The annual general reporting and election meeting of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), Illinois branch was held in Chicago, at the Ukrainian Cultural Center. The event was an opportunity to sum up the organization’s activities for the year and outline plans for the future.
This was reported by member of the UCCA Executive Board (Illinois branch) Natalia Ponomareva for the publication “Surma”..
The meeting began with a joint prayer, led by Fr. Serhiy Kovalchuk. In his speech, he remembered the heroes of modern war who defend the freedom of Ukraine, as well as the liquidators of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. The memory of the victims of the tragedy was honored with a minute of silence. The priest also conveyed greetings and blessings from Bishop Venedikt Aleksiychuk to those present.
The Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago, Serhiy Koledov, addressed the participants. He recalled the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster and thanked for cooperation with the UCCA, noting the organization as one of the most powerful in the United States. Since the diplomat had completed his term, he also thanked the community for their joint work.
During the event, greetings were heard from public organizations and partners. In particular, the representative of the Heritage Foundation, Taras Drozd, emphasized the role of the UCCA as a unifying force of the Ukrainian community. Greetings were also delivered by Marta Farion, Robert Odomirok, Roman Yatskivskyi, and Ihor Dyachun.
During the meeting, reports of the Board of Directors and the organization’s management were heard. The head of the Illinois department, Maria Dmytriv-Kapeniak, presented a report on the organization’s activities over the past year, and reports of foundations and commissions involved in the organization’s work were also heard.
A special moment was the unanimous re-election of Maria Dmytriv-Kapeniak for a new term. This decision was a confirmation of confidence in her leadership and work.
During the year, the Illinois branch of the UCCA held a number of events, including rallies, protests, advocacy campaigns, and celebrations of national and commemorative dates of Ukraine. Youth organizations and Ukrainian studies schools actively participated in these events.
Representatives of the organization worked at the federal level in Washington, as well as at the Illinois state level, defending the interests of Ukraine. One of the key events was the Ukrainian Global Forum in August 2025 with the participation of international representatives.
Among the achievements of the year was receiving an official proclamation declaring August as Ukraine Month in Chicago and the state of Illinois, as well as recognizing the Ukrainian neighborhood of Chicago as the cultural center of the state.
The UCCA, Illinois branch, also actively cooperates with the media. Representatives of the organization regularly appear on American television, and Ukrainian issues are covered in American media. Cooperation with Radio UA Chicago and the newspaper "Surma" was especially noted.
The newly elected Board includes Maria Dmytriv-Kapeniak, Motrya Melnyk, Marta Farion, Maria Korkach-Groshko, Pavlo Bandrivskyi, Ihor Dyachun, Andriy Dzyuk, Natalia Acevedo, Natalia Ponomaryova, Mariyka Dzyuma, Marko Suproniuk, Mariyka Klymchak, Oksana Chuyko, Viktor Ivankiv, Natalia Boivka, Aleksandra Horodyska, Viktor Groshko, Lilia Popovych, Roman Yatskivskyi.
The priorities of the new Board include continuing advocacy work, developing international relations, cooperation with the media, and involving youth in the organization's activities.
Background
The Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America (UCCA) is one of the leading organizations of the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States, representing the interests of Ukrainians and coordinating the activities of public structures.
The Illinois chapter is one of the most active centers of the organization. Its activities include advocacy work, cultural initiatives, support for Ukraine, and cooperation with American institutions.
Photo: Radio UA Chicago / Surma Newspaper
Author: Danylo Pievchev