Dana Malenko, from St. Clements, Manitoba, is a passionate advocate for the arts and a dedicated educator. Growing up immersed in music, Dana honed her skills through piano lessons, high school music groups, and competitive dance. Her love for music led her to the Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba, where she earned a degree in instrumental education, followed by an education degree. Dana now inspires the next generation as a music, band, and choir teacher at Anola School and as a private piano instructor.

Dana joined the Selkirk & District Arts Festival board to champion the transformative power of the arts. "There’s a powerful level of human connection that happens when people make music and art together," she shares. "It might be the only time where people find solace and connect with others and their community."

As a former participant of the festival, Dana is thrilled to help reignite this cherished tradition, now enriched with new and inclusive opportunities. She’s excited to see young artists experience the joy of performing and celebrating their creativity close to home.

Through her work on the board, Dana continues to support the festival’s mission to bring people of all ages together to celebrate their passion for the arts, fostering a sense of community and belonging.