Svitlana Kominko among top 25 Canadian immigrants for 2025

NP-UN Western Bureau.

Ukrainian-born Svitlana Kominko is among the recipients of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2025.

“Canada is a country of immigrants and it is my great pleasure, honor and responsibility to represent Ukraine here alongside the finalists from all over the world and our great Ukrainian community in Canada. Canada became a second home and opened up many professional opportunities. Multicultural Canada, the Government of Canada, leaders of numerous ethnic communities are helping Ukraine in the darkest times. This recognition belongs to all Ukrainians in Canada and demonstrates that in immigration, too, one can achieve a lot and continue their service to Ukraine and people suffering during the war. Thank you Canada and glory to Ukraine and her heroes!” she posted on Facebook.

The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, which are sponsored by Western Union and supported by COSTI Immigrant Services and Edward Jones, is the first and only national awards program celebrating immigrant success stories from coast to coast. This year’s Top 25 join an inspirational list of past recipients who are community, culture, scientific and business leaders.

For international educator and community advocate Kominko from New Westminster, B.C., life is all about relationships — in good times and bad. As a respected educator and international program developer at the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) School of Business and Media, and CEO of Maple Hope Foundation, she has dedicated her life to uplifting people.

“There’s nothing more meaningful in life than the relationships we build with others — and nothing more painful than losing those we love,” says Kominko, who came to Canada in 2005 with a PhD in psychology. “As Ukraine endures the devastation of war, my family and our community feel a deep responsibility to support those who are suffering as a result. We are profoundly grateful to Canada for welcoming us with open arms and providing shelter to Ukrainians who fled the war. In return, we see it as our duty to give back — by working hard, contributing to the Canadian economy, and strengthening the country that gave us safety and hope.”

In 2014, she co-founded Maple Hope Foundation in Vancouver, B.C., to support Ukrainians affected by war. Under her volunteer leadership, the foundation has provided more than $33 million in aid, delivering humanitarian assistance, medical aid and capacity-building projects to the Ukraine since the 2022 full-scale Russian invasion alone.

Recognizing the emotional toll of forced migration, the organization also supports displaced Ukrainians in Canada, offering mental health support, and career guidance. Further, it organizes and supports cultural events celebrating Ukrainian history, language, music and art.

“My greatest dream is to raise $1 million to provide professional support for grieving Ukrainian women who have lost their loved ones in the war through Maple Hope Foundation’s international campaign Heal a Mother’s Heart. It is a call to stand with Ukrainian mothers whose hearts are shattered by unimaginable loss,” she says.

Recognized with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Leadership Award and multiple leadership awards from BCIT, Kominko is quick to share her success. “No dream — personal or professional — is ever achieved alone. People are the key. That’s why I believe in leading with heart, in being a servant leader who listens, supports and uplifts others,” she says.

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