At the Polish Canadian Family Association, our mission is guided by the values of community, culture, and care. We are committed to supporting Polish-Canadian families by providing a welcoming space where connections across generations can flourish and children can grow up with a strong sense of cultural identity. Through our Polish language programs, cultural workshops, family events, and early childhood education initiatives, we strive to ensure that our traditions, stories, and heritage continue to thrive.
We also recognize the importance of supporting families navigating life in a new country. By offering resources, guidance, and programs that promote mental health, emotional wellbeing, and community integration, we aim to empower every family to thrive in a nurturing and safe environment. In all we do, we are dedicated to fostering inclusion, connection, and pride in Polish heritage while building bridges with the broader Canadian community.
Together, as a board, staff, volunteers, and contractors, we remain committed to creating a vibrant, caring, and culturally rich community where every member feels valued, supported, and inspired.
alina.podkolinska@polishcanadianfamilyassociation.ca
Alina serves as President of the Polish Canadian Family Association of BC, leading the organization in its mission to support and connect Polish-Canadian families across the province. With strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to community-building, she oversees programs, events, and initiatives that celebrate Polish culture, language, and heritage—while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for families of all backgrounds. She also supports fundraising and grant-writing efforts and collaborates closely with the Polish Consulate to strengthen cultural partnerships and community ties.
Drawing on her international experience in New York, Poland, and Tokyo as a director and design strategist, Alina brings strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and a collaborative approach to leading teams and driving meaningful initiatives. She holds an MFA in Design and Technology from Parsons School of Design in New York City and a BFA in Sculpture from the University of Calgary.
Her diverse background informs a holistic approach to leadership—integrating team management, research, content strategy, and community engagement. Skilled in facilitating workshops and leading strategic projects, Alina leverages her expertise to turn insights into action, advancing both professional innovation and impactful community development.
justyna.wawszkow@polishcanadianfamilyassociation.ca
I have an MA in Psychology and psychotherapy training in the systemic and Ericksonian approaches. I also hold a Master’s degree in Resocialization Pedagogy. For over a decade, I have been providing psychological support to adults, couples, and families—first in Poland, and now also in Canada, where I live and continue to develop my practice. I run a private online psychotherapy practice in both Polish and English, primarily offering support to members of the Polish diaspora and individuals with migration experience. I am also a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
In Poland, for over eight years, I co-managed a non-profit association and later a foundation supporting individuals leaving the penitentiary system, those at risk of homelessness, and people struggling with addictions. My work there included two main areas. The first was psychological support: one-on-one sessions with clients, leading therapeutic groups, and facilitating personal development workshops. The second involved organizational tasks such as securing funding (from national and EU sources), fundraising activities, managing a team of therapists, preparing reports, and budget planning.
More than four years ago, I moved to Canada with my family. This experience has profoundly shaped and strengthened me, as well as heightened my awareness of the challenges faced by people with migration experience—such as feelings of loss, loneliness, and difficulties with adaptation or identity. As someone who has personally gone through the migration process, I deeply understand these struggles. At the same time, I value nurturing the traditions and culture of one’s country of origin, as I believe they can serve as a source of strength and grounding in a new environment. This perspective also inspires my involvement in co-creating the Canadian Family Association of British Columbia—a space where people with Polish roots can connect with their community and find support in preserving and cultivating their values.
sylwia.ura@polishcanadianfamilyassociation.ca
Sylwia is a board member of the Polish Canadian Family Association of British Columbia, where she brings together her professional background, multicultural life experience, and deep commitment to the emotional and cultural well-being of Polish-Canadian families. Trained as a midwife in Poland, Sylwia has always held a heart-level dedication to supporting women, mothers, and young families—especially those navigating life across cultures.
Her own journey has taken her from Poland to Sweden—where her daughter was born—and eventually to Canada, giving her a layered understanding of the joys and challenges of raising children away from one’s native roots. These lived experiences fuel her desire to help others feel connected, seen, and supported.
Sylwia envisions her role in the Association as primarily administrative and behind-the-scenes, where she can offer thoughtful, grounded support to help the organization grow with clarity and care. She believes that initiatives—whether community-based or for-profit—create the most lasting impact when they are aligned not only with a clear vision, but with the soul of those who lead and build them. For Sylwia, meaningful work must flow from inner truth, emotional integrity, and a sense of deeper purpose.
Outside of her community involvement, Sylwia privately runs a small hospitality business where she curates warm, intentional spaces and has the opportunity to create meaningful experiences for her guests. She is a lover of beauty, nature, and all things nourishing. She finds joy in travelling with her family, discovering new foods, spending time at the beach, and enjoying moderate hikes in the mountains. Gardening is a new passion she’s recently embraced, and she has also discovered a growing love for aquariums—tending to small ecosystems with patience and wonder. At home, she shares her space with a cat and a bunny. Whether it’s nurturing a family, a community, or a quiet hobby, she leads with intention, believing that real change starts from within.
ania.korolczuk@polishcanadianfamilyassociation.ca
Anna Korolczuk is a certified teacher with a Master’s degree in History from the University of Wrocław (2005), qualified to teach at both the elementary and high school levels. After moving to Canada in 2005, she began her teaching career and has been working in the Surrey School District since 2016. In 2020, she completed a postgraduate diploma in Inclusive Education, enhancing her ability to support and engage diverse learners.
As a mother of two young children—Milena (5 years old) and Leon (4 months old)—Anna brings not only professional experience but also a personal, empathetic perspective to her teaching. Her dual roles as educator and parent allow her to create inclusive, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments for all students.
Team photos generously provided by Agata Bryskier Photography @bryskierphotography
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