by Filip Terlecki
“If you don’t do something now, then no one will.” These were the words that fuelled our creative drive while heading back from the Quo Vadis? Polish Canadian Youth Leadership Challenge which took place on the weekend of May 1 in Ottawa. The speaker was Lieutenant-Colonel Walter J. Perchal, a burly man in a Canadian Forces uniform who acts as the Special Advisor to the Chief of Land Staff. The statement was meant as a wake up call; a call to action. It worked – at least when it came to us, four young professionals resolved to make a positive change within our community. We knew we had to do something.
The idea about what to do was simple. We basically wanted to create something that would appeal to us – emerging Polish-Canadian professionals looking to get the most out of life. We figured that there are many others who could relate to our dreams and ambitions and that whatever we did would probably appeal to them as well. With that, the Young Polish-Canadian Professionals Association (YPCPA) was born.
Launched in June 2009, by Monika Wilk, Urszula Terlecki, Marcin Grzadka and myself, Filip Terlecki, the Young Polish-Canadian Professionals Association is a unifying platform for emerging Polish-Canadian professionals in a full range of fields. “YPCPA’s primary aim is to promote leadership, heritage and unity in order to uphold the quality of Polonia and strengthen the multicultural fabric of Canada” says Monika Wilk. Developed for a young and vibrant demographic hungry to make a positive and lasting change, YPCPA will offer opportunities for personal growth and group synergies. Events will focus on both professional and social aspects that allow for Polish-Canadians to connect with their roots and their contemporaries. The intent is to develop a modern image of Polish-Canadian community based on integrity, respect, creativity and professionalism.
As its inaugural event YPCPA hosted a wine and cheese mixer that offered a chance for young professionals to network. The event took place at the Thompson-Landry Gallery located in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Distillery District. Choosing the right venue was key. “We really want to embrace the duality of who we are (Polish-Canadians) and therefore reflect that in the choice of venue” explains Urszula Terlecki. “This was also a bit about getting away from the typical Polonia venues in order to re-brand ourselves. The Distillery is a place with a lot of heritage but also possesses a very modern and dynamic sensibility; it was the perfect statement of how we see ourselves and our contemporaries” she explains.
The event turned out better than anticipated. A full house of 70 professionals as well as corporate VIPs and politicians attended. The event was also covered by nearly all major Polish-Canadian media outlets giving YPCPA and the event’s attendees great exposure.
With the summer rolling along the YPCPA Executive Committee is busy making plans for the road ahead. There are talks of organizing a Polish cultural event in conjunction with the Toronto International Film Festival, staging a fashion show with designers from Poland, Canada, and the U.S., and putting on a golf tournament as well as a future conference. Whatever the plans, the aim is to always offer the highest quality event and put our unique YPCPA spin on it. “We have received a tremendously positive response from people who are looking to network with other young Polish-Canadian professionals as well as take part in both cultural and social events” says Marcin Grzadka. One thing that’s definitely on the radar for YPCPA is to return to the event where all of this started. In May of 2010 the Polish-Canadian Students Association of Windsor will stage the next edition of the Quo Vadis conference under the title – “Building Bridges”. YPCPA plans on being there to help organize a career fair and extend a hand to the graduates looking to make a jump into the professional world.
For more information about the Young Polish-Canadian Professionals Association visit us on Facebook or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
To provide ideas and insights on how to make YPCPA the most beneficial to its members, you can complete a brief survey at www.ypcpa.ca
Born in Warsaw, Filip Terlecki lived in Munich before settling in Canada. He studied Film at Ryerson University. Currently he works as Head of Research for National Geographic Channel Canada. Filip is also a freelance journalist and screenwriter. He contributes regularly to the popular culture magazine Naked Eye and has written columns for, and serves on the Community Editorial Board for the Toronto Star. Most recently, a 30 Rock spec script Filip wrote won first place at the 2009 WILDsound worldwide screenwriting competition. Fillip is also active in the Polish community as the Commissioner of the Poprad Sea Scouts in Burlington. He is also one of the founders of the Young Polish-Canadian Professionals Association and serves on the Executive Committee. In July of 2009 he was one of 16 delegates representing Canada at the first School for Leaders for the Polish Community Abroad; an initiative of the Polish Senate.
