“We were very shy back then,” Denis says, “and cautiously approached things as they developed.”
The two have been inseparable for 12 years now, enjoying life at home with their two dogs, and travelling as much as they can. With their office buildings side-by-side (Maryana at GBC and Denis working in construction management at Great Gulf), they commute together to work every day and often meet for lunch at George Brown’s restaurants.
“Some people think we spend too much time together,” Maryana says. “But we really enjoy each other's company. And we're also good at giving each other time and space to do our own thing."
Helping the next generation of GBC students
As the Immigrant and Transitional Education Pathway Advisor at GBC, Maryana plays a crucial role in supporting international students and helping them enter the Canadian workforce in their chosen fields. She and Denis recently collaborated on a special event for ESL students interested in enrolling in construction programs, shedding light on the dynamic world of residential construction — a field Denis is deeply passionate about.
“With our office being right next to George Brown, I thought, why don’t we bring the students to our building so they could see firsthand what it’s like to work in a construction office setting?” Denis explains.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Maryana and led by Denis and a fellow GBC alum, providing insights into career paths and the skills needed to succeed in the industry. In addition to sharing his extensive knowledge of complex projects and phases of construction, Denis stressed the importance of continuous learning, curiosity, and a strong work ethic.
Maryana says that events like these are important to encourage international students who may not be aware of the opportunities available to them.
“Many of these students believe if they had a career back at home, there’s no way they can have the same career in Canada,” she says. “We want to show them that they can.”
The event was a big hit, giving Maryana and Denis the opportunity to collaborate as professionals and give back to their alma mater by inspiring the next generation of alumni.
Asked if he has any words of wisdom for anyone hoping to find a relationship as strong as theirs, Denis laughs and says, "I'm not the one who should give that advice, since it took me a few years to get things going with Maryana."
Maryana says the key is finding someone who shares your values and who doesn’t take things too seriously.
“We joke around and make fun of each other all the time,” she says. “There’s no perfect relationship — you just need to find someone you can be yourself with.”
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