2014 War and Displacement

In 2014, my hometown was occupied by Russian-backed separatists, and the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics were created. After months of living under occupation, I was forced to flee.

It was in the Butler Library at Columbia that the idea of Brave Generation was born. I am deeply thankful to Elias Wachtel, who helped me recognize the importance of this idea and, with patience and kindness, supported the very first steps—turning it from a thought into a concept on paper during hours of conversations and work.  I’m also grateful to Reed Cohen, a master’s student at SIPA, Columbia University, who played a foundational role in helping me launch Brave Generation as a nonprofit organization in New York City alongside with Skadden Pro bono law firm. He worked tirelessly alongside me as a thought partner and served as Brave Generation’s first Vice President during his time at Columbia before starting his governmental service. During my time at Columbia University, I met Ed Shapiro, Irwin Redlener and Karen Redlener, Joel and Shari Beckmen who provided the first Brave Generation grants and believed in me and helped to grow into what we are today.  Karen became my lifelong mentor and now serves as the Chair of the Board of Brave Generation, bringing over 37 years of experience and guiding me as I continue to learn and grow.