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Message 2024IMPACTREPORTUKRAINIAN NATIONAL WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF AMERICAWWW.UNWLA.ORG
LETTER FROMTHE PRESIDENTAs we look back on 2024, the Ukrainian National Women’sLeague of America (UNWLA) stands poised between historyand horizon. This year was marked by a continuedhumanitarian response to the war in Ukraine, includingtargeted mental health support for traumatized women andchildren, sustained aid for our elderly “babusi,” and theexpansion of our Return Ukraine’s Children initiative. At thesame time, we were deeply engaged in preparing for our 100thanniversary — a once-in-a-century milestone that hasgalvanized our membership and reenergized our mission. WWW.UNWLA.ORG
Internally, we continued building the capacity andprofessionalism needed to sustain this momentum. With thelaunch of our five-year One Mission, One Heart, One HundredYears campaign, we began laying the financial foundation for thenext chapter of our service. We also invested in communications,development, and leadership training—recognizing that ourability to meet the future depends on how well we cultivate andsupport the women who lead us today. As you read this report, Iinvite you to witness the strength of our network, the scope of ourimpact, and the shared purpose that binds us together in thisextraordinary moment in our history.WWW.UNWLA.ORGFrom the upcoming exhibition Bonds of Affection at TheUkrainian Museum, to the premiere of A Legacy in Motion inNew York City, to the release of our commemorative book ACentury of Commitment: The UNWLA Story, these initiativesreflect the breadth and depth of our work over the pastcentury — and our determination to carry it forward.Natalie Pawlenko, UNWLA President
2024 AT AGLANCE344EVENTS ORGANIZED BYUNWLA MEMBERS4NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS65BRANCHES1790MEMBERSWWW.UNWLA.ORG
2024 AT A GLANCEWWW.UNWLA.ORG$552,314ALLOCATED TOSUPPORT UKRAINE$15,000ADVOCACY$8,000EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS$5,500CULTURAL PROJECTS$523,814HUMANITARIAN AIDIndividual Donations69.5%Branch Donations30.5%FUNDS DISTRIBUTIONHumanitarian AidAdvocacyEduc…Cult…
February 24, 2024: Believe in Ukraine UNWLA joined the international campaign Believe inUkraine, organized by Klych. UNWLA members organizedrallies and commemorative events across the country andarranged for landmarks to be lit in blue and yellow.Read more...San Francisco, CANYC, NYPhiladelphia, PA Washington, D.C.June 1, 2024: Children Praying for ChildrenOn International Children’s Day, UNWLA launched Children Praying forChildren – a national prayer campaign for Ukrainian children affected bythe war. Over 10 branches held events in cities across PA, TX, NY, FL, NJ,CT, and Washington, D.C. Read more...Washington, D.C. Houston, TX North Port, FL Stamford, NJ14COMMUNITYEVENTSNATIONAL CAMPAIGNSWWW.UNWLA.ORG
10COMMUNITYEVENTS $113,130 RAISED FORFEMALEDEFENDERSWinter and Fall 2024: Keep Ukraine WarmNovember, 2024: Holodomor AwarenessEach year, UNWLA branches nationwidecommemorate the Holodomor, honoring its victimsand raising awareness of this genocide. In 2024,Soyuzianky held memorials, educational events, andcommunity gatherings to ensure it is never forgotten.Read more...New England Ann Arbor, MI Casper, WY Austin-San Antonio, TXIn Winter 2024, UNWLA launched its Keep Ukraine Warmcampaign to support women on the frontlines and childrenfacing freezing blackouts, partnering with HUCUS andMeest USA to deliver vital winter clothing to Ukraine. Read more...Print and social media promo materials Print ad Branch 75 Maplewood, NJWWW.UNWLA.ORG2024a year of working together
ADVOCATEThe Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA)continues to advance its mission of advocating for Ukraine – onCapitol Hill and beyond. In the face of ongoing russianaggression, our members are working tirelessly to rally supportand ensure the Ukrainian people are not left to stand alone.WWW.UNWLA.ORG154ADVOCACY EVENTS NATIONWIDE Meetings with elected representativesAttendance at town hallsPhone-a-thonsAttendance at Ukrainian community eventsby official invitation to elected officialsLetters to elected officialsPublic ralliesVigilsFlag-raising ceremoniesCalls to actionProclamationsLandmark lightings
In 2024, UNWLA members deepened theirengagement in the Ukraine Action Summit– the largest Ukrainian advocacy event inthe U.S. – which brings hundreds ofconstituents to Washington, D.C. every sixmonths to meet with their elected officials.Our members played a leading role,becoming a driving force within theAmerican Coalition for Ukraine (ACU): fromchairing the Board of Directors, torepresenting their districts, to mobilizinglocal communities around advocacy efforts.Beyond their work through the ACU, UNWLAmembers organized rallies, met with electedofficials in their home districts, and educatedthe broader public about the devastatingimpact of russia’s war on the Ukrainian people.Through it all, UNWLA remains committed tousing its voice, network, and nearly 100 years ofexperience to champion Ukraine’s fight forfreedom, dignity, and justice.UNWLA Members at the Ukraine Action Summit, Spring 2024UNWLA Members at the Ukraine Action Summit, Fall 2024Rally in Philadelphia, PALocal Ukrainian community and UNWLAleadership hosted a delegation of topUkrainian officials led by the President ofUkraine at The Ukrainian Museum inNew York City in September 2024.2024a year of advocacy for UkraineWWW.UNWLA.ORG
EDUCATEMore than 30 years after Ukraine gained its independence,many intellectuals still mistakenly associate it with russia.UNWLA members work tirelessly to raise awareness ofUkraine’s rich intellectual heritage – past and present. WWW.UNWLA.ORG93EDUCATIONAL EVENTS NATIONWIDEBook EventsFilm ScreeningsPanel Discussions and ForumsEducational Talks and PresentationsYouth and School EngagementEducational Workshops orSkill-Building Sessions
UNWLA continues support ofUkrainian students in the U.S.through Eva Staszkiw andVovk Foundation Scholarships.Vovk foundation 2024scholarship recipientViktoria ScherbaEva Staszkiw 2024scholarship recipientOlesya StarazhinskiiA key focus is promoting Ukrainian literatureby ensuring that Ukrainian authors and booksare available and highlighted in local libraries.Literature and art exhibitionFerguson Library, Stamford, CT Displays of books about the Holodomor New England and California“Red Harvest” book presentation,Rochester, NYUNWLA has been supporting giftedstudents from low-income familiesin Ukraine through sponsorshipscholarships since 1967. Thisprogram continues today, offeringcommunity members opportunityto sponsor deserving students.Students in Sumy receive sponsorshipscholarships from UNWLA donors23LIBRARYEVENTS154 scholarships awardedWWW.UNWLA.ORG2024a year of education
UNWLA hosted an international onlineconference on December 7, 2024, marking the140th anniversary of the Ukrainian women’smovement. The event celebrated themovement’s rich history and global impact,while fostering dialogue on its continued role inadvancing equality, civic leadership, andwomen’s rights in Ukraine and around the world.This panel explored Ukraine’s profound contributions to global arts and cultureover the past century despite repeated waves of repression in the 1930s, 1960s,and during the ongoing war. Panelists Solomia Soroka (music), OksanaChabanyuk (architecture), and Katerina Sirinyok-Dolgaryova (journalism)discussed the cycles of suppression and revival within their fields, offering bothprofessional and personal perspectives on the role of the arts in a nationconfronting war, ecocide, and humanitarian crisis. Moderated by SvitlanaRogovyk, the discussion also considered the global impact of Ukrainian cultureand its resilience in the face of adversity.THE SUPPRESSION AND REVIVALOF UKRAINIAN CULTUREDECOLONIZATIONBranch 50, Ann Arbor, MIThe decolonization toolkit has been updated and remains available for UNWLAbranches and community organizations to use for local cultural and educationalinitiatives.WWW.UNWLA.ORG2024Decolonization toolkita year of education
CULTIVATEUkraine’s vibrant cultural heritage– and its dynamic present –continues to inspire our members and engage localcommunities across the country. From Vyshyvanka Days andfilm screenings to art workshops, traditional celebrations, andperformances of contemporary Ukrainian art, a wide range ofevents have been organized to promote awareness andappreciation of Ukraine’s rich cultural legacy.WWW.UNWLA.ORG165CULTURAL EVENTS NATIONWIDEPerforming Arts EventsVisual Arts ExhibitionsFilm ScreeningsCultural WorkshopsCultural Heritage Exhibitionsand Celebrations
52HERITAGE &CULTURE EVENTSVyshyvanka Run, Branch 147, Austin-San Antonio, TXUNWLA members celebrate Ukraine’s cultural heritageto preserve national identity, foster community pride,and pass traditions to future generations. These eventsare powerful acts of resilience, especially in times of war.Intenational Cultural Festival, North Port, FLOleksandra Matviichuk at thePysanka installation by UNWLAmember Sophika Zielyk, Ukrainian MuseumPrymachenko art workshop,Branch 75, NJ23CULTURAL WORKSHOPSPysanka workshopsThe Women's Bandura Ensemblerehearsal, Branch 75, NJWWW.UNWLA.ORG2024a year of Ukrainian culture
NATIONAL BALLET OF UKRAINE U.S. TOUR PARTNERSHIPUNWLA was an informational partner for theNational Ballet of Ukraine’s U.S. tour, whichpowerfully showcased Ukraine’s cultural brilliance. UNWLA President NataliaPawlenko and fellow Soyuziankymet with the troupe after theirperformance in New Jersey.The UNWLA’s New Jersey Regional Council, in partnership with the YoungPerformers Foundation and Ukraine’s Mission to the U.N., organized thesecond annual Ukrainian Music Competition for young musicians. The winnersperformed works by renowned Ukrainian composers, such as Mykola Lysenko,Borys Liatoshynsky, Myroslav Skoryk, and others, on the prestigious stage ofCarnegie Hall. THE SECOND ANNUAL UKRAINIAN MUSIC COMPETITIONYoung performers on the Carnegie Hall stageWWW.UNWLA.ORG2024a year of Ukrainian culture
CAREUNWLA’s founding mission is to provide vital humanitarian aidto Ukrainian hospitals and medical personnel, support childrenand families affected by the war, and stand with the bravewomen defending Ukraine on the frontlines.WWW.UNWLA.ORG$523,814 HUMANITARIAN AID PROVIDEDIN 2024 THROUGH THE UNWLANATIONAL INITIATIVES181HUMANITARIAN AID INITIATIVES RECEIVEDDIRECT SUPPORT FROM THE UNWLA BRANCHES
WE LEVERAGE A WIDE NETWORK OF UKRAINIAN WOMEN’SORGANIZATIONS AND TRUSTED, VETTED PARTNERS TO DELIVERURGENTLY NEEDED RELIEF TO THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE.As russia’s continued attacks on criticalinfrastructure leave many Ukrainian regionswithout power and heat during the harshwinter months, our partnership with AICMallows us to provide essential food, hygieneitems, basic medical aid, and support tohospitals near the frontlines.WWW.UNWLA.ORG$60,300As part of our continuous medical aid program,UNWLA provides hospitals with essential suppliesand medicine to treat wounded defenders andcivilians. This includes Albumin – an essentialhuman protein used to restore blood volume andprotein balance in critical conditions such as shock,burns, and severe injuries – as well as materials forWound Vac machines. These life-saving resourceswere procured by UNWLA members and distributedin partnership with Ukrainian musician and socialactivist Oksana Bilozir.$113,9372024a year of care
Locally, our membersraised funds to supportU.S. communitiesdevastated by HurricanesHelena and Milton.$10,000WWW.UNWLA.ORGFor nearly 60 years, the UNWLA’s Babusi Fund hassupported elderly women in Ukraine. This year, weissued two rounds of financial aid. In spring, 90women displaced by ongoing military actionreceived assistance to cover medical needs anddaily essentials. $20,2002024In winter, aid went to women who, as children,were victims of Soviet persecution – uprootedand sent to labor camps simplybecause their families supportedan independent Ukraine. On July 8, 2024, a russian missile struckOkhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, killing a doctor,injuring dozens, and destroying buildings andcritical equipment. In response, UNWLA launchedan urgent fundraiser to support the hospital’srecovery and help affected children. Inpartnership with the Center for Children’sCardiology and Cardiac Surgery, UNWLA’s SocialWelfare Committee purchased and delivered aversatile STERIVAP HP steam sterilizer to thehospital in 2025.$86,664a year of care
The UNWLA is proud to sponsor children’scamps in Ukraine that provide much-needed rest, healing, and support to thoseaffected by russia’s war. These camps servechildren and families from de-occupiedterritories, orphaned children, internallydisplaced families, and those in need, offeringboth recreation and psychological care.WWW.UNWLA.ORG2024Recognizing the growing mental health crisis caused by russia’s ongoingwar of aggression, UNWLA has made mental health a key priority for theyears ahead. $42,700Camps are organized in partnership withUNWLA’s long-lasting partners, giving familiesthe chance to bond through activities like iceskating, creative workshops, and team quests,while also benefiting from sessions with licensedpsychologists. Each season, these programs arehelping over 300 children and parents recoverand rebuild a sense of normalcy.$54,835a year of careIn partnership with Ukrainian organizations UAMental Help and SpivDiia, we are working tosupport civilians – especially women andchildren – through accessible, trauma-informedcare. These initiatives are vital to help Ukrainiansheal, build resilience, and recover from the deeppsychological wounds of war.
UNWLA XXXIIINATIONAL CONVENTIONUNWLA Executive Committee UNWLA National Board The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America successfully held its XXXIIINational Convention from September 13-15, 2024, in Parsippany, NJ, marking animportant milestone in the organization’s ongoing efforts to support anddevelop the next generation of leaders and build strategic resolutions for thefurther advancement of its mission. As the main governing body of theorganization, the convention serves as a critical platform where key decisionsare made, leadership is elected, and strategic plans are established. Read more...WWW.UNWLA.ORG
“SPIRIT OF UKRAINE” AWARD BY UNWLAAmbassador Markarova became the firstrecipient of the “Spirit of Ukraine” awardestablished by the UNWLA. Her Excellency Ambassador OksanaMarkarova has been at the forefront ofstrengthening Ukraine’s internationalrelations since her appointment as theAmbassador of Ukraine to the U.S. in 2021. This year, UNWLA was honored with the “For Sacrifice andLove for Ukraine” medal by His Beatitude MetropolitanEpiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine. Delivered by OrystlavaSydorchuk, President of the Ukrainian Women’s League,the award was presented to UNWLA.MEDAL “FOR SACRIFICE AND LOVE FOR UKRAINE”CERTIFICATE OF MERIT FROMTHE ORDER OF ST. PANTALEIMONUNWLA received a Certificate of Merit from theOrder of St. Pantaleimon for our humanitarianwork in Ukraine. President Natalie Pawlenkoaccepted the award alongside former leadersValentyna Tabaka and Olga Hrycak at aceremony held at the Ukrainian Institute ofAmerica. We’re proud of our members TatyanaTymkiv, Valentyna Tabaka, and Natalia Brandafi,who lead the U.S. branch of the Order.2024WWW.UNWLA.ORGa year of recognition
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