Our Team
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Dennis De Santis
FOUNDER
Dennis with Major “Vovkulaki”. He has had a career in international economic and social development, from being a Peace Corps Volunteer to CEO. Dennis has had continuous involvement in Ukrainian affairs since 1992.
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Roman Ponos
FUNDRAISING
Roman is a New Jersey born Ukrainian-American who lived in Lviv for many years. Roman is a senior manager in the international development industry. He feels we are at an historic turning point in the defense of Ukraine.
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Julia Kolybabiuk
HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST/HUMANITARIAN
Julia is a Ukrainian-American and native of Philadelphia, that has lived extensively overseas, where she’s been active in the Ukrainian community and their causes. She is also the daughter of the late Jury Ichtiarow, a former member of the Ukrainian Government in exile prior to Ukraine’s independence.
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Adrienne De Santis
COMMUNICATIONS
Adrienne is a proud Ukrainian-American who wants to directly assist Ukrainian citizens. Her most fond family memory is visiting Ukraine in 2012. Adrienne wants to ensure the history, culture and beauty of Ukraine are preserved over time. Adrienne is pictured with her mother in Lviv, Ukraine.
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Robert Hathaway
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Robert has 15 years of operations and client relations experience and 6 years of technical and IT experience within the nonprofit sector. Robert is very passionate about supporting the people of Ukraine during their time of need.
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Marika Balahutrak-Rice
FUNDRAISING
Marika Balahutrak-Rice is a Ukrainian-American. Her grandparents moved to the US during World War II and settled in Cleveland. She grew up going to Ukrainian school. Marika got to visit Ukraine in July of 2012. She knew she needed to do more for her country when the Ukraine conflict started.
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Bohdan Balahutrak
HUMANITARIAN RELIEF OPERATIONS
Bohdan Balahutrak is a dedicated Ukrainian-American volunteer with Ukraine Aid. He has selflessly devoted weeks of his time to pack, transport, and deliver critical medical supplies across the United States, ensuring safe shipments to Ukraine. Bohdan's commitment is a vital part of Ukraine Aid's mission to provide life-saving resources to those in need.
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Dr. Jess Hawken
MEDICAL ADVISER
Dr. Jess Hawken is a Virginia native orthopedic surgeon. She has passion for both the field and providing care for those who need it most.
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Kelly Darling
CONTENT CREATOR
Kelly has ben a lifetime lover of different languages and cultures, which started at a young age spending time with her best friend’s Ukrainian-American family. She has been a world language and culture teacher for 14 years. She is committed to helping the people of Ukraine by creating engaging content to highlight Ukrainian culture.
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Ukraine Aid Volunteers
Thank you to all of the friends and volunteers in the Ukrainian American Community who have supported Ukraine Aid’s mission efforts!
Thank you!
Thank you David Nazario and Алесь Усцінаў for your digital content used on Ukraine Aid’s website.