Alia Marcinkow grew up in Lockport, Manitoba and graduated from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Pharmacy in 2014 after receiving a science degree at University of Manitoba in 2008 and an education degree at the University of Winnipeg in 2010. During her studies, she was awarded the Mike Kupfer Memorial Award and received a Young Leader Award from Pharmacists Manitoba in 2018.

At the invitation of an old colleague from her days in education, she moved to Grandview, Manitoba in late 2014 to commence her pharmacy career. She was followed by her then boyfriend and future husband Markian, who tragically passed away in 2018 during their trip to Ukraine. She continues to practice at the Grandview Pharmacy to this day and has involved herself deeply in the community.

While working at the Grandview Pharmacy, Alia has been involved in starting an opioid replacement program, championing pharmacist administered injections and smoking cessation projects, helping provide education sessions for the local senior centers when called upon, mentoring students and interns, and keeping the other pharmacist(s) motivated to update and maintain their skills. Her favourite part of the day working at the pharmacy is seeing and speaking to members of the community.

Alia also participates on the boards for numerous committees and organizations, including: Chair of the Plain View Newspaper, Chair of the Grandview and District Recreation Commission, Vice-Chair of the Grandview Trail, Secretary and Treasurer of the Grandview Fitness Cooperative, Secretary of the St. Elias Ukrainian Catholic Church, Secretary of the District of Ukrainian Catholic Church Boards, Former President and Current Executive Member of the Grandview Curling Club, Board Member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Sponsorship Concierge for the Grandview Kinsmen Mud Bog and Homecoming Committees, Member of the Ice Plant Fundraising Committee, and Board Member of the Grandview Museum.  Her efforts extend to humanitarian fields as well: at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Alia helped to coordinate donations and supplies from supportive locals (Grandview is a heavily Ukrainian community) and found the best venues to provide that aid overseas. Alia was awarded a volunteer award in 2020 presented by Parkland Community Futures.

When not occupied with her pharmacy career and volunteering for community boards, Alia enjoys camping in the nearby Duck and Riding Mountain Parks, snowshoeing, curling, gardening, cooking, and swimming. She continues to hold on to her Ukrainian heritage by participating in workshops as well as sharing traditions at local events such as Malanka, Ukrainian New Year’s.

She is honoured to receive the Bowl of Hygeia and will continue striving to embody the spirit of community service in the practice of pharmacy.