Irene Schumylo Newton has been a UCC Niagara Branch representative since 2000 and president for the last nine years. She initiated annual Ukrainian flag-raising ceremonies at five cities/towns in the Niagara Region and has raised the profile of the Ukrainian Community among all levels of government, media, municipal leaders, and community organizations. She is currently vice-president of UCC – OPC and is often the media spokesperson. From the day displaced Ukrainians arrived in Niagara, Irene was personally assisting them, raising funds, and coordinating the collection of humanitarian aid for Ukraine.