukrainian dance in rural Alberta communities.Alongside her volunteer leadership, Daria has worked with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council, coordinating major initiatives such as Ukrainian Day and COVID-19 relief initiatives for rural communities. She recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Nutrition, and is eager to pursue a career in health sciences.