Our Mentees
In the face of war, leadership isn’t a choice — it’s a necessity.
These young women have faced immense challenges — completing their education in bomb shelters, balancing household responsibilities, and volunteering tirelessly to support their communities. With resilience and determination, they are stepping up as leaders, creating impact and driving change where it’s needed most.
Mentees 2025
Liana Lichtenwald
Bakhmut, Eastern Ukraine
Kateryna Saliieva
Mariupol, Eastern Ukraine
Yuliia Slobodenliuk
Svitlovodsk, Central Ukraine
Liubov Krotova
Dnipro, Southeast Ukraine
Yelyzaveta Bobrovytska
Krolevets, Northeast Ukraine
Olha Syrotiuk
Vovchynets, Central Ukraine
Khrystyna Kinash
Ternopil, Western Ukraine
Maryna Skriabina
Dnipro, Southeast Ukraine
Ruslana Tieriekhova
Yuzhnoukrainsk, South Ukraine
Milena Hryshko
Irpin, Central Ukraine
Marharyta Vovchok
Poltava, Central Ukraine
Tamila Vovchenko
Shelestove, Northeast Ukraine
Anna Onopriienko
Kharkiv, Northeast Ukraine
Daria Kravchuk
Dnipro, Southeast Ukraine
Alisa Kharchenko
Dnipro, Southeast Ukraine
Polina Ovdak
Hornostaivka, Southern Ukraine
Olha Stepanova
Kyiv, Central Ukraine
Olha Novak
Mariupol, Eastern Ukraine
Sofiia Rubel
Kyiv, Central Ukraine
Anastasiia Davydenko
Kyiv, Central Ukraine
Sofiia Svystun
Kharkiv, Northeast Ukraine
Sofiia Katolyk
Chernihiv, Northern Ukraine
Liliia Berdanova
Kamianka-Buzka, Western Ukraine
Ahata Moskalenko
Novomykolaivka, Southeast Ukraine
Anna Zinenko
Dnipro, Southeast Ukraine
Sofiia Koval
Uzhgorod, Western Ukraine
Mariiana Khrystyk
Ostroh, Western Ukraine
Sofiia Kartashova
Brovary, Central Ukraine
Mariia Babych
Dnipro, Southeast Ukraine
Alla Nesterenko
Cherkasy, Central Ukraine
Mentees 2024
Adelina Diakova
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Opportunity Fair
Volunteer work: SpivDia Dnipro
From: Dnipro, Dnipro Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: People leaving Ukraine / Violation of women's rights / Political conflicts that seem to be escalating globally
Interested in: Governmental / Public / Nonprofit / Charitable Organizations / Education
Adelina currently works as a Professional of Innovation Activities at "Dotyk" Municipal Enterprise of Dnipro City Council
Anastasia Kashlikuova
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Green Mission Epidemiology & Virology Podcast
Volunteer work: Organized scientific conferences and projects in chemistry and pediatrics for junior medical specialists.
From: Lysychansk, Luhansk Oblast, Eastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Staying true in my field of public health / Finding and retaining friends / Communication
Interested in: Science / Research Activities / Healthcare / Medicine / Education
Bohdana Hura
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Feel, Fulfill and Lift Up
Volunteer work: Facilitated psychological support groups as part of the "Children and War" program and provided guidance and care for children from Mariupol during a 7-day camp.
From: Lviv, Lviv Oblast, Western Ukraine
Top Issues: Empowering youth development / Enhancing psychological well-being for military and civilians / Addressing the gap in financial literacy
Interested in: Medicine / Healthcare/ NGOs / History
Bohdana started a job working with internally displaced parents and children at an afterschool program in a local school in Lviv, Ukraine.
Elizabeth Karpetchenko
Graduated in 2024
Volunteer work: Head of the SMM department at JLU - the student organization of journalists.
From: Hornostaivka, Kakhovka Raion, Kherson Oblast, Southern Ukraine
Top Issues: Gender inequality gap / Economic stratification within Ukrainian society / High level of corruption
Interested in: Marketing / Sales / Media / PR / Psychology / History / Culture / Art
Elizabeth Taran
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Opportunity Fair
Volunteer work: 'Give a Holiday to a Child', and co-organizer of the charity 'Student City Cup of Humor' / Member of the organizing committee of the event "Quiz" (an intellectual team game for 1st-4th year students of NTU DP)
From: Dnipro, Dnipro Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Ageism / Corruption / Poverty
Interested in: Government / Nonprofit / Education / Media / PR
Karyna Stukhonog
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Feel, Fulfill and Lift Up
Volunteer work: 'Building Ukraine Together' – served as an Iron Volunteer, contributing to community rebuilding efforts. During the coronavirus pandemic, supported social deliveries between Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol through 'Students for Volunteering'. Facilitated empowering training sessions for women at 'Vilna', a space organized by the NGO 'League of Modern Women'.
From: Kharkiv, Kharkiv Oblast, Northeast Ukraine
Top Issues: Fostering engagement among youth / Fighting ingrained prejudices / Encouraging empathy and consideration for others
Interested in: Government / Public / Nonprofit / Marketing / Media / PR
Karyna completed her physical therapy training and started teaching stretching exercises classes online for maximum outreach. Because of it, she was invited into a professional rehabilitation and recovery program for Ukrainian soldiers returning from the front lines with musculoskeletal injuries.
Kateryna Neumyvako
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Feel, Fulfill and Lift Up
Volunteer work: 'Teenergizer' – a charitable organization dedicated to offering psychological support and consultations to Ukrainian youth
From: Sofiivska Borshchahivka, Kyiv Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Mental health / Education, financial literacy / Critical thinking, dependency on social media networks and social opinion
Interested in: Government / NGO/ Economics / Finance / Education / Psychology
Kateryna started an internship in the field of human psychology and AI, encouraged by a conversation with one of the mentors about AI and mental health.
Liana Lichtenwald
Volunteer work: Armed Forces of Ukraine / Unofficial Volunteer Supporting Fellow Citizens in Bakhmut
From: Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, Eastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Education Engagement during Martial Law / IDP Integration & Social Stability / Human Rights Amid Civilizational Crisis
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economy / Entrepreneurship / Science / Research / Government / Public / Non-Profit / Charitable Organizations / Education / History / Culture / Art / Media / PR
Marya Vinnitchenko
Graduated in 2024
Volunteer work: Organized and managed school sports events
From: Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, Eastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Conflicts and wars that jeopardize the peace and safety of communities
Interested in: Governmental / Public / Nonprofit / Charitable Organizations / Education
Marya now interns with the Program's fitness coach, Yuliya Vetkasova, teaching exercise classes.
Margarita Shatkovska
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Green Mission
Volunteer work: World's Largest Lesson (Global) 2023 on Sustainable Development Goals; ROBOTICA 2023 - STEM festival for high schoolers in Ukraine
From: Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Embracing responsible consumption / Ensuring quality education / Reduction of inequality
Interested in: Finance / Business / Entrepreneurship / Education / IT / Marketing / Sales
Margarita pursued her newfound interest in AI following one of the program’s presentations and participated in the IT hackathon (Ukraine). She also began volunteering at the Nezabutni [‘Unforgettable’] Charitable Foundation memory café for older people with dementia.
Marya Kuzmina
Graduated in 2024
Volunteer work: Humanity & Inclusion (HI) NGO Ukraine
From: Mykolaiv, Mykolaiv Oblast, South Ukraine
Top Issues: Addressing the issue of the "glass ceiling" / Recognizing the importance of empathy as a crucial management tool / Combatting corruption
Interested in: Psychology / Scientific Research
Maria Shevchuk
Graduated in 2024
Impact: National Debate on Criminal Law
Volunteer work: Assistant for Academic Competition, Law Students Union
From: Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Democracy, issues around peace and disarmament / Confrontation of two ideologies / Ecological or environmental crisis
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economics / Entrepreneurship
Kateryna Yeryomenko
Graduated in 2024
Volunteer work: Children's center SPILNO by UNICEF - conducting workshops for children
From: Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, Eastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Free learning opportunities / Women's leadership / Inclusive space
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economics / Entrepreneurship / IT
Nika Zayats
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Green Mission
Volunteer work: Student organization "Vidlunnya"; making camouflage netting, packing and delivering items to the victims of war
From: Rivne, Rivne Oblast, Western Ukraine
Top Issues: Scarcity of qualified female volunteers
Interested in: Marketing / Sales / Media / PR / History / Culture / Art
Olha Bondareva
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Green Mission
Volunteer work: 'Mentee from Eastern Ukraine' for displaced children and orphans; 'Unforgettable' events for people with dementia and their families
From: Boryspil, Kyiv Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Systemic discrimination against minorities and women / Propagation of violence under the guise of toxic pacifism / Distortion of social dynamics through the prism of social media networks
Interested in: Education / History / Culture / Art
Solomiya Lukuovska
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Feel, Fulfill and Lift Up
Volunteer work: "Christian Ukrainian Youth" - organizing charity events, visiting families of fallen soldiers, lonely people, orphanages; organizing clean-up activities
From: Ternopil, Ternopil Oblast, Western Ukraine
Top Issues: Environmental pollution/ Quality and access to education in Ukraine / Mental health
Interested in: Governmental / Public / Nonprofit / Charitable Organizations / Education
Vika Dashkovska
Graduated in 2024
Volunteer work: Lviv Book Forum and Festival European Heritage Days
From: Khmelnytskyi, Western Ukraine
Top Issues: Lack of qualified teachers and adequate teaching materials / Inequality / Ecology
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economics / Entrepreneurship / Marketing / Sales
Yaroslava Tsiulina
Graduated in 2024
Volunteer work: 'Ltava' – A choreographic ensemble that performs charity concerts to raise funds in support of the Ukrainian Army
From: Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, Eastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Fostering the development of the creative community / Cultivating talents and promoting innovations in the field of art / Availability of education in art and science
Interested in: Media / PR / History / Culture / Art
Veronika Pavliuk
Graduated in 2024
Volunteer work: Teaching choreography and dance to internally displaced children and youth
From: Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, Eastern Ukraine
Interested in: Media / PR / Sales
Sophia Belenchuk
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Feel, Fulfill and Lift Up
Volunteer work: Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
From: Hola Prystan, Kherson Oblast, Southern Ukraine
Top Issues: Highlighting women's voices and concerns in the workplace / Breaking down gender stereotypes / Celebrating women as equals in art and science
Interested in: Science / Research Activities / History / Culture / Art
Inspired by working with the Program’s psychologist, Sophia changed her university major to Psychology and Linguistics; she also started a part-time job working with internally displaced families.
Valeria Hladka
Graduated in 2024
Impact: Green Mission
Volunteer work: 'Unbreakable Youth - NEZLAMNA MOLOD'
From: Pervomaisk, Mykolaiv Oblast, Southern Ukraine
Top Issues: Inertia, disinterest and lack of motivation among young people / Lack of awareness about available opportunities among young people / Difficulty in establishing cooperation between NGOs and local authorities / Burnout of NGO staff
Interested in: NGO / Education / History / Culture / Art
Kateryna Saliieva
Volunteer work: Social Media Manager at Misto Marii / Communications Collaborator at Big City Lab / Communications Manager at School of Community Restoration
From: Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, Eastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Displacement & Loss of Community Identity / Veteran Reintegration / Inclusive Accessibility
Interested in: State / Public / Non-Profit / Charitable Organizations / History / Culture / Art / Media / PR
Yuliia Slobodenliuk
Volunteer work: Fundraising Volunteer for Armed Forces of Ukraine / Fundraising Volunteer for Local Fire Brigade / Community Development Volunteer / Literary Outreach Volunteer Promoting Lesser-Known Ukrainian Authors
From: Svitlovodsk, Kirovohrad Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Lack of Holistic Personal Development / Teamwork Motivation & Task Accountability / Insufficient Funding for Young Ukrainian Researchers
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economy / Entrepreneurship / Science / Research / Medicine / Healthcare / History / Culture / Art / Jurisprudence / International Law
Liubov Krotova
Volunteer work: Academic Mentor — Studentmentor program for frontline-region schoolchildren
From: Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Southeastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Low Ukrainian Birth Rate / Low Return Rate of Ukrainians Abroad / Inadequate Career Guidance for Applicants
Interested in: Science / Research / Medicine / Health Care / Education
Olha Syrotiuk
Volunteer work: Member of Board of European Students of Technology (BEST) / School Volunteer for Book & Clothing Drives, Net Weaving, and Charity Fairs
From: Vovchynets, Cherkasy Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: War / Environmental Pollution / Decline in Ukrainian Village Development
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economy / Entrepreneurship / IT / AI / History / Culture / Art / Media / PR
Ruslana Tieriekhova
Volunteer work: Volunteer for My Telephone Friend Project (Ukrainian Volunteer Service) / Volunteer for U-Report / Volunteer for University Student Social Service / Event and Intellectual Volunteer for University Events
From: Yuzhnoukrainsk, Mykolaiv Oblast, Southern Ukraine
Top Issues: Human-Centered Urbanism / Gender Equality & Feminism / Modernization of Natural-Science Education
Interested in: Science / Research Activities / Natural Sciences / Applied Physics
Marharyta Vovchok
Volunteer work: Theater Club Organizer for Charity Performances Supporting the Armed Forces / Foundation Volunteer Supporting Development and Daily Operations
From: Poltava, Poltava Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Preservation of Ukrainian Culture & Art / Development of Sports Culture in Ukraine / Youth Engagement in Community Life
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economy / Entrepreneurship / Science / Research / Government / Public / Non-Profit / Charitable Organizations / Education / History / Culture / Art / Media / PR
Tamila Vovchenko
Volunteer work: Event Volunteer and Coordinator for City Festivals and Events / Youth Council Member under Kharkiv Mayor / Social Media Fundraising Volunteer through Instagram Outreach
From: Shelestove, Kharkiv Oblast, Northeastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Fear-Limited Youth Potential / Ongoing War in Ukraine & Youth Retention / Unequal Access to Quality Education
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economy / Entrepreneurship / IT / AI / Government / Public / Non-Profit / Charitable Organizations / Media / PR
Anna Onopriienko
Volunteer work: Social Media Volunteer Posting Targeted Announcements about Volunteer Meetings
From: Kharkiv, Kharkiv Oblast, Northeastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Child Cruelty / Lack of Social Cohesion / Underexposure of Folk Art
Interested in: Philology
Daria Kravchuk
Volunteer work: Organizer for JazzBez ’19 & ’20 Festival / Volunteer for Vidnova 2024 in Zhytomyr Region
From: Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Southeastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Lack of Third Spaces / Youth Loneliness / Remote Child Development Outside Society
Interested in: Education / History / Culture / Art
Alisa Kharchenko
From: Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Southeastern Ukraine
Top Issues: State of Ukraine’s Economy / Trump’s Policies / Russian Propaganda in Ukraine
Interested in: History / Culture / Art
Polina Ovdak
Volunteer work: Volunteer at Free Together Hub for Children’s Master Classes and Military Support
From: Hornostaivka, Kherson Oblast, Southern Ukraine
Top Issues: War / Ecological Crisis / Social Justice
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economy / Entrepreneurship / IT / AI
Olha Stepanova
Volunteer work: Volunteer English Teacher for Community Children and Adults / Volunteer Tutor for Еnglish Conversation Support for Ukrainians
From: Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Insufficient Entrepreneurial Culture & Fear of Change / Lack of Service Mindset & Loyalty in Society and Business / Weak Integration of Youth into Global Entrepreneurship
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economy / Entrepreneurship / State / Public / Non-Profit / Charitable Organizations
Olha Novak
Volunteer work: Organizer of “Conscious Studentship” Youth Communication Project / Photographer and Videographer for Charity Event Social Media Promotion
From: Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, Eastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Gender-Based Violence / Adolescent & Youth Mental Health / Low Youth Involvement in Decision-Making
Interested in: State / Public / Non-Profit / Charitable Organizations / History / Culture / Art / Media / PR
Sofiia Rubel
Volunteer work: Event and Logistics Volunteer for Art Arsenal, Molodist Film Festival, French Spring, Run Ukraine Races, and Kyiv Zoo / Evacuation Support Volunteer at Lviv Railway Station (2022) / Charity Board-Game Organizer for Armed Forces Fundraising / Founder and Project Coordinator of Repro Military Reproductive-Health Initiative
From: Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Loss of Reproductive Health among Military Personnel / Myths about Reproductive Technologies & Delayed Motherhood / Residential Care Crisis & Reproductive‐Rights Gaps
Interested in: State / Public / Non-Profit / Charitable Organizations / Medicine / Health Care
Anastasiia Davydenko
Volunteer work: Team Coordinator for International Youth Projects / Event and Seminar Organizer for Youth Initiatives / Social Media and Content Volunteer for Neformat Clubs and Educational Blog / Volunteer Fund Collector for Youth Projects
From: Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Ageism & Sexism in Professional Environment / Volunteer Team Organization & Motivation / Effective Communication for Expert & Partner Engagement
Interested in: Science / Research / Government / Public / Non-Profit / Charitable Organizations / Education / History / Culture / Arts / Media / PR / GR / SMM / Personal Branding / Marketing / Marketing Strategies
Sofiia Svystun
Volunteer work: Youth Initiative Volunteer at “This Is Our Business!” NGO / Deputy President and Cultural Center Head of College Student Parliament at National Pharmaceutical University / Educational Event Organizer for University Law and Politics Programs
From: Kharkiv, Kharkiv Oblast, Northeastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Gender Bias in Leadership Roles / Ageism Toward Young Professionals / Work-Life Balance Pressures on Managers
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economy / Entrepreneurship / Medicine / Healthcare / Media / PR / Law
Sofiia Katolyk
Volunteer work: Coordinator and Trainer for “Combating Human Trafficking” Sessions at Chernihiv Safe Space for Girls & Women (with IOM) / Lead Organizer of “You Influence!” Anti-Trafficking Trainings in Chernihiv, Lviv, Nizhyn, and Boryspil / Volunteer Graphic Designer for Ukrainian Startup Unilupa / Volunteer Graphic Designer for Chernihiv Historical NGO “Simargl” / Project Manager and Trainer for “(NOT) Female Professions” Gender-Equality Workshops (SHL Ukraine) / Project Lead for UBoost-Funded Youth Film Screenings and Mosaic Master-Classes in Chernihiv Oblast
From: Chernihiv, Chernihiv Oblast, Northern Ukraine
Top Issues: Online Harassment & Image-Based Abuse of Women / Chaotic Urban Development & Heritage Preservation / Manipulative Retrogressive Narratives
Interested in: Science / Research / History / Culture / Art
Anna Zinenko
Volunteer work: Meetings and Exhibitions Volunteer for Sonner Hope for Ukraine / Communications Support Volunteer Liaising with Organizers and Volunteers / Volunteer English Teacher Providing Free Classes for Children
From: Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Southeastern Ukraine
Top Issues: Limited Planning & Opportunities / Personal Identity Formation & Embracing Vulnerability / Community Building Amid Moral Enmity
Interested in: Education
Sofiia Kartashova
Volunteer work: Volunteer at Ukrainian and International Volunteer Camps / Social Media Manager for Free Language-Learning Nonprofit Project
From: Brovary, Kyiv Oblast, Central Ukraine
Top Issues: Empowering People Management / Project Launch & Funding Partnerships / Team Optimization & Role Fit
Interested in: Finance / Business / Economy / Entrepreneurship / History / Culture / Art / Media / PR