Meet Our Alumni Leaders

In 2015-2017, she served as a deputy of the Volochysk City Council and was re-elected as council secretary. She initiated Ukraine's first community merger (March 10, 2015) and worked on decentralization and consulting municipalities.
She was a regional development advisor in the U-LEAD with Europe program in 2017-2018. Thereafter, she has been the founder and director of LLC "INVOL."

In 2020, she became a deputy of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Council, chairing the commission on regional development. She founded the “Kalyna Fund” NGO, supporting the military and vulnerable groups.

Artem has been working in civil protection since 1995, graduating with honors in 2000 from the Kharkiv Institute of Fire Safety. Throughout his career, he held senior roles in the State Emergency Service, focusing on emergency prevention, response, and international cooperation. As Director of the Department for Emergency Prevention, he enhanced national safety measures, and later, as Vice-Rector for International Relations, Artem established partnerships with foreign organizations. He also led the State Certification Center, securing its accreditation as an inspection body and fire testing laboratory.

Iryna coordinates the Local Economic Development Program of the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, supporting initiatives like ProZorro, CANactions, and school reconstruction projects. She is the founder of the International Mayors Summit (since 2016) and an ambassador for Technovation Girls. Previously, she led the French ADETEF agency and contributed to EU-Ukraine cooperation. A member of the PGA council, she researched the role of foreign university graduates as change agents in Ukraine and published the children’s book "The City Is Me" in 2021. She actively promotes women’s leadership in IT and local governance. She holds a master’s in European Studies and is a former lecturer at NAPA.

Liliya Malon led negotiations for affordable international roaming services for Ukrainians in the EU and advocated for Ukraine's interests at the ITU during the war. Since 2020, she served as Deputy Director of Strategy at the Regional Development Agency and a digitalization expert for EU projects. She has experience with European institutions, international initiatives, and project management. In 2023, she ranked among the top 20 speakers at Mobile World Congress. She holds a master’s in international relations and specializes in national security.

Previously, she worked as an assistant judge at the Economic Court of Odesa Region, Head of the Education Department of Odesa ODA, and led the analytical division of the Education Department. From 2017 to 2021, she was Deputy Head of the Property Relations Department of Odesa Regional Council. She also headed the De-occupation and Reintegration Department at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, European integration, and state property management.

Trained at the National School of Judges, earned the right to practice law in 2015. Worked as legal counsel and attorney in top Ukrainian firms, including Asters and Juscutum. Named Lawyer of the Year in administrative law in 2020. Contributed to strategies for non-banking financial institutions, including insurance and financial companies. He has significant experience collaborating with international partners such as the ECB and IMF on financial sector development and economic policy execution.

Natalia worked in business for over 15 years, managing marketing projects and CSR initiatives like Business2Students, which helped hundreds of students start their careers. Her projects received awards both in Ukraine and internationally. Since 2020, she has been with the President’s Office, focusing on analytics, regional communications, and monitoring. She is also a marketing lecturer and a member of Women Leaders for Ukraine. Natalia’s work emphasizes human capital development and modern approaches to state communication.

Oksana has 17 years of managerial experience in banking and the real sector. She worked at Raiffeisen Bank and is an independent director at Ukrgasbank and Ukrposhta, focusing on sustainable development, green finance, and corporate governance. She specializes in strategic and financial management, digital transformation, change management, and risk assessment. Oksana holds an Executive MBA and certifications in corporate governance from INSEAD and digital transformation strategy from Cambridge. She actively mentors women through Progressia and CFA projects and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Catholic University.

Since 2020, he has been the Mayor of Zhovkva and President of the Euroregion Roztochya Association. In 2022, he earned a PhD in political science, focusing on local governance. A volunteer, he has made over 100 trips to the frontlines, providing support to Ukrainian defenders. In 2023, he began a master’s program in public administration at Taras Shevchenko University and graduated from the Ukrainian School of Political Studies. Previously, he worked at the Ministry of Finance, specializing in financial analysis and reform support. His focus is on community development, attracting investments, and implementing innovations.

Oleksandr Kuliepyn has served as Deputy Head of Lviv Regional State Administration since 2021, overseeing digital transformation, accessibility, education, and science. His work focuses on implementing reforms, improving regional infrastructure, and supporting innovation. He worked at British American Tobacco, BlaBlaCar, and advised the Mayor of Lviv, managing international projects. With over 10 years of experience, he holds master’s degrees in public administration (Ukraine, Lithuania) and a bachelor’s in finance. He leads national reforms, including modernizing education and enhancing digital services. Married, he actively collaborates with international partners to improve quality of life in the region.

Worked at the Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor's Office and top law firms, rising to project leader. Recognized expert in economic crime cases and internal investigations, defending major businesses. Since 2022, he has been with the Prosecutor General's Office, coordinating investment protection, prosecutor training, and law enforcement reform. He is responsible for implementing prosecutor specialization in investment law and fostering international collaboration. Actively works with business organizations, supporting entrepreneurs, journalists, and volunteers. Regularly participates in professional events, seeking innovative solutions to improve the prosecution system and public engagement.

Oleksandr Saienko is Vice President of the Association of Taxpayers of Ukraine and a public administration expert at the Center for Political and Legal Reforms (USAID project). Formerly Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers and head of the Reform Implementation Office under the Prime Minister. Previously worked at the Presidential Center for Economic Reforms and led the Higher School of Public Administration. He holds a Senior Executive MBA (MIM Kyiv) and graduated from the Canadian School of Public Administration. Pursuing a doctorate in law, focusing on governance and reforms.

Lieutenant Colonel Pavlo Khazan is the head of the Territorial Defense UAV Systems Department (since 2023). A war veteran since 2014, he has extensive combat experience. In civilian life, he led the Environmental Monitoring Center and was director of "Green Technologies." An expert in energy and green economy projects, he develops engineering systems. A member of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council since 2015, he co-authored environmental and energy programs. Author of scientific works in ecology, energy, and statistics, actively working on environmental safety.

Polina Li is an advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, specializing in anti-corruption and rule of law. She provides recommendations on aligning Ukraine’s legal frameworks with EU standards and supports the government’s anti-corruption initiatives. An expert with EUAM Ukraine, she participates in reforms of law enforcement and prosecution. Co-author of the General Plan for Law Enforcement Reform. In the "PRAVO-Justice" project, she advanced judicial reforms and best practices for court management. Dedicated to legal and political reforms for Ukraine’s progress.

Head of the Department for Combating Illegal Content at the Cyber Police of Ukraine. Led cybersecurity units (2016–2019) and was twice named the best Cyber Police officer. Represented Ukraine in an FBI-led international law enforcement group and developed the CryptoEdge training course for investigators. In 2023, appointed Deputy Head of Odesa Regional Administration for digitalization. Experienced in creating digital platforms and investigating crimes related to virtual assets. Actively works on implementing innovative technologies to enhance regional digital development.

Coordinator of transport and infrastructure at the Ministry since 2020, led anti-corruption initiatives at NACP. Expert for the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (2017–2020), contributed to developing the national anti-corruption strategy. Former UN mission officer in Liberia and anti-corruption advisor in the EU Mission to Ukraine. Skilled in risk management, strategic policy control, and whistleblower protection. Actively collaborates with civil society organizations to ensure transparency in governance. Focuses on improving anti-corruption mechanisms in public institutions.

Deputy Minister of Justice for Digital Transformation (since 2020). Automated over 20 judicial services, including entrepreneur registration, covering 70% of users. Introduced innovative systems for analyzing recidivism risks and improved state registry interactions. Previously worked in the private sector, developing analytical tools for parliamentary oversight and driving digital transformation projects. His initiatives have enhanced access to justice for citizens. Serhii also leads digital projects aimed at streamlining administrative services in Ukraine.

First Deputy Head of Sumy Regional Military Administration, Doctor of Economics, Professor. Worked in banking (2004–2005) and academia, serving as dean and department head (2005–2021). Led the Business Support Center supported by EBRD, organizing over 30 events to boost regional businesses.

Since 2021, he has focused on regional economic development, financial planning, and international cooperation. Coordinates economic recovery projects, established the Regional Development Agency, and collaborates with international organizations on post-war recovery. He attracts investments for Sumy’s development and supports rural area initiatives.

Taras Shevchenko is the Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy for European Integration (since 2020). Responsible for Euro-Atlantic integration, information policy, and cultural heritage restoration. Founder of the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law, which he led for 15 years, and several civic initiatives, including the Reanimation Reform Package and "Chesno" movement. Studied at Oxford, Stanford, and Yale. Focused on cultural infrastructure development, media reforms, and the protection of freedom of speech. Actively develops programs to restore damaged cultural sites after the war.

Tetyana is an experienced public servant, project manager and interpreter. She works in the Department for International Cooperation and European Integration (Rivne Regional Military/State Administration) based in Rivne, Ukraine. She brings her vast education and experience obtained in both US and Europe to her current role where she is dedicated to make her region and, therefore, her country more successful, transparent, and sustainable. A spiritual fast learning professional with a passion for travelling, choreography, yoga, and ecology.

Since May 2022, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. Responsible for policy development in fisheries, land reclamation, water resource management, and alternative fuels. Coordinates the work of the State Agency for Land Reclamation and Fisheries. Previously (2007–2022), worked as an economist and manager at Epicenter K, specializing in financial analysis, project management, and process optimization. Successfully implemented over 40 projects in capital construction, including budgeting, planning, and tender processes.

For two years, he worked as a logistics and business manager in private companies. From 2005 to 2009, he served at the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State Administration and later joined the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Held roles in government agencies, including the Ministry of Regional Development and the Presidential Administration. Served as Deputy Head of Mykolaiv Oblast State Administration (2017) and Director General at the Ministry of Infrastructure (2018–2021). Headed the State Service for Maritime Transport (2021–2022) and "State Hydrography" (2023). Appointed Deputy Minister of Economy in July 2023.

With over 20 years of experience in social protection, worked on reforms of social services and child protection across CIS, Central Asia, and Zimbabwe. For 15+ years, managed EU and World Bank technical assistance projects, including in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Developed strategies, standards, and systems for social services, contributing to institutional care transformation. Experienced in training local authorities, managing budget support, and implementing social sector projects. Well-versed in EU procedures and reforms in the social sphere.

From 2008 to 2013, worked as an economist, head of the financial risk management department, and treasury director at PJSC Idea Bank. From 2013 to 2017, served as a Management Board Member of the bank. In 2017–2019, held roles as Director of the Investment Policy Department and Treasury Department at PJSC Ukrzaliznytsia. From 2019 to 2021, led the financial sector division of the USAID project and advised on energy security and railway infrastructure reforms. From 2021 to 2023, served as Executive Director at Bank Lviv. He has extensive experience in financial planning, risk management, and investment policy. Additionally, he contributed to implementing reforms in the transport infrastructure sector.

Yuliia is the Head of the Integrity Support Team and Advisor to the Mykolaiv Mayor, promoting transparency and accountability in reconstruction projects. At VoxUkraine, she leads projects on public finance monitoring and economic journalism and co-hosts podcasts on economy and reconstruction. Previously coordinated educational programs for SOE executives at KSE. Began her career at the American Chamber of Commerce. A member of Urban Space 500, Aspen Kyiv, and Open World communities, Yuliia specializes in reform advocacy, public engagement, and project leadership.

2020–2023 – CEO of "Ukroboronprom," transformed into a JSC and ranked in the top-100 global defense companies. Previously served as Head of Kherson Regional Administration (2019–2020), Government Relations Director at PrivatBank (2017–2019), and Advisor to the Minister of Infrastructure (2016–2018). Worked at the Ministry of Defense (2014–2016) and Ministry of Economy (2009–2013), leading reforms and investment projects. Experienced in public-private partnerships, business, and strategic reforms management. Coordinated the launch of Ukraine's first Public-Private Partnership Office to support large-scale infrastructure projects.

A Ukrainian politician, lawyer, and human rights advocate, currently serving as an advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine. Her work focuses on European integration, advocating humanitarian aid, countering Russian aggression, and preventing genocide of Ukrainians and sexual violence by Russian soldiers during the ongoing war in Ukraine. As a former MP, she developed legislation on the rule of law, judicial reform, anti-corruption, and youth policy. Actively promotes women's role in politics, represents Ukraine internationally, particularly as a member of the Council of Europe, and is one of the leading voices opposing Russian aggression. She has extensive experience in human rights advocacy, served on the Ukrainian Bar Association council, and is an Aspen Ukraine Alumni.

Miroslava Gongadze is a journalist and TV anchor leading VOA programs on the war in Ukraine and Eastern Europe’s development. Former head of VOA’s Ukrainian Service in Washington, she is an expert in democracy development. Her work has been featured in NPR, WSJ, and Journal of Democracy. In 2019, she completed a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard, focusing on Russia’s information warfare. Recognized for her coverage of US-Ukraine relations, she contributes to global reporting on Russian aggression. Actively collaborates with international media and organizations to raise awareness of Ukraine’s issues.

Before her current role, Natalia was the Director of the Department of Registration Issues from January 2017 to February 2018 and the Head of the Department for Equity Participation from June 2010 to January 2017. Her career began in August 2007 at the Main Department of Economics and Investments, where she advanced from a leading economist to the First Deputy Head.

Natalia’s extensive background in economics and investments, combined with her leadership skills, has made her a key figure in managing significant projects and investments in Kyiv.

In charge of establishing international relations, cooperation with international partners, donors, organizations, conclusion of agreement, attraction of investments and financing, introduction of innovative technologies in all spheres of life, reconstruction and recovery of houses, critical and social infrastructure, development of the concept and strategy of restoration and development of the city of Chernihiv, presentation  of the city of Chernihiv on the international arena.

An area of direct responsibilities in the current position includes establishing effective financial mechanisms for Ukraine’s recovery projects, supporting key sectors of the economy, infrastructure development, and Green Deal projects. More than 10 years experience in the public sector with focus on infrastructure development, mobility, transportation, and public finances. Prior to  work in the public sector, experience of managing the Ukrainian office of the largest Swiss Investment Bank UBS AG. Background in investment banking has helped to achieve success in my public service work by applying effective management models.

Project manager with solid experience in public, private, and civic sectors and strong legal background. Expert in developing and promoting legal regulations related to waste management, sustainable development, and aviation activities. Served as the Deputy Minister of Ecology (2015-16) Investor and co-founder of several business ventures.

Lawyer, managing partner of the EPravo law firm (since 2012)

Management of the company’s work, customer management, interaction with authorities;
Management of practices: mergers and acquisitions, criminal process, urban law, environmental Protection.

Dmytro has 19 years of experience in macroeconomic analysis and forecasting, managing and supervising the work of experts, financial management of an analytical center, as well as personnel management. Dmytro is also an experienced analyst in the fiscal sector, the taxation system and the social sector.

Olga is a renowned lawyer and an expert in the fields of construction, land and infrastructure. During her career, Olga worked in international and domestic real estate and law firms (including DTZ and DLA Piper) and was also a Member of the Kyiv City Council. She authored fundamental reforms (on combating corruption, public participation, infrastructure, parking, etc.).

With the onset of full-scale war, Olga devoted her time to strategically preparing for the recovery and reboot of Kyiv and Ukraine as a whole, to overcome the challenges and take advantage of Ukraine’s unique window of opportunity. Olga is a co-author of the Framework Program for the Reconstruction of Kyiv and the first “Marshall Plan”. Olga is also the head of the RE&I practice in the Ukrainian office of PwC and the Head of the EBA Ukraine Recovery Committee.

Ivan is an expert with 10 years of experience in the field of European integration, public policy development, strategy, management consulting and public service. In his position, Ivan ensures the implementation of the reforms necessary for European integration in the context of the implementation of the European Commission’s recommendations, as well as the preparation of Ukraine to join the EU.

Under Olga’s leadership, over the past 7 years, the Department of International Agencies and Financial Institutions Outreach has implemented the largest infrastructure projects in the city with the support of such international partners as the World Bank, EBRD, EIB, KFW, GIZ, USAID, SECO, etc.

Today, Olga is engaged in comprehensive coordination of humanitarian aid for Kharkiv from international partners and funds and also works on large, promising city projects for restoration and reconstruction. In particular, she coordinates the creation of a new concept of the Master Plan for Kharkiv together with the UNECE, the team of the famous British architect Norman Foster and local experts. In particular, Olga seeks to attract the best international experience and introduce new approaches to the post-war reconstruction of Kharkiv, as well as the economic reboot of the city after the war.

Ivan was elected for his position in December 2020. During a relatively short period as a Mayor, he and his team implemented large-scale projects for the reconstruction of the city’s infrastructure, worked on increasing investment attractiveness, and established strong partnership relations with European cities.

During the occupation of Melitopol, Ivan works on the implementation of the plan to restore southern Ukraine after the liberation.

Olyana is the former Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PJSC Ukreximbank with 16 years of experience in legal practice at the top international company Baker McKenzie. At the end of 2014, Olyana participated in the development of legislation on state enterprises and privatization in various positions.

As a member of the NCCPFR, Olyana was responsible for the formation of state policy regarding issuers of securities, including the development of joint-stock companies’ corporate management principles, registration of securities issues, and state control in these areas. Olyana also worked at the EBRD, responsible for dialogue with the authorities in the region on improving public and corporate governance and the investment climate and business environment in Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.

Since 2014, Oleksandr heads the National Commission carrying out state regulation in the field of communication and informatization.

Since the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr has been directing the work of the regulator to maintain communication and reconstruct the telecommunications infrastructure. Under his leadership, the country launched the first auctions for obtaining licenses for the use of radio frequency spectrum, attracting significant funds to the state budget and introducing mobile broadband throughout the country. Prior to that, Oleksandr held the CEO position at ING Corporate Finance and ICU, a Ukrainian investment bank.

Working in government since 2019, Taras is responsible for policy formulation in network areas such as food security, state support, creation and circulation of agricultural means of production, rural development, veterinary and phytosanitary regulation.

Aiming to create the necessary conditions for the safe and effective agricultural development of the country, Taras has been in constant communication with MPs, agricultural associations of Ukraine and international agricultural organizations, drawing attention to the risks caused by the war and the need for cooperation.

Ulyana is engaged in finding investment opportunities in fields such as fashion, art and crafts, design and entertainment. She held management positions at UkraineInvest, advising the Ukrainian Government on foreign direct investments, and before that worked with large transnational corporations in Ukraine and new strategic investors. 
In addition, Ulyana is a talented organizer of events held at the Ukrainian House in Davos, where she is the Executive Director.

Daria Zarivna is a communications and strategic marketing expert with extensive experience in media and the public sector. Previously, she served as Editor-in-Chief of L’Officiel Online and founded the online magazine Vector, as well as the charitable project Charitum. Since 2020, she has been the Communications Advisor to Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President, focusing on informational support, particularly in matters related to prisoner exchanges and sanctions against Russia.