Марія

Maria Tymchuk
Verkhovyna, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Ukraine | [відкрити контакти](див. вище в блоці «контактна інформація») | [відкрити контакти](див. вище в блоці «контактна інформація»)

Empathetic, multilingual Integration Counselor and Community Worker with over 10 years of experience
supporting migrants, refugees, and vulnerable populations. Specialized in trauma-informed, client-centered
care, with strengths in cross-cultural communication, community building, and holistic case management.
Passionate about advancing dignity, inclusion, and empowerment through meaningful work in NGOs,
humanitarian and social service sectors.

CORE COMPETENCIES |
• Languages: English, French, Ukrainian, (basic Arabic) • Event & Workshop Facilitation
• Refugee & Migrant Integration • Trauma-Informed Counseling
• Community Engagement & Support • Digital Literacy & Remote Case Management
• Cross-Cultural Communication • Digital tools: Zoom, Teams, Google Meet
• Technical Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • CRM systems, scheduling tools & digital forms

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE |
Integration Counselor, Bienvenue à Notre-Dame-De-Grâce, Montreal, QC | July 2022 – July 2023
Played a key role in facilitating the social and cultural integration of over 500 newcomers—primarily Ukrainian
refugees—by delivering personalized, trauma-informed support, building community connections, and ensuring
access to essential services. Served as a trusted liaison between individuals and local systems, combining
empathy with practical guidance to foster long-term inclusion, independence, and well-being.
 Facilitated safe housing for 200+ families via host family placement and rental support.
 Connected clients with healthcare, education, employment, and language services.
 Led intercultural events, community gatherings, and language support sessions.
 Advocated for refugee needs while promoting trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care.

Community Worker, NDG Community Council, Montreal, QC | Nov. 2021 – Jan. 2022
Strengthened and unified a diverse community through inclusive programs and grassroots collaboration—
empowering displaced women, newcomers, and vulnerable residents with dignity, empathy, and lasting impact.
 Organized 15+ inclusive community events and wellness workshops.
 Collaborated with street workers and NGOs to support at-risk residents.
 Provided support to newcomer women navigating transitions and trauma.

Bilingual Everyday Banking Advisor, Royal Bank of Canada, Montreal, QC | Jul. 2024 – Jan. 2025
Provided client-focused support to a diverse population by addressing financial inquiries with empathy, clarity,
and professionalism—empowering individuals to navigate digital systems.
 Handled 50–60 calls daily offering digital and financial guidance to diverse clients.
 Delivered empathetic problem-solving during high-stress and urgent situations.
 Supported digital literacy for vulnerable clients.

Office Administrator, National NGO "Effective owner," Kyiv, Ukraine| Apr. 2013 – Oct. 2018
Supported the communications, volunteer coordination, and administrative functions of a national NGO.
 Drafted and edited mission-aligned content to promote programs and advocacy efforts.
 Coordinated volunteer activities and streamlined internal communications.
 Handled day-to-day administrative tasks, reporting, and team support.
PARLIAMENTARY AND EXECUTIVE INTERN – ADMINISTRATIVE & POLICY SUPPORT|──────────────────────────
Government of Ukraine (Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Cabinet of Ministers, Analytical Center
“Policy”) – Kyiv, Ukraine Nov 2011 – Dec 2012
Selected for a prestigious internship program supporting EU integration, civic engagement, and government
transparency (Parliamentary and Executive Internship, Ukrainian Parliamentary Development Project II).
 Translated laws and policy documents from Ukrainian to English for international cooperation.
 Assisted in high-level administrative coordination, document handling, and event planning.
 Delivered a national speech on “Youth Lobbying in Parliament” and promoted civic education through
institutional tours.

VOLUNTEERING & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT | ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Community Support Volunteer The Depot Community Food Centre – Montreal, Canada | 2022-2023
Offered multilingual and emotional support to vulnerable groups—newcomers, seniors, and low-income
families—promoting dignity, inclusion, and food security in a trauma-informed environment.
Project Coordinator NGO “Effective Owner” – Kyiv, Ukraine
Youth Engagement Volunteer Union of Active Youth & Chernivtsi Center of Pedagogics – Chernivtsi, Ukraine

ACHIEVEMENTS & CREATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS | ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
Author of Three Published Books:
A Time for Everything, From Love to Happiness, How to Stop Living Life as a Draft

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS (SELECTED) | ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 Awardee – New Economic System National Essay Competition
 Winner – Innovative Intellect of Ukraine Academic Competition
 Laureate – National Ukrainian Youth Poetry Contest in memory of Leonid Kiselyov
 Finalist – Khorticky Bells, National Poetry and Song Contest in memory of Marina Bratsylo

SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS |───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
University of Media Literacy – Ukraine, 2018, "Thank You, Parents, For..." Campaign – Ukraine, 2020

LEADERSHIP, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & POLICY TRAINING (SELECTED) |─────────────────────────────────
Conferences & Forums:
 Generational Change in Ukrainian Politics
 National Conference: Creativity & Freedom
 Forum for Emerging Political Leaders

Trainings & Seminars: Advocacy & Strategic Communication, Human Rights in Education, Women in
Governance & Local Democracy, Social Democracy & Political Ideologies and European Integration
Leadership & Schools: Higher Political School, School for Young Women Politicians, Media Leadership School
Publications (Selected): "To Share the Suffering" – Bukovynske Viche, "Sport Has the Power to Unite" –
Verkhovyna News, "Lead, or Be Led" – Ukrainian Truth, "Fear Your Own Cowardice" – Ukrainian Truth, "Where
Are You Going, Student?" – Wave Newspaper

EDUCATION: |──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
M.A. in Psychology (in progress) – Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, 2024–present
M.A. in Theology (in progress) – Thomas Aquinas Institute of Religious Sciences, Ukraine, 2024–present
M.A. in Administration – National Technical University of Ukraine, 2014
B.Sc. in Biology & Chemistry – Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, 2013
Diploma in French as a Second Language – University of Montreal, 2022