MOSAIC is proud to announce that CEO Olga Stachova has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This honour recognizes Olga’s exceptional contributions to Canada and British Columbia and reflects her unwavering dedication to supporting newcomers and fostering an inclusive society.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal, created to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or their province in areas such as community service, public service, and leadership. The medal is a symbol of appreciation from the Crown for those who have provided exemplary service to the nation.
The Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs for British Columbia, who nominated Olga for this honour and presented the medal on behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, praised Olga’s achievements. “As the Provincial Minister responsible for settlement services, I would like to congratulate Olga Stachova on receiving the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal! This award recognizes Olga’s outstanding contributions to B.C. and Canada and is a well-deserved tribute to her exceptional service and commitment. Thank you Olga, for your great work and bravo on achieving this honour!”
This is not the first time Olga’s remarkable work has been celebrated. She is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, further highlighting her tireless efforts in the non-profit sector, particularly in helping immigrants and refugees settle and thrive in Canada. Her work truly embodies the qualities these honours seek to acknowledge.
“Olga’s unwavering advocacy, innovative spirit, and tenacity are a rare combination of talents, making her an exemplary leader for this award. We are so honoured to have her leading MOSAIC and being a change maker for newcomers to Canada,” shares Petra Kuret, Board Chair of MOSAIC.
Olga arrived in Vancouver 25 years ago and quickly fell in love with Canada and its people, deciding to make this country her home. As a newcomer, she experienced first-hand the value of government-funded services that assist with the transition to life in a new country. Olga received support from MOSAIC and the Mount Pleasant Family Centre, which guided her through the challenges of being a new parent in a foreign land.
With 24 years working in Canada’s non-profit sector, including the past 6 years as CEO of MOSAIC, Olga’s passion for supporting newcomers is deeply rooted in her own journey. “Being a first-generation immigrant, you are enriched by living with both identities—your love for your home country as well as your new identity and loyalty to Canada with a deep hope and desire to be accepted. This recognition makes me feel I truly belong—not as an outsider, but as someone who is able to contribute to this incredible country and whose contributions are noticed and appreciated.”
Reflecting on this recognition and the milestones it represents, Olga expressed her deep gratitude: “I am truly grateful for this incredible honour. This month marks 25 years since I arrived in Canada and 24 years in the Canadian non-profit sector. I cannot imagine a more exciting and humbling way to mark these milestones. It is such a privilege to live and work in Canada and to be able to contribute to its thriving and inclusive society.”
For more insights into Olga’s journey and her work with MOSAIC, read her recent interview with the Vancouver Guardian.
MOSAIC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Olga Stachova on this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire us all, and we are honoured to celebrate this achievement with her.
