Kopernik Foundation could not exist without the service and support of many dedicated individuals.
We have been blessed to have many talented people who gave of their time to help make supporting our mission possible.
Our Current Board Members include:
BOARD MEMBERS
•W. Motyka
•A. Marszal
•E. Narodowski
•J. Kostanski
•E. Rezmer
•A. Slivinski
•J. Starczynowski
•M. Wlodyka
Mark Wlodyka
President
Mark Wlodyka, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., is a Professional Engineer having worked in a wide range of engineering development programs. He has acted as a Corporate Business Development Manager, Advanced Technology Specialist, and Educator with over 30 years of experience in both senior industrial, aerospace/defense, and education roles. He has published several engineering technical papers and presented at Industrial and Engineering education conferences.
During his engineering career, he has developed and secured complex government funding programs for innovative technology. He is currently responsible for all Canadian government programs for SpaceAlpha Insights, including preparation of program budgets, recruiting collaboration partners from industry, non-profit organizations, and universities. He has acted as program manager for several space and ground system programs, primarily in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency and Canadian defense research departments.
He has collaborated effectively with several post-secondary institutes, including UBC and University of Victoria as part of the Digital Supercluster initiative. He possesses extensive international business development and leadership experience, managing complex files associated with subcontract management, technology transfer, and management of Intellectual Property.
Through much of his career, he has worked with a wide range of diverse cultures in many parts of the world, including India, South Korea, and Russia. Mark has led engineering development departments, as well as teams responsible for major technology programs with the Canadian government, and is fully familiar with government procurement programs and innovative research programs.
Over his career, Mark has led business initiatives to secure over $100M of revenue under various programs. He has stablished an extensive network of contacts both in industry, government, and academic circles.
He is currently a sessional engineering instructor at Capilano University in North Vancouver sharing his knowledge and experience with first year engineering students. Mark holds one industrial patent.
Liz Narodowski
Director
Background
– Born and raised in Vancouver
– Extensive involvement in the Polish and Canadian Community
Education
– UBC, Vancouver, Canada
– Jagielonian University, Poland
– Portland State University, Oregon
Employment
– After a short retirement has resumed a very successful 30+ years teaching career with VSB
Family
– Married to Jozef for 45 years
– 4 children: Monika, Joey, Alisia, David
– 7 grandchildren
Anna Slivinski
Director
Anna Slivinski is a Registered Dietitian.
She has worked 30 years for Vancouver Coastal Health in Home and Community Care and as a member of a dynamic Geriatric Outreach Team which has won several awards for Interdisciplinary Practice.
She is involved in the assessment, treatment and education of clients who require Medical Nutritional Therapy. She also is currently a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia for interns in the Dietetics Program.
Her previous Board experience includes being a director of Wounds Canada – a National Medical Organization which enables health-care providers to improve their practice and ensure the best possible care for persons with wounds or at risk for developing wounds.
Anna is proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for Kopernik Foundation. She is carrying on the tradition as her mother, Rita Iwanczyk, was a founding member of the first Board in 1972.
Wieslaw Motyka
Vice-President
Wieslaw (Timothy) Motyka is a Professional Engineer with many years of experience in the heavy industry and in residential & multi residential construction.
Wieslaw was born in Krakow, Poland and in the sixties emigrated to Australia where he completed his tertiary education in the field of mechanical and structural engineering.
In 1977 Wieslaw moved to Canada and settled in West Vancouver where he resides to this day.
Wherever he is he shares with the society his business acumen by volunteering with worthy causes i.e. past Director of the Oakridge DayCare, past Chairperson of the Kopernik Foundation Board, Director of the Canadian-Polish Academic Club.
He loves spending time with his children, grandchildren – vacationing, playing games and participating in outdoor activities. Time permitting he rides a bike, plays squash or pickleball and in winter likes downhill skiing. Classical music & jazz concerts are part of mental relaxation.
Joanna Kostanski
Director
Born in Wroclaw, Poland
Resides in North Vancouver, BC from 1984.
Ms. Kostanski graduated with a masters degree from the Faculty of Architecture in Wroclaw.
After arriving in Canada in 1981, she lived in Winnipeg for two years, where she began her career as an architect.
After relocating to Vancouver in 1984, she worked until 2005 as a licensed architect primarily on large commercial shopping mall projects, oversaw the construction of multiple Skytrain stations, Home Depot and Superstore at various locations in Alberta and British Columbia;
In 2008, she graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba and devoted herself to a legal career representing clients in courts of various instances, mainly in cases related to construction contracts, disputes in the field of construction, wills and estates, and other civil matters. She also issues powers of attorney and notarial deeds for Poland.
Joanna Starczynowski
Director
•Has intense experience within the business industry with focus on the cultural understanding & growth of communities, financial institutions and companies.
•More than 2 decades in areas of self-employment, finance (banking/ C.U. Board), consulting and business mentoring.
•Has volunteered for various profit/ non-profit organizations, previously Board Member Kopernik Foundation and currently a Trustee Board Member – Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver Campus.
•Born in Vancouver BC of Polish Immigrant Parents, was raised with strong ethnic ties to the Polish Community.
Andre Marszal
Treasurer
Background
– Extensive experience in Accounting
– Member of the Knights of Columbus: Financial Secretary
– Speaks three languages: English, French and Polish
Education
– Accounting – Langara College, Vancouver, Canada
– Hotel Financial Accounting – USA
– Accounting – De Anza College, California
Employment
– Has specialized in accounts and payroll, as well as management, training of personnel, and improvement of projects and general processes.
Other Interests
– Enjoys classical music, sports, reading and musical theatre
– Active member of the Polish church community in Surrey, BC
– Has served on the Board of Directors of the M. Kopernik Foundation from 2017.
Elzbieta Rezmer
Director
Ela Rezmer was born in Poland and is now a Canadian citizen since 1990.
From her arrival in Canada Ela has been devoted to service to others in both the Polish and Canadian communities.
Ela has a wide variety of education in the design field. She graduated with a Master degree in Interior Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture & Industrial Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, Poland.
Ela’s design expertise is inspired by her deep understanding of the natural world. She excels in innovative solutions for complex projects. Ela believes that interior architecture of the highest quality supports and nurtures the well-being, productivity and performance of those who experience it. Therefore, Ela provides design excellence that caters to the functional, aesthetic and financial vision of her clients.
Domestically and internationally, she has enjoyed the privilege of collaborating with world-renowned experts in architecture and interior design.
Kopernik Foundation wishes to thank all individuals, past and present, who have supported us by donating their time, talents or treasure.
Please consider joining us using the links below:
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Home » Members