Women of Compassion: Touching the Lives of Ukrainian People with Acts of Kindness
NOV 27, 2024
JULIE SMOLYANSKY
Julie Smolyansky, the CEO and President of Lifeway Foods
Julie is a trailblazer in the business world with her humanitarian efforts truly setting her apart. Born in Kyiv, Julie’s journey to the United States as a refugee in 1976 shaped her deep commitment to supporting those fleeing conflict and seeking safety. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Julie immediately sprang into action, channeling what she calls her “warrior spirit” to provide relief for Ukrainian refugees.
Julie is a trailblazer in the business world with her humanitarian efforts truly setting her apart. Born in Kyiv, Julie’s journey to the United States as a refugee in 1976 shaped her deep commitment to supporting those fleeing conflict and seeking safety. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Julie immediately sprang into action, channeling what she calls her “warrior spirit” to provide relief for Ukrainian refugees.
Under Julie’s leadership, Lifeway Foods has undertaken several impactful initiatives to support Ukraine early on. Lifeway launched a special charity bottle of their flagship product, Lifeway Kefir, with 100% of the profits donated to Ukrainian humanitarian aid. Additionally, Lifeway organized the “Chicago Chefs Cook for Ukraine” event, raising $700,000 for World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit founded by Chef José Andrés that provides meals to people in crisis.
The company also collaborated with the Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago, logistics companies, and volunteers to send vital supplies to Ukraine. Lifeway has been actively supporting several Ukrainian-focused charities, including:
The company also collaborated with the Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago, logistics companies, and volunteers to send vital supplies to Ukraine. Lifeway has been actively supporting several Ukrainian-focused charities, including:
- World Central Kitchen: Providing meals in crisis zones.
- Gate to Ukraine: Direct money transfers to Ukrainian families in need
- Razom for Ukraine: Focused on medical aid and other humanitarian relief.
- HIAS: Aids Ukrainian refugees with emergency humanitarian assistance.
- For WellBeing: Provides medical aid, rehabilitation, and support for children and families affected by the war in Ukraine.
- Ukraine Trust Chain: Supports volunteer teams delivering aid, evacuating civilians, and assisting defense forces on the front lines.
Julie’s relentless dedication to making a difference has inspired many, including other Ukrainian-born women in the U.S. who are now stepping up to support their homeland in its time of need.
KRYSTYNA LAUKIEN
Krystyna Laukien is the Founder and President of the Power of Goodness Foundation
Laukien launched this initiative in 2022, moved by the devastating effects of the war in Ukraine. The foundation provides critical support to first responders and victims of disasters, offering humanitarian aid, emotional solace, educational resources, and medical assistance.
Laukien launched this initiative in 2022, moved by the devastating effects of the war in Ukraine. The foundation provides critical support to first responders and victims of disasters, offering humanitarian aid, emotional solace, educational resources, and medical assistance.
Laukien’s commitment to the cause is deeply personal. Born and raised in Mariupol, Ukraine, a city now destroyed by the conflict, she channels her grief into powerful acts of kindness. “When the war started, I called Anirays Camino and told her that I can’t just watch the news and cry,” she recalls. This determination led to the creation of the “Miami Loves Ukraine Program,” through which the foundation has sent vital humanitarian aid, including medical help and food supplies, to those in need.
Her efforts have not only touched lives overseas but have also resonated deeply within the Miami community. Hosting fundraising events at her exquisitely designed Miami Beach home, with sponsors like Rolls Royce and Neiman Marcus, Power of Goodness Foundation has managed to bring the joy of Christmas to over 200 Ukrainian children with families in Miami and 500 in Ukraine.
Her efforts have not only touched lives overseas but have also resonated deeply within the Miami community. Hosting fundraising events at her exquisitely designed Miami Beach home, with sponsors like Rolls Royce and Neiman Marcus, Power of Goodness Foundation has managed to bring the joy of Christmas to over 200 Ukrainian children with families in Miami and 500 in Ukraine.
Beyond her work with the Power of Goodness Foundation, Laukien is serving the world as a committee member of Angels of Humanity and is an active supporter of other charitable organizations, including the Global Empowerment Mission, Little Lighthouse Foundation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. This season, she also hosted a Dolce & Gabbana event benefiting Angels of Humanity, showcasing her unwavering dedication to philanthropy.
IRYNA BEZSMERTNA:
MRS. WORLD INTERNATIONAL 2023. ADVOCATE FOR UKRAINE.
MRS. WORLD INTERNATIONAL 2023. ADVOCATE FOR UKRAINE.
Iryna Bezsmertna, a native of Kherson, has not only made her mark as the winner of *Missis International World 2023* but also as a strong advocate for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. At the international pageant held in Miami, Iryna proudly represented the United States while celebrating her Ukrainian heritage.
Beyond her pageant accomplishments, Iryna has been instrumental in supporting Ukrainian children and families affected by the war. She served as an ambassador for the Blue Blossom Gala, a charity event organized by the American nonprofit Power of Goodness, which raised nearly $300,000 for children impacted by the conflict. Iryna also actively facilitates concerts for Ukrainian artists in the U.S., including renowned performers like Loboda, Max Barskih, and Okean Elzy, further promoting Ukrainian culture abroad.
Beyond her pageant accomplishments, Iryna has been instrumental in supporting Ukrainian children and families affected by the war. She served as an ambassador for the Blue Blossom Gala, a charity event organized by the American nonprofit Power of Goodness, which raised nearly $300,000 for children impacted by the conflict. Iryna also actively facilitates concerts for Ukrainian artists in the U.S., including renowned performers like Loboda, Max Barskih, and Okean Elzy, further promoting Ukrainian culture abroad.
ALANA SANDEL: MAKING AID ACCESSIBLE WHEN AND WHERE IT’S NEEDED MOST
Alana Sandel was born in Odesa, Ukraine—a place she warmly describes as “not just a city; it’s a state of mind.” She made the US her home in 1990. Driven by her belief that Wellness is Everything, Alana founded a communications agency, Marketing for Wellness, and established the charity For WellBeing with the support of Tim Lavengood, Irena Friedgen, and Ella Salganik.
As a mother of two, Alana was moved to help the elderly unable to evacuate from hot zones during the war, as well as women and children who lost homes and loved ones and endured the war’s devastation.
For WellBeing Collects Medical Supplies for Ukraine @ FIME Show 2023. Alana Sandel
As a mother of two, Alana was moved to help the elderly unable to evacuate from hot zones during the war, as well as women and children who lost homes and loved ones and endured the war’s devastation.
For WellBeing Collects Medical Supplies for Ukraine @ FIME Show 2023. Alana Sandel
FWB partnered with renowned cellist Ian Maksin, whose Cello for Peace tour raised funds to aid displaced Ukrainians and included healing arts workshops for children.
Yana Goldberg’s painting
Yana Goldberg’s painting
In her personal and professional life, Alana has no patience for small talk or mediocrity. Being fully aware of the harsh realities of war—where regular people often receive only a fraction of aid—she chose to bypass bureaucracy by working directly with doctors and local volunteers to deliver help. Alana structured For WellBeing with nearly 100% of proceeds go directly toward aid.
PARTNERSHIPS
Synergy of Life
Together with Dr. Aleksandr Lutsenko and the Synergy of Life Foundation, For WellBeing enabledmobile medical teams to deliver critical healthcare to remote and conflict-ridden areas by delivering medications and humanitarian aid to people’s homes and orphanages across Ukrainian regions like Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Poltava, and smaller villages.
Dr. Aleksandr Lutsenko personally delivers humanitarian aid.
Watch the video
Together with Dr. Aleksandr Lutsenko and the Synergy of Life Foundation, For WellBeing enabledmobile medical teams to deliver critical healthcare to remote and conflict-ridden areas by delivering medications and humanitarian aid to people’s homes and orphanages across Ukrainian regions like Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Poltava, and smaller villages.
Dr. Aleksandr Lutsenko personally delivers humanitarian aid.
Watch the video
Sisu Global
Alana worked closely with Sisu Global Health to arrange for Hemafuse surgical kits for emergency intraoperative blood transfusions to hospitals in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and field units, providing life-saving solutions amid blood shortages.
Watch the video
Alana worked closely with Sisu Global Health to arrange for Hemafuse surgical kits for emergency intraoperative blood transfusions to hospitals in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and field units, providing life-saving solutions amid blood shortages.
Watch the video
Apeiron
Alana believes that trauma and hardship can unlock inner strength. Collaborating with the Apeiron School of Leadership founded by Aleksey Arestovich, For WellBeing provides scholarships for psychosocial workshops for those who suffered significant losses during the war.
Alana believes that trauma and hardship can unlock inner strength. Collaborating with the Apeiron School of Leadership founded by Aleksey Arestovich, For WellBeing provides scholarships for psychosocial workshops for those who suffered significant losses during the war.
Airlink
For Wellbeing partnered with Airlink, a nonprofit specializing in rapid response logistics, which allowed the charity to deliver essential supplies like Mason vitamins, medical supplies, medications, diapers, warm pajamas, and blankets to Ukrainian children enduring harsh winters.
For Wellbeing partnered with Airlink, a nonprofit specializing in rapid response logistics, which allowed the charity to deliver essential supplies like Mason vitamins, medical supplies, medications, diapers, warm pajamas, and blankets to Ukrainian children enduring harsh winters.
STRONGER TOGETHER
Alana formed partnerships with local charity partners like Project Kesher, Karyn Gershon to deliver a generator to the Heart Institute in Kyiv under the leadership of Dr. Todurov. In collaboration with the Ukrainian Refugee Resettlement Project (Weston, FL), and Family-to-Family charity (Westchester, NY), warm pajamas and blankets arrived in time for the holidays at several orphanages in Ukraine.
Alana believes that a small group of people, guided by pure intention and innovation drive meaningful change to help those in need when it matters most.
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