03/24/2026
We’re excited to introduce USS 26/27 presidential candidate - Ivanna Sumka!✨
“Since beginning university, I’ve had true admiration for how USS gives back to the campus community. So, from joining as general member in 2023, to serving as an executive for 2 years, my goal with USS was to make the university experience more than academics, and exams, but about connecting and strengthening our community, especially in such a crucial time.
As VP Communications, and Vice-President, I prioritized collaboration and meaningful participation. With this, I chaired our largest event, the annual Zabava, twice, and chaired our Games Night fundraisers, to develop my passion for Ukrainian-Canadian cultural events, with advocacy by extending our efforts to important initiatives. While also sitting on other committees, I’ve gained comprehensive experience with the bureaucracy of event planning, with insight on how club operations and university policies work; navigating these so USS can function with fun and efficiency. From booking halls, applying for student-group awards, to dissecting and evaluating the constitution, I have the diligence, and attention to detail to navigate presidential duties with knowledge on how to continuously improve.
Beyond campus, I am a member of Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, while serving on the recruitment and costume committee, to merge my passion for folk dance with organizational involvement. Dance, and my experience working as a summer student with UCC-APC, developed my creative thinking, and my leadership skills that make me suited for this position.
As president, I strive to continue USS’ success, while prioritizing: further advocacy, collaboration with local organizations, and new events that combine our culture with fun! I want to increase student engagement, with more volunteer opportunities, with a merch line that shows off our Ukrainian pride. As president, I want to provide USS members many opportunities to enjoy university life outside of academia, while connecting students through our beautiful culture. Слава Україні!”
