Olena Iurchenko, born and raised in Kharkiv, Ukraine, holds a master's degree in Economics and Tourism Business from Karazin National University. She moved to the U.S. in 2010 and began participating in the AutoMaidan movement in Philadelphia in 2014. In 2021, she joined the NE Phila Townwatch project, patrolling and protecting the local community. Since the full-scale invasion, Olena has traveled to Ukraine, delivering drones, protective gear, and humanitarian aid. In late 2022, she founded the Ukrainian Soul Association with close friends to better support her homeland, believing in the untapped potential of the Ukrainian diaspora in the U.S. to aid Ukraine.

Marta Murtazin is the mom of our Young Motivator. Although she has spent most of her life in the United States, she never forgets the country where she was born. She works in retail for one of the largest perfume chains and uses her professional skills to collect donations, which we then send to Ukraine. Besides caring for her children and gathering donations, Marta also shares updates about her volunteer work and our organization on Instagram and Facebook. Follow her page to stay updated on the latest fundraisers!

If you’re not donating yet, watch out - Marta might just show up at your door! =)

Sofia, a young and passionate advocate, has shown unstoppable determination in supporting humanitarian efforts for Ukraine. At just 8 years old, she began creating and selling hand-crafted paintings, raising significant funds for Ukrainians affected by the war. Her selfless dedication caught the attention of international media, recognizing her as a true patriot.

Sofia’s compassion and relentless drive inspire those around her and motivate people of all ages to get involved and make a difference, proving that even the youngest voices can lead to powerful change.to support Ukraine's humanitarian efforts

Viktor Krysko works in the oil refining industry, which makes him a reliable and responsible team member in our organization. In addition to his main job, he keeps up with military developments and monitors prices on drones and other tech items that we aim to purchase for the Ukrainian military.4o

Working in Real Estate, Roman was able to advise people on housing issues.  He has always been engaged in helping people, from an early age.  Everything he does is based on a desire to help those around him.  From helping people find jobs, translating, or even just giving a ride to person in need, it’s just a part of his core.  No favor is too small.  He’s come to a point in his life, when all he wants to do is to dedicate his life to increasing the quality of life for those who really need help.   As such, Roman was a natural leader for NE Phila Connected, seeing that this can grow into much more than just a regular Town Watch.  Knowing how hard it is for a first generation immigrant to get answers to a question you don’t know how to ask, Roman sees this organization as an opportunity to help connect such people and others to resources, and really engage and unite the community and help us all get back to basics, neighbors helping neighbors, which in turn, helps the community at large.

He is from Belarus.Gleb fled from Lukashenko's regime to the USA in 2021.Activist of the Belarusian resistance to the Lukashenko regime.The chairman of the public movement Country for life (Країна для життя).Member of the Association of Belarusians of America,Public relations officer at non-profit organization Belarus FREEDOM Philadelphia.In the states, he deals with the evacuation of Belarusians who suffered from the Lukashenko regime and helps in the adaptation of newly arrived immigrants. Since 2022, he actively involved in helping our foundation.