Most people pay scant attention to government policy and public administration, but not so for Nadiya Miftakhova, a Strategic Planner with Crown Investments Corporation and a graduate of the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Government work has always been in focus for this career policy wonk, and while Nadiya enjoys learning about the technical interplay of business and politics, she also likes cinema, theatre, studying French, working out, travelling with her family and friends, and she volunteers any time remaining from her busy schedule.

Kevin Tkachuk in many ways epitomizes the rugby adage: it’s a sport for hooligans played by gentlemen. The former Glasgow Warriors prop forward represented Canada in more than 50 international matches, including at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia, but a decade since his playing days ended, this Oxford-educated Regina native now teaches history to young boys and girls in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at The Hill School—one of the most prestigious private academies in the United States. 

Originally from the Hanley-Kenaston area of Saskatchewan, Marion Mutala is a former elementary and high school teacher in Saskatoon who has written 16 books to date, most famously her “Baba’s Babushka” series which reflects her childhood memories and rekindles the loving, guiding spirit of her maternal grandmother. Marion has a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Saskatchewan, and her books have won several awards, including The High Plains Award for Best Children’s Book in 2015. Her most recent work is “Live Well: My Ukrainian Upbringing and Other Stories”, available at babasbabushka.ca.

He's a big fish in the relatively small pond that is Prince Albert, SK: former broadcaster turned youth worker Taras Kachkowski has made an impact on the city's amateur sport, arts and culture scenes, mixing his enthusiasm for classic rock with a penchant for attracting positive attention in everything he does. 

Born and raised in Ukraine but now calling Saskatchewan her home, Iryna (Ira) Matsiuk talks about her travels to find people like herself to work in her adopted country, her brief foray into small business, and why volunteering in all kinds of festivals and events makes her feel more Ukrainian and Canadian at the same time. 

The Executive Director of the Riversdale Improvement District in Saskatoon, a licensed funeral director and TV show host, Randy Pshebylo has spent decades helping shape the family farmland, promoting a trendy commercial district and keeping focussed on the bright side of life. 

Following more than 15 years in ad sales, Daria Malin pivoted in her career and turned her industry knowledge into tools that small business clients can use to succeed. Two books and a new YouTube channel later, this savvy businesswoman discusses work-life balance, the benefits of learning from the best, and the unexpected upsides of Christmas carolling. 

Service to the community means everything to Diane Boyko, a small-town girl who grew up in Alvena, SK, speaking Ukrainian, being intimately involved in all aspects of cultural life there and now residing in Saskatoon. A Catholic School Board trustee since 2003, Diane speaks of her long history with the Sundog Arts and Entertainment Faire, award shows, and being rewarded by the Queen as well as her local peers for her life's work.