Marysa Fosty

Representing her Ukrainian heritage is one of the most important aspects of Marysa’s life. She is proud to have been involved with many cultural programs throughout her life such as language school, Plast Ukrainian Youth Association, Rozmai School of Dance and various Ukrainian student clubs. She has been a member of Plast Ukrainian Scouts Organization since 2005, and began volunteering as a counselor since 2015. For many years as both as counsellor, and eventually a counselor supervisor, she planned many summer camps, and facilitated weekly meetings with Plast groups, while igniting her goal of becoming a teacher.
Most recently she’s had the privilege of serving on the National Board of Directors as a co-representative planning and facilitating counselor training, with a primary goal of developing and facilitating training workshops for youth counsellors across Canada, encompassing practical organization and  leadership skills. Her involvement in Plast created the most nourishing memories and developed her closest friendships with others in the Ukrainian community.

In October 2021 as a student of highest distinction, she received her BA in Theatre & Film from the University of Winnipeg, and continued on to graduate with her BEd in spring of 2023. Following her graduation, she began teaching in the English-Ukrainian Bilingual program, which has been an incredibly enriching experience that allows her to lead students through cultural exploration and development while attaining different learning goals while in middle school.

From 2021-2023 she served on the SUSK Board of Directors, while also planning two annual congresses. After reviving The University of Winnipeg Ukrainian Students’ Association, she remained involved as the President throughout the completion of her degrees. During her involvement in the association, she had been able to assist in many initiatives supporting Ukraine at both local and national levels such as a ribbon drive donating almost $10,000 to the Canada Ukraine Foundation in 2022.

Community involvement remains a priority of hers and she will continue to advocate for, and support initiatives surrounding youth programs through fundraising, advocacy or volunteer opportunities.