Meet Our BoD
At SUSK, we pride ourselves on our hardworking executive team members that attend post-secondary institutions across Canada. These talented individuals have been elected to lead and guide SUSK in the upcoming year, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our organization.
Email: president@susk.ca
Daria Furtak – President
Daria is a fourth-year Finance student at the University of Ottawa and previously served as the President of the uOttawa Ukrainian Students’ Club. She’s passionate about leadership, global affairs, and empowering youth through education and advocacy. With extensive experience in corporate relations, fundraising, public speaking, and event management, Daria has contributed to the growth of student organizations and helped launch initiatives with lasting value. In 2025, she participated in the UN HAA Global Peace Summit in Thailand and the NATO Field School in Europe. She’s excited to apply herself to SUSK and work with the team to strengthen national collaboration, support Ukrainian students across Canada, and build meaningful, action-driven initiatives that uplift our community.
Key Responsibilities: The President leads the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union (SUSK), oversees the Board of Directors, and represents the organization at the national level. This role is responsible for setting strategic direction, coordinating the team, and ensuring that SUSK fulfills its mission of serving and advocating for Ukrainian students across Canada.
Email: vp@susk.ca
Stefaniia Demel – VP National
Stefaniia Demel is a second-year student at the University of Toronto Mississauga, pursuing a double major in Criminology, Law and Society, and Sociology. She has been an active member of the Toronto-Ukrainian community, supporting Ukraine by volunteering at festivals, local events, and projects focused on packing supplies for soldiers and civilians affected by the war. Stefaniia is proud of her Ukrainian heritage and passionate about strengthening the Ukrainian student community in Canada. This is her first year on the SUSK Board, where she serves as Vice President National. She looks forward to working with USOs across the country to foster unity, collaboration, and meaningful engagement.
Key Responsibilities: The Vice President National supports the President, coordinates with Regional Vice Presidents across Canada, joins subcommittees, organizes national meetings, and represents SUSK when the President is unavailable.
Email: treasurer@susk.ca
Anastasiya Kornyat – VP Finance
Anastasiya is a student at the University of Guelph and currently serves as Vice President Finance on the SUSK Board. She attended the Yuri Lypa Ukrainian Heritage Academy and continues to engage with the Ukrainian community through cultural events and fundraising efforts supporting Ukraine’s war relief. Alongside her academics, she is involved in the Guelph Student Investment Council and Guelph Private Capital as an analyst. Anastasiya is passionate about contributing to Ukraine’s economic resilience and strengthening connections among Ukrainian-Canadian students nationwide. This is her first year on the SUSK Board, and she looks forward to supporting impactful initiatives through her role in finance.
Key Responsibilities: The Vice President Finance manages SUSK’s budget and financial records, oversees funding applications, ensures transparent reporting, and supports financial planning for national initiatives and events.
Email: secretary@susk.ca
Chloe Smith – Secretary
Chloe Smith is a fourth-year Psychology student at the University of Alberta and currently serves as Secretary on the SUSK National Executive. This is her third year on the board, having previously served as VP West and VP National. Chloe’s involvement in the Ukrainian community began with dance in Regina, SK, and she continues to express her cultural pride as a member of the Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. At the University of Alberta, she is in her fourth year with the Ukrainian Students’ Society, having served as First Year Representative, VP External (two terms), and now President. Chloe is passionate about building inclusive communities that celebrate Ukrainian identity and support youth leadership.
Key Responsibilities: The Secretary holds a high-level and responsible position focused on maintaining communication with the SUSK Board of Directors by scheduling meetings, informing members of decisions made in their absence, and contributing to projects and committees through close collaboration with the Board.
Email: internal@susk.ca
Artem Sudarkin – Director of Internal Affairs
Artem is a student at the University of Ottawa, pursuing a degree in Political Science and Economics. He was born in Odesa, Ukraine, and moved to Canada following the outbreak of the full-scale war. Over the past three years, he has been actively involved in advocacy for Ukraine, including participating in UCC Advocacy Day. In high school, he contributed to student life by organizing the school’s first TEDx conference and competing on the swim team. At university, Artem joined the Ukrainian Students’ Club (UOSC), where he was elected First-Year Representative and played an active role in engaging new members and strengthening the Ukrainian student community on campus.
Key Responsibilities: The Internal Relations Director coordinates internal communication within SUSK, addresses formal grievances, supports the integration of existing USOs, and helps establish and develop new USOs across Canada.
Email: external@susk.ca
Marichka Baysa – External Relations Director
Marichka is a Business Management student at Toronto Metropolitan University, now entering her second year as SUSK’s Director of External Relations. Over the past year, she has played a key role in building partnerships and strengthening connections between SUSK and the broader Ukrainian Canadian community. Marichka is deeply committed to community engagement, actively volunteering with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto, and several charitable initiatives. Her work includes organizing cultural events, leading outreach efforts, and promoting Ukrainian identity and awareness. Fluent in multiple languages, Marichka brings strong communication, diplomacy, and coordination skills to the Board, and is excited to continue contributing to SUSK’s growth and impact during the 2025–26 year.
Key Responsibilities: The External Relations Director builds and maintains partnerships with external stakeholders, including community organizations, institutions, and sponsors. This role promotes SUSK’s visibility and leads collaborative initiatives that strengthen the organization’s impact and reach.
Email: vp-central@susk.ca
Mariia Salyk – VP Central
Mariia is entering her second year at the University of Saskatchewan as a business student. Previously she has been involved in her high school’s Multicultural Club where she planned a Ukrainian exhibit for the Multicultural Fair. She moved to Canada from Ukraine in 2012 and is still fluent in her native language which was an asset when she mentored Ukrainian newcomers in her school division. Mariia has recently joined University of Saskatchewan Ukrainian Students Association (USUSA) in her first year on the SUSK board of directors. Mariia is involved in her community as a cadet where assists the Squadron Sponsoring Committee in facilitating fundraising and social events.
Key Responsibilities: The Vice President Central acts as a liaison between SUSK and Ukrainian student organizations (USOs) across Ontario, maintaining communication with active clubs, supporting local initiatives, sharing SUSK updates, assisting new or developing USOs, and contributing to National Board committees.
Email: vp-west@susk.ca
Nikita Sereda – VP West
Nikita is a second-year student at the University of Saskatchewan, pursuing a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Crime, Law, and Justice Studies. Born and raised in Brunkild, Manitoba, he is a first-generation Canadian and a graduate of Yorkton Regional High School. From 2019 to 2022, Nikita lived and studied in Kharkiv, Ukraine—an experience that deeply shaped his understanding of Ukrainian identity and strengthened his commitment to cultural advocacy. He returned to Canada shortly after the full-scale invasion began. Nikita currently serves as Vice President West of SUSK and Public Relations Representative for the University of Saskatchewan Ukrainian Students’ Association. He is also a tonsured Reader in the Orthodox Church in America, where he actively participates in liturgical and spiritual life. His work is rooted in a strong dedication to community, faith, and the promotion of Ukrainian culture.
Key Responsibilities: The Vice President West acts as a liaison between SUSK and USOs across Western Canada (AB, BC, MB, SK), maintaining communication with active clubs, supporting renewal efforts, sharing SUSK initiatives, reporting to the President and National Coordinator, and contributing to National Board committees.
Email: projects@susk.ca
Sofia Tarandushka – Project Director
Sofiia is a third-year student at Trent University and a newcomer to Canada, passionate about social development and cross-cultural connection. Since her school years in Ukraine, she has been actively involved in development-focused projects—organizing ecological, cultural, and student well-being initiatives, including collaborations with UNICEF and national youth programs. Since 2022, Sofiia has volunteered with the Soniashnyk Project, a trauma rehabilitation camp for children of Ukrainian defenders, supporting youth through creative and educational programming. As Project Director at SUSK, she leads and develops Two Talks—a cultural and linguistic initiative that helps Ukrainians integrate into Canadian society while preserving their identity.
Key Responsibilities: The Project Director coordinates national initiatives and special projects—from advocacy campaigns to cultural events—and oversees project funding support for Ukrainian Student Organizations (USOs). This role ensures that SUSK-led programs are well-planned, executed on time, and deliver meaningful impact for the Ukrainian student community across Canada.
Email: media@susk.ca
Mia Korotky – Media Director
Mia Korotky is a second-year Biological Science student at the University of Guelph. Growing up in a Ukrainian community and staying closely connected to her culture through Plast and Ukrainian school has greatly influenced who she is today. These experiences sparked a passion in her for raising awareness—whether through fundraising initiatives or meaningful conversations. She enjoys learning through hands-on involvement in her community and is excited to see where her role with SUSK will take her. As SUSK’s Media Director, Mia looks forward to using her creativity and communication skills to help amplify SUSK’s voice and connect with students across the country. She’s eager to engage with others who are equally passionate and ready to make an impact.
Key Responsibilities: The Media Director leads SUSK’s communications strategy, using creativity to manage social media, create engaging content, and promote initiatives that connect students, amplify SUSK’s voice, and popularize Ukrainian culture across Canada.
Email: alumni@susk.ca
Steven Klus – Alumni Director
I’m passionate about Ukrainian culture and sports! I’m part of USask’s Ukrainian Students’ Association and the Edwards Business Students’ Society.
Key Responsibilities: The Alumni Director leads engagement with SUSK alumni through mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and fundraising initiatives. This role focuses on building lasting connections between past and current members to strengthen community ties and long-term support for SUSK’s mission.
Email: inclusion@susk.ca
Anastasia Hemon – Inclusion and Diversity Officer
Anastasia is in her third year at Toronto Metropolitan University, studying Biomedical Sciences. Her involvement in the Ukrainian community began at a young age through Ukrainian dance lessons and active participation in CYM. Having grown up deeply rooted in the Ukrainian community, Anastasia is passionate about giving back – whether it’s through organizing events with the Toronto Metropolitan Ukrainian Students’ Club, cantoring at church, or playing violin in the Ukrainian band Tysk. Anastasia is also excited to continue supporting Ukrainian Canadian students as she enters her second year on the SUSK Board of Directors!
Key Responsibilities: The Inclusion and Diversity Officer promotes equity, inclusion, and accessibility within SUSK. This role leads efforts to create a welcoming, diverse, and representative environment for all students, ensuring that SUSK reflects the values and experiences of the broader Ukrainian Canadian student community.
Email: student@susk.ca
Jonah Makowsky – Editor, journal “Student”
Jonah is entering his fourth year of Political Science at the University of Alberta. His academic interests include Canadian politics, journalism, and international law, particularly as it relates to Ukraine. He currently serves as Vice President Internal for the Ukrainian Students’ Organization at the University of Alberta. Jonah has been actively involved in Edmonton’s Ukrainian community for many years, participating in Ukrainian dance and volunteering with local cultural and heritage organizations. Outside of academics, he is passionate about hiking, film, and cheering on the Edmonton Oilers. He is excited to bring his experience and enthusiasm to the SUSK community.
Key Responsibilities: The Students’ Editor leads the editorial team for SUSK’s official publication, “Student” (“Студент”), overseeing content creation, editing, and production to amplify student voices and share stories from the Ukrainian Canadian community.
Email: pastpresident@susk.ca
Katrina Korotky – Past President
Katrina is a recent graduate of Queen’s University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Language, Literature, and Culture. Katrina’s leadership journey with SUSK has been extensive and impactful — she served as VP East, Alumni Director, and most recently, as SUSK President. Now, she continues to support the organization in an advisory capacity as Past President. Katrina remains deeply rooted in the Ukrainian Canadian community through her involvement in Plast Leadership Camps and the Queen’s University Ukrainian Students’ Association (QUUSA). She is passionate about mentorship, community-building, and empowering the next generation of student leaders.
Key Responsibilities: The Past President provides guidance and support to the SUSK Board by sharing institutional knowledge, mentoring new members, and assisting with strategic planning and special projects to ensure continuity and long-term success.