Montreal Ukrainian Festival Executive 2008
Christine Kozak Mastrofrancesco - President
 |
Born and raised in Lachine Quebec and now a resident of St Leonard, Christine has a degree from McGill University in Business Administration. Presently employed with Service Canada at the Montreal Regional call center, she honours and preserves her Ukrainian heritage through pysanka making (Ukrainian Easter egg, playing the bandura (traditional 56-string instrument), as a former member of the Trembita orchestra and in various other Ukrainian cultural organizations. Christine has been involved with the Montreal Ukrainian Festival as an active member since 2000. |
Danylo (Don) Ivanski - Co-President
 |
A native Montrealer, Danylo is a graduate of Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec, having earned multiple degrees in Biology, Computer Science, and Finance. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). After graduating, Danylo returned to Montreal and since then, has held various managerial positions in investment banking and software development firms. Having been active in the Ukrainian Community most of his life, 1992 marked the year that he stepped up his activities, assuming the VP position of the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association (UCPBA), becoming a parish committee member, and now serving as co-president of this festival. Danylo has also been heavily involved with politics at the federal and especially at the provincial levels. At the international level, he served four consecutive terms as an international election observer in Ukraine — his first tour being during the Orange Revolution in November 2004, three tours for Ukrainian Canadian Congress and one tour for CANADEM, where some of his responsibilities included the training of other observers. Currently, he works in the field of investment banking and business development while working towards his Ph. D. in Philosophy. |
Maria Makivchuk - Vice-President
 |
Maria Makivchuk holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, both in international economic relations, from the Kyiv National University in Ukraine and is currently pursuing an MBA at McGill University (concentration in strategy and international business). She has four years’ work experience as an export operations coordinator at a textile agency in Montreal, handling diverse international clients and suppliers. The nature of her work is dealing with logistical coordination and production issues on a daily basis. For her summer 2008 internship, Maria joined the Public-Private Partnerships Quebec (PPPQ) as part of the new superhospital project for the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), where she created workshop guidelines for the procurement process. In fall 2008, she will embark on an exciting journey to the other side of the planet to continue her MBA through an exchange program with the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore. Her career goal is to lead supply chain management for international business. In addition to being a passionate alpine skier and outdoors enthusiast, Maria enjoys participating in community life by being a member of the organizing committee of the annual Ukrainian Festival in Montreal. |
Taras Kolanitch - VP Entertainment
 |
Taras Kolanitch has performed in Ukrainian bands, for over 200 Zabavas, festivals, weddings, and other special events. As a founding member of the 1980’s ‘zabava band’ and recording artists “Samotsvit”, and then subsequently with “Dumka”, and “Kashtany”, he has performed across North America. Most recently, in the last three years, he has appeared with the ‘all star band ’KOMITET’. He has garnered invaluable experience not only in performing in front of thousands of people, but has learned the keys to successfully organizing and staging these events. He understands the challenges and empathizes with all performers who stand on any stage. His two daughters keep him current and active in many Ukrainian community organizations, and events, outside the Festival. A professional background in Technology Sales has proven useful in managing many of the technical aspects of the Festival. He is very grateful for the support team that has been assembled to support him in this year’s effort and wishes all a great time! |
Roman Hawryluk - VP Finance
 |
Roman Hawryluk, a Concordia University graduate in geography, works as a geographic analyst for a digital mapping company. He has also pursued studies in transportation management at McGill, is the Quebec representative of the CN Historical Society and travels extensively. Since 2000 he has been a member of the executive board of the Prosvita parish in Lachine. As a student he worked as a volunteer for the Art and Faith Millennium of Christianity photo exhibit. This is his first year with the Ukrainian Festival. |
Greg Kowryha - VP Logistics
 |
After graduating from Concordia University, Gregory worked for the Government of Canada for 34 years until his recent retirement. He is the president of TYC-Montreal, church organization at St. Sophie's Ukrainian Cathedral. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Caisse Populaire Ukrainienne Desjardins and the Ukrainian Villa and Ukrainian residence. He has been a volunteer with the Montreal Festival for several years and is now the V.P. Logistics. |
Suzie Nicoriuk - V.P. Concession & Vendors
 |
Suzie was born in Montreal and has
spent most of her life here. She is a graduate of Concordia
University for both bachelor's and Master's degrees. Four years
ago, Suzie made a major career shift. She returned to school to
study for her license and is now a Financial Security Advisor.
She is an avid artist of oil painting, and spends as much time as she can at it. However just before Easter each year she changes her paint brush for a kistka and makes Pysanky for her family and friends. This is Suzie's second year in being involved with the Festival. |
Alexandra Kindrat - Advisor
 |
Alexandra was born and raised in Montreal, and is a member of St Sophie's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. She is a former performer at the festival, both with Montreal's Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Troyanda, and with her national swing dance partner, with whom she has competed at the national level. Alexandra is very involved in Canada's Ukrainian community, and is a member of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada Daughters of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association. She is a recently published neuroscientist and is pursuing graduate studies in public relations. Alexandra is currently working as a mathematics and science education specialist. |
Christine Mota - V.P. Marketing and Communications
 |
A graduate of Concordia University, Christine was recently appointed Director of Media Relations and official spokesperson for Concordia, where she has worked since 1993. Prior to that, she had a 15-year career in the Montreal broadcast industry, working at various radio and TV stations as a newscaster, producer and talk-show host. She has been active in the Ukrainian community for many years and has been involved with the Montreal Ukrainian Festival since 2002. |
Alex Gyba - Art Director
 |
Established in the field of advertising and visual design, Alex brings to the Montreal Ukrainian Festival more than 25 years of experience with his colourful illustrations that adorn the events posters and brochures. An honors graduate from Académie des Arts (affiliated with the Louvre in Paris, France) and holding various degrees in marketing and visual arts, he strives to produce the right ambiance with each and every creative concept. Alex has been active in the Ukrainian community since childhood, singing with various choirs and performing in Ukrainian dance troops. His contributions to the Montreal Ukrainian Festival began in 2002 with his creation of the festival logo. |
Alex Wasylyk - Webmaster
 |
A student of the Software Engineering program at Concordia University, Alex has worked in web design since 2000. Self taught in the field, he started his own company, SG Enterprises, in 2002, specializing in web design and hosting services. In 2003, he oversaw the updating of the Marianopolis College website, and then successfully designed and implemented a web-based payroll system for the college. In 2006, he was hired to the newly created full-time position of Webmaster at Marianopolis College, where he remains to this date. Alex has been an active member of the Ukrainian Festival for many years and, since 2002, has shared his talents and experience as our Webmaster. |