Daryna Prysiazhniuk
Height: 5’9
Hometown: Regina, SK
Languages: English, Ukrainian, Russian
Occupation: Environmental Engineering at University of Regina
Daryna Prysiazhniuk, a 19-year-old Ukrainian-Canadian student, epitomizes the values of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. From her early years in Ukraine to her move to Canada at the age of 5, Daryna has embraced her cultural heritage while forging her own path towards a brighter future.
Education has always been a top priority for Daryna, recognizing that true beauty starts with a cultivated mind. In 2022, she graduated high school with an outstanding academic average of 97%, earning recognition as a top applicant by the University of Calgary. Currently, Daryna is pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering at the esteemed University of Regina, where she proudly represents women in STEM fields. Driven by her passion for sustainability, she aspires to use her degree to advocate for and implement sustainable practices within the industry, making a positive impact on the world.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Daryna possesses a unique talent for transforming her passions into impactful endeavors. A lifelong love of literature led her to establish a book review page on TikTok, where she shares her enthusiasm for reading and engages with an ever-growing audience. Through her platform, Daryna highlights current book trends, promotes diverse literary voices, and fosters a love of reading among her followers.
Daryna’s passion for politics is equally evident. Driven by a desire for hands-on experience and a genuine interest in effecting change, she eagerly delved into the political arena. Her determination and outgoing personality earned her the privilege to volunteer under her local Member of Parliament during the last federal election cycle. In this role, Daryna engaged with both politicians and ordinary community members, discussing their concerns and advocating for issues such as affordability. Through activities like door knocking, cold calling, event hosting, scrutineering, and vote projection/counting, she gained invaluable insight and formed enduring friendships.
Grateful for the unwavering support of her friends and family, as well as the opportunities presented by Miss Universe Canada, Daryna recognizes the power of her diverse life experiences to inspire other young Canadians. She encourages them to seize the opportunities available to them and embrace life to the fullest. Daryna’s journey exemplifies the potential of hard work, passion, and dedication to effect positive change in one’s community and beyond.
As Daryna continues to pursue her dreams, armed with her commitment to academic excellence, her ability to transform passions into meaningful initiatives, and her dedication to advocacy, there is no doubt that she will leave an indelible mark on society.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I have always been passionate about reading, particularly in the genres of fiction and historical fiction. “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley and “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom are among my favorite books. Recently, I decided to share my love of reading by creating a book review page on TikTok. Viewers can send me books to review, and once I have finished, I make it a point to donate them to local charities, ensuring that others can also experience the joy of reading.
In addition to nurturing my intellectual pursuits, I prioritize my physical health. Regularly attending classes at my local barre studio helps me stay fit and energized. Whenever time permits, I enthusiastically explore new sports, continuously seeking opportunities to challenge myself physically.
My interest in politics is another significant aspect of my life. I have engaged extensively in volunteering under my local Member of Parliament, allowing me to connect with diverse individuals from all walks of life. Through this firsthand experience, I have gained invaluable insights into the most pressing concerns of Canadians. I firmly believe that political engagement is essential for everyone, particularly women, and it is crucial to have informed opinions on trending local, national, and global issues.
By immersing myself in reading, fitness, and politics, I strive to lead a fulfilling and impactful life, actively contributing to society and inspiring others to do the same.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I possess a decade of comprehensive dance training encompassing ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Furthermore, I engaged in guitar classes during my high school years and had prior experience playing the piano.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Over the course of my life, I have actively engaged in nine diverse sports, including volleyball, basketball, softball, badminton, lacrosse, soccer, Jiu-jitsu, dance, and roller derby. Each sport has not only imparted invaluable lessons in teamwork, friendship, and discipline but also propelled me to constantly strive for physical excellence, shaping me into a stronger and more determined individual.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
I would like to express my profound admiration for Mrs. Peters, my creative writing teacher during high school. She embodied a unique blend of intelligence, femininity, and exuberance that captivated everyone in her presence. Mrs. Peters’ zest for life was infectious, and her unwavering positivity uplifted the spirits of those around her. She not only fostered my personal passion for writing but also nurtured the creative spark within each of her students. Inspired by her vibrant personality, I aspire to emulate her effervescence, optimism, and compassion in all aspects of my life.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
My most significant personal achievement is securing university admission. Upon immigrating to Canada, my mother tirelessly worked multiple jobs, saving every spare penny to ensure I had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Determined to make the most of this chance, I dedicated myself to my studies and successfully graduated high school with a remarkable GPA of 97 percent. Today, I take immense pride in not only becoming a woman in the field of engineering but also being the first in my family on the road to attaining a bachelor’s degree.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
One impactful experience occurred when I encountered a homeless man while entering a store. Despite being ignored by passersby, he persisted in opening the door for others and offering them blessings. Moved by his unwavering kindness, I approached him and, after a warm conversation, decided to offer him some cash. The gratitude in his eyes filled my heart with a sense of fulfillment. As I continued with my day, a witness to the exchange approached me, introducing himself as a local business owner. He expressed admiration for acts of kindness and handed me his business card, encouraging me to choose anything from his online store as a token of appreciation. Although I didn’t reach out, this experience served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that small acts of kindness can have, creating ripples of positivity in our world.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I am driven by a strong ambition to excel as a female in the field of environmental engineering and to inspire other women to join this dynamic and impactful profession. With a deep-rooted passion for sustainability, I am dedicated to leveraging my knowledge and skills to address pressing environmental challenges. I aspire to be at the forefront of innovative solutions that promote sustainability and mitigate the impact of human activities on our planet. By breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, I aim to empower and encourage more women to embrace careers in STEM, particularly in the environmental engineering domain. Through my journey, I hope to ignite a spark of inspiration that fuels a collective movement towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My ultimate aspiration is to establish and manage my own engineering firm, while simultaneously documenting my personal journey as a trailblazing woman in the engineering field through social media. Engineering has always captivated me, yet I concealed this passion for years, doubting my intelligence and abilities. It is my profound desire to empower every woman, irrespective of her chosen path, to recognize her innate brilliance, capability, and beauty. I firmly believe that every dream is attainable, and every degree can be pursued without compromising an ounce of femininity.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in the Cherkassy region of Ukraine and spent my early years there until the age of 5 when my family relocated to Canada. Our new home was a charming small town called Estevan, where we were fortunate to have wonderful neighbors, a retired couple who warmly embraced me as their adopted grand-daughter. They played an integral role in my upbringing, imparting valuable skills such as baking, sewing, reading, and the English language. Meanwhile, my mother displayed unwavering dedication throughout my childhood, working tirelessly with three jobs to provide me with the best possible upbringing and save for my future education. She served as my unwavering source of encouragement, instilling in me the virtues of love, determination, hard work, and above all, kindness and compassion. Her selflessness defined my childhood, and I am forever grateful for the nurturing environment she created.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
In the realm of online work, I once found myself immersed in a thrilling job: crafting captivating captions and subtitles for movies and TV shows. The fast-paced nature of the job pushed me to the limits, challenging my ability to effectively manage stress. It was an exhilarating experience that demanded quick thinking, unwavering focus, and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality results.
List any volunteering you have done.
Demonstrating my commitment to community service, I actively engaged in a range of impactful initiatives, including:
- Volunteering alongside my local Member of Parliament, gaining invaluable insights into the political sphere.
- Assumed leadership roles within the Student Leadership Council, driving positive change and fostering a sense of unity among my peers.
- Participated in aid collection efforts to support those affected by the Ukrainian Crisis, lending a helping hand during challenging times.
- Spearheaded Earth Day garbage clean-up campaigns, contributing to the preservation and restoration of our precious environment.
- Served as a dedicated counselor at a Bible camp, guiding and inspiring young individuals through meaningful, faith-filled experiences.
- Contributed to Operation Christmas Child, spreading joy and hope by organizing gift collections for underprivileged children.
- Engaged with the Junior Quota Club, actively participating in philanthropic endeavors to address pressing community needs.
- Supported the Salvation Army food bank and organized impactful food drives to combat food insecurity and promote well-being in our community.
What is your most unusual talent?
I possess a remarkable and somewhat extraordinary talent for name recall. It’s a gift that allows me to etch your name in my memory even if we crossed paths merely once at an event years ago.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Mexico is undeniably the most captivating destination I have had the pleasure of exploring. Venturing beyond the confines of tourist resorts and immersing myself in the authentic lives of the Mexican people has been a transformative experience. Amidst the prevailing poverty and challenges, I discovered a profound warmth and generosity within the local communities. Their unwavering kindness and genuine hospitality left an indelible mark on my heart. This eye-opening encounter instilled within me a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings in my own life, and a renewed belief in the inherent goodness that permeates our world.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In the next decade, my aspirations center around achieving personal and professional milestones. I envision a future where I have established a harmonious family, embraced by the joyful sounds of little feet and surrounded by the love of a supportive husband. Simultaneously, I aim to lead a flourishing engineering firm, making significant contributions within the field. Additionally, I harbor a passionate dream of becoming a renowned author, publishing a book that resonates with readers and secures a place on the bestseller lists. Moreover, attaining the esteemed title of Miss Universe Canada would not only be a cherished accolade but also a platform to amplify my endeavors and inspire others along the way.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
Participating in Miss Universe Canada is an incredible journey filled with gratitude and honour. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious platform that celebrates women’s empowerment, diversity, and positive change. This experience has enriched my life in countless ways, allowing me to connect with inspiring role models, form lifelong friendships, and engage in meaningful initiatives. I am truly humbled and privileged to be a part of Miss Universe Canada, and I am committed to using this platform to inspire others, advocate for important causes, and leave a positive impact on society.