04/11/2026
I am applying for small business grants and am thinking about the quality of my proposal. And, I thought, who better to ask than my beautiful friends and family on here? So without further ado:
I have lived a life shaped by anxiety, abuse, and systems that weren’t built to protect me. From panic attacks triggered by a home invasion to countless abusive relationships, I learned early that surviving often means fighting for yourself.
Born in Saskatoon to Ukrainian ancestry, I grew up balancing city life and the family farm. While other kids had playdates and pets, I changed diapers, baked cakes, and picked eggs. My upbringing, however, instilled resilience, a strong work ethic, and an understanding of trauma—not just personal, but intergenerational.
My turning point came during an LSAT study break. Outside my apartment, I met a young homeless man, 25, running from the justice system and battling childhood addiction. I couldn’t walk away. I became his advocate—contacting his family, speaking with his parole officer, and ultimately preparing a Gladue Report that secured his release. That moment redirected my path from law school to advocacy, revealing the reality of Saskatchewan’s justice system: it isn’t designed to help—it's designed for you to help yourself.
I recently graduated with a BA in Sociology (Honors) with a minor in criminal law and justice studies, and completed my Gladue Report Writer Certification. Additionally, this inspired my self-advocacy consulting and coaching business. I empower clients—especially those navigating complex systems—to understand their rights, regain confidence, and transform anxiety into action. I also host a podcast called Talk Safe To Me to provide practical tools, guidance, and mentorship that help communities reclaim control of their people.
With the Small Business Grant, I would open a physical office, hire and train community workers, and expand programs that extend advocacy, education, and empowerment to more people. This grant would not just grow my business—it would give others the tools I once lacked, helping them fight for themselves and thrive.
My vision is a community where self-advocacy is a skill, not a privilege, where systemic barriers are met with knowledge and support, and where everyone has access to guidance, empowerment, and hope. This grant would be a pivotal step toward transforming lived experience into real-world change.
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