Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has impacted the lives of Ukrainians all over the world — including Colorado. Ukrainians of Colorado, a 501(c)3 formed in the wake of the Russian assault on Crimea and Donbas in 2014, has worked to galvanize community support for Ukraine, in particular by raising awareness and funds for humanitarian relief. Members Marina Dubrova, Irina Shatalova, Alexi Drozd and Lana Fenkanyn will offer their insights into the war’s impact. Joining them will be Mark Dillen and Anne Chermak Dillen. Mark and Anne were senior Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. State Department and have lectured and traveled extensively in Ukraine as Fulbright Scholars.
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About Our Panel
Irina Shatalov grew up in Ukraine and knew from a very early age that she wanted to work with and help people. She earned her master’s degree in Psychology in Poland. In 2003, she moved back to Ukraine where she became a member of the European Association of Psychotherapists and worked as a school counselor. In 2010, Irina moved to the United States after marrying her husband. She is currently working as a supervisor for a company that provides services for the elderly and people with intellectual and/or cognitive disabilities. She is also involved with several volunteer projects and is a founder and a Board Member for Ukrainians of Colorado.
Alexi Drozd is a first-generation immigrant born in the capital city of Kyiv. Most of his family is in Ukraine - either fighting on front lines, defending their homesteads, or have had to flee to western border. Alexi migrated to US when he was 12 and has lived in US for 18 years. During his time in US he has become a mechanical engineer, owner of a small business, and an active member of local societies and non-profit organizations. Since the start of Putin's war in Ukraine, Alexi has been actively working to rally people, raise funds, and advocate for Ukrainians.
Lana Anastasya Fenkanyn grew up involved in the Chicago Ukrainian community and continues to be involved here in Denver as the Social Media Manager for Ukrainians of Colorado. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her cousins, aunts, uncles and great aunts are in Kharkiv, living in the same cellar where her grandmother lived during WWII.
Marina Dubrova moved to the United States in 1994 to live with her
grandfather. She currently owns a real estate brokerage. She co-founded Ukrainians of Colorado (UofC) with her coworkers in 2014 when the Russian invasion of Ukraine first began. Since the war started this year, UofC has grown exponentially and is aiming to make a meaningful impact in critical areas through fundraising and to help in the areas of critical necessity--currently with providing medicines/medical supplies, organizing, and working with the government.