Masha Konikov
Marketing & Business Development
North york / York mills
I studied Business and Marketing at the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. I am currently the project director at YEDI, the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute, a charitable organization in partnership with the JRCC, Schulich Executive Education Centre, 3V Communications, and PresenTense, whose mission is to provide free top-tier business education and mentorship to innovative entrepreneurs from any sector or industry in order to build and accelerate successful businesses and efficient non-profit organizations. In addition, I work on the JRCC's Furniture Bank project.
Where is your family from, and how long have you live in Ontario?
My family is originally from the city of Vitebsk in Belarus. In 1992 we emigrated to Israel. In 2002, we moved from Israel to Canada, and lived in Manitoba for 11 years. Last year, I moved to Ontario and now live at the crossroads of the North York and York Mills neighborhood, near the intersection of Bayview Ave. and Sheppard Ave.
Why did you choose to live in North York / York Mills?
I like this quiet area. It is also has a very convenient proximity to everything: to work, to downtown, and to the area of Thornhill where there is a large Jewish community.
What do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
In my spare time I like to tavel and explore new cities as well as discover new places here in Toronto. Since I have only been here for a year, I still feel like a tourist. I also enjoy attending events organized by the ROHR Chabad Jewish Student Centre which hosts events for university students from across Toronto.
If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose, and why?
I would want to meet the Lubavitcher Rebbe. I have heard many stories about him and wanted to exeperience the impact of his extraordinary personality.
When did you begin participating in JRCC programs?
I began to participate in the programs JRCC immediately after arrival in Toronto - one and a half years ago.
Do you like the program JRCC? Is important for you to participate in them?
I love the programs of the JRCC! After living in Winnipeg, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that Toronto has such a large and active Jewish community, and especially the fact that there is a center for Russian Jews like the JRCC, with its many diverse programs, which I am pleased to take part in, such as the community Passover Seder and other holiday programs. I believe that it is very important for Jews to participate in Jewish programs, as it unites the community, making us stronger.
What are your future plans?
As a specialist in marketing and business development, I want to help build up the professionalism and quality of community programs. Also I would like to promote awareness of the JRCC Furniture Bank project, so that more people in our community know about it. This program is designed with the aim to get people to help each other: Those who are able to can donate furniture to help improve the standard of living for members of our community, while others not only have the opportunity to take advantage of the free furniture, but they also gain confidence in the fact that in the difficult moments of life they are not alone, the community will always be there help.
