Tatiana Sunak

I am writing to wholeheartedly nominate Tatiana Sunak for UCC-Ontario 2026 Award Nomination for Excellence in Volunteerism in recognition of her outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to Ukrainian education in Canada and Ukraine.

Tatiana has been serving as the Chair of the Ukrainian Canadian School Board, Toronto Branch, for over 15 years, during which she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational development skills. Her commitment to the advancement of Ukrainian education is evident through her tireless efforts in providing support and training for Ukrainian teachers. Tatiana's influence is particularly pronounced as she plans and facilitates at least two conferences annually, fostering professional growth within the Ukrainian teaching community.

Her instrumental role in developing Ukrainian programs for students in Ukrainian schools extends far beyond Toronto, reaching schools throughout Canada. Tatiana, as the Principal of the Saturday School, has crafted programs tailored for students whose Ukrainian is not their first language, thereby facilitating their educational development and nurturing their cultural identity.

During times of crisis, such as the onset of the war, Tatiana exhibited compassion and dedication by committing considerable time to assist newcomers. Notably, she organized a significant welcome event in collaboration with the Toronto District School Board, attended by over 400 people, leaving an indelible mark on the new families arriving in Canada.

In 2023, Tatiana took on an even more profound role by organizing the “Angles of Ukraine” display at Centennial Park. This deeply moving exhibit honoured the memory of innocent children tragically killed during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Through her efforts, the community was able to come together in remembrance, ensuring that these young lives and their stories were not forgotten. Tatiana’s dedication to making this event both poignant and impactful exemplifies her commitment to preserving the memory of Ukraine’s struggle while fostering hope and unity.

Tatiana's leadership extends internationally, as evidenced by her impactful projects for Ukrainian teachers and students in Ukraine. The "Learning to Be" project, aimed at supporting students in occupied territories, showcased Tatiana's commitment to bridging educational gaps. In 2024, she led the project "Teachers of Canada for Teachers of Ukraine" which underscores her dedication to equipping Ukrainian teachers with the necessary skills to navigate multi-level classrooms amid the challenges posed by the war.

Tatiana Sunak is an exemplary advocate for Ukrainian education, both in Canada and Ukraine. Her visionary leadership, commitment to professional development, and tireless efforts in times of crisis make her an outstanding candidate for award for Excellence in Volunteerism.

Supporting documents:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JR25k7BT5hHmowZHk7peQcvNkd8Jl7TG?usp=drive_link

Facebook page of the Ukrainian Canadian School Board - Toronto branch:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057527527828