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, where she leads the organization in its mission to support and connect Polish-Canadian families across the province. With strong leadership skills and a passion for 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, and coordinates with the Polish Consulate to strengthen community ties and cultural initiatives.
Drawing on her extensive international experience in New York, Poland, and Tokyo as a Director and design strategist, Alina brings strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a collaborative approach to guiding teams and driving impactful initiatives.
Her diverse background informs a holistic approach to leadership, encompassing team management, research, content strategy, and community engagement. Skilled in guiding workshops and strategic projects, Alina leverages her expertise to transform insights into actionable solutions—both in professional contexts and in meaningful community impact.
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.
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.
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.