The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) announced the laureates of the 2026 “30 under 30” award. Among the winners are seven representatives of the Ukrainian community in the USA, who actively develop Ukrainian life overseas, are engaged in cultural diplomacy, youth leadership and support for Ukraine.
This was reported by Ukrainian World Congress.
“Our youth in the world is a powerful driving force. They not only preserve the Ukrainian identity, but also become the voice of Ukraine in their countries of residence, create innovative projects and bring our common victory closer,” said UWC President Pavlo Grod.
The “30 under 30” award recognizes young Ukrainians from the diaspora who, through their activities, change communities, support Ukraine internationally and shape the future of global Ukrainians.
The list of 2026 laureates from the United States includes:
- Vira Berezhna – Plast and the Ukrainian Society of Georgetown University;
- Kira Lozynska – Ukrainian Youth Union (YUU);
- Maria Solomiya Bandrivska – YUM;
- Maksym Makhlay – Hryhoriy Kytasty Bandura School in Cleveland, Bandura School in Cincinnati and Ukrainian Classical Music Project;
- Olena Khanasyk – Ukrainian House in San Diego;
- Oleksandra Horodyska-Gashler – YUM;
- Sofia Polishchuk – Children of Ukraine Foundation;
- Yuriy Kymyotik – YUM.
According to the chairwoman of the award committee and UWC Vice President Natalia Poshivaylo-Tawler, the award is designed to support young Ukrainians who work daily on community development, advocacy for Ukrainian interests and cultural diplomacy.
“This award is not only about what has already been done, but about the future. We wanted to support young Ukrainians who, every day, often imperceptibly, build strong communities, engage in advocacy and cultural diplomacy, and shape a positive image of Ukraine in the world. It is from such consistent steps that leaders of global change grow,” she emphasized.
The award commission included seven representatives of the global Ukrainian community from different countries of the world, including the president of the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America, Martha Farion. The commission worked collegially and conducted several rounds of discussions and verification of applications.
As reported, the “30 under 30” award was launched in 2021 for the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. During the selection process, candidates were evaluated for their civic activism, support for Ukrainian communities abroad, development of diaspora networks, leadership, innovative projects, and contribution to promoting Ukrainian narratives in the world.
Photo: UWC
Author: Inna Mikhno