Michelle Oksana Rosynsky

Dr. Michelle Oksana Rosynsky, who spent her career empowering women through leadership positions at universities and nonprofits, most recently as the executive director of the Joyce Ivy Foundation, died Friday. She was 57.

Funeral services will be held 10 AM Thursday March 26, 2026 at St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church, 2439 South Long Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan 48430. Interment 2 PM Thursday, March 26 at St. Mary Cemetery, Grass Lake, Michigan.

Visitation will be 2-7 PM followed by a Panikhida service at 7 PM Wednesday, March 25 at the church, and then 9 AM until the time of the funeral at 10 AM Thursday, March 26 at the church.

Arrangements are being handled by Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad Street., Linden, Michigan 48451.

Rosynsky, a proud feminist, fought for women’s rights by helping to create opportunities for women of all ages, first at the University of Michigan-Flint, where she served in numerous roles over 13 years including Director of the Women’s Center, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and Senior Director of Student Involvement and Leadership.

Before moving to Michigan, Rosynsky worked at Rutgers University where she helped establish the first residential, summer pre-college program for girls in science, math and engineering in New Jersey.

Rosynsky’s experience at the university led her to the YWCA Greater Flint, where she served as Chief Executive Officer for more than five years. There, Rosynsky set fundraising records and expanded services that offered support to women in crisis and created the Women’s Empowerment Center, an expansion that provided space for women and girls to learn about racial and gender equity and women’s leadership and empowerment. Women could enroll in classes focused on financial literacy, leadership skills, and economic empowerment. Women could also meet with life coaches to help set goals and develop action plans to succeed.

“We want to empower women to expand themselves and their opportunities through better confidence and education,” Rosynsky said when the center opened.

Last year, Rosynsky began working as Executive Director of The Joyce Ivy Foundation, an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit that works to help young girls from throughout the Midwest realize their dreams of attending and graduating from college.

Rosynsky cherished the opportunity to make college more accessible to hundreds of young women and provide a new generation of women with the tools necessary to become future leaders.

The work had deep personal meaning for Rosynsky, as she raised her 15-year-old daughter and taught her skills and life lessons to become a future leader.

Valerie Brader, Chair of the Joyce Ivy Board of Directors praised Rosynsky’s “visionary leadership and proven ability to build collaborative partnerships,” when Rosynsky was hired by the foundation.

Rosynsky was born in London and raised in New Jersey, where she attended Douglas College at Rutgers University and earned a Doctorate in Education.

Rosynsky is survived by her husband, Mykola Newmerzyckyj Jr., daughter Victoria, and mother Olga Rosynsky. She is also survived by her brother, Paul Rosynsky, and sister-in-law Sarah Larsen.

Flowers can be sent to the church. Donations can be made to The Joyce Ivy Foundation and the Saint Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com