Monica Sim

Monica is a distinguished educator and community leader with over 25 years of service dedicated to advancing education and strengthening cultural identity within the Ukrainian Canadian community in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Her leadership journey began with Plast Ukrainian Youth Association in 1992 and has since expanded to local, national, and international roles. She has served multiple terms as Director of Plast Youth ages 6-12 in Winnipeg and across Canada, Vice President of Plast Winnipeg, and summer camp director at Ukrainian Park for many years. She represented Canada at international jamborees and was a delegate at the Plast World Conference in Kyiv in 2007. Most recently, Monica has contributed as a leadership training instructor and mentor, developing and facilitating workshops across Canada. Known for her creativity and engaging presentation style, she inspires the next generation of youth leaders to serve their communities. In recognition of her impact, she was awarded the prestigious St. Yurii Cross in Bronze in 2023.Professionally, Monica earned a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education in English as an Additional Language from the University of Manitoba. She taught in the English-Ukrainian Bilingual Program for 15 years before moving into divisional leadership. Since 2024, Monica returned to the same school as Vice Principal. She plays a pivotal role in welcoming and supporting all families, and most recently supporting Ukrainian newcomer families.Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, Monica serves as a trustee at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, is a member of the Plast kurin ‘Kniahyni’, and has volunteered with Help Us Help the Children. Guided by her lifelong commitment to service, she continues to foster education, leadership, and cultural advocacy, leaving a lasting legacy within both the Ukrainian Canadian community and broader society. Monica enjoys spending summers at Ukrainian Park with her husband, Mike, and their two daughters, Ilyana and Bianca.