The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America has announced the recipients of its 2026 academic scholarships. The $3,000 Eva Staszkiw Scholarship was awarded to American University student Taras Sarazhynskyy, who is engaged in advocacy for Ukraine in Washington. The $4,000 Vovk Foundation / UNWLA Scholarship went to Valeriia Svystula, who is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and plans to work with people affected by war-related trauma.
This was reported by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America.
"Eva Staszkiw came to America in 1910 without the chance at an education she always valued, and she left her life savings so that young people could have one," said UNWLA President Natalie Pawlenko. "Our partners at the Vovk Foundation share that same conviction. Taras and Valeriia show exactly why it matters: one is making Ukraine's case in the halls of Washington, the other is preparing to heal the people this war has wounded. Investing in them is investing in Ukraine's future."
According to the organization, the $4,000 Vovk Foundation / UNWLA Scholarship was awarded to Ukrainian citizen Valeriia Svystula. She is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Pennsylvania Western University and currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia.
Before moving to the United States, Svystula earned two bachelor’s degrees in philology — one from Kyiv National Linguistic University and another from the University College of Social Sciences and Humanities in Częstochowa, Poland.
In 2022, she taught English to Ukrainian refugees arriving in Warsaw. Alongside her master’s studies, Svystula is also studying Gestalt therapy at Kyiv Gestalt University.
In the future, she plans to specialize in trauma-focused work and help displaced Ukrainians, military families, and people who have lived through the war.
“Ukraine’s recovery will be measured in rebuilt bridges, but its resilience will depend on whether people are able to heal enough to live, work, and raise the next generation,” Valeriia Svystula wrote in her application.
Vovk Foundation representative Yuriy Wowczuk said the organization was created to support Ukrainians who continue their education and professional development amid the war.
“Valeriia understands that a country is rebuilt not only with concrete and steel, but also by people who have regained their strength and are able to lead it forward. Her commitment to helping displaced Ukrainians, military families, and people who have survived the war is exactly the kind of work this scholarship was created to support,” he emphasized.
The $3,000 UNWLA Eva Staszkiw Scholarship was awarded to Taras Sarazhynskyi, a first-generation Ukrainian American and a senior at American University in Washington, D.C., majoring in International Relations.
Sarazhynskyy grew up in Minnesota’s Ukrainian American community. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion, he became involved in advocacy and volunteer work in support of Ukraine.
In particular, he worked as a youth engagement coordinator with Stand With Ukraine MN and participated in humanitarian initiatives and fundraising efforts.
Sarazhynskyy currently leads the Federation of Ukrainian Student Organizations of America (SUSTA) and also serves as president of Students Supporting Ukraine at American University. In the future, he plans to work in law, international affairs, and public service, including in efforts to defend Ukraine’s interests.
UNWLA noted that Eva Staszkiw, for whom the scholarship is named, came to the United States in 1910 and later bequeathed her savings to support young people’s education.
“We need young, educated people who are able to spread the truth about Ukraine everywhere,” UNWLA quoted Eva Staszkiw as saying.
Anna Petelina, Education Chair of the UNWLA National Board, said that this year the selection committee reviewed applications from highly talented young people and described the new recipients as examples of how education and public service can go hand in hand.
“Every year, our committee reviews applications from exceptionally talented young people, and this year’s recipients set a very high standard,” said Anna Petelina, Education Chair of the UNWLA National Board. “Taras and Valeriia remind us that education is not only a path to personal success, but also a form of service to society. We warmly congratulate both recipients and encourage students of Ukrainian heritage to apply during the next selection cycle, which will begin in the spring,” Anna Petelina concluded.
Background
The UNWLA Eva Staszkiw Memorial Scholarship honors Eva Staszkiw, who immigrated to the United States in 1910 and became a devoted member of UNWLA Branch 26 in Detroit and later Branch 17 in Miami. A lifelong advocate for education, she supported the UNWLA Scholarship Fund beginning in the late 1950s and bequeathed her life savings to the UNWLA to expand support for Ukrainian studies. The scholarship awards $3,000 annually to a student at a U.S. college or university taking coursework related to Ukraine.
The Vovk Foundation/UNWLA Scholarship is a permanently endowed scholarship created by the Vovk Foundation in partnership with the UNWLA. The Foundation honors the memory of Ivan Vovchuk, a noted scholar, writer, and community leader, and his son Andrew, an accomplished engineer and technologist. The scholarship awards $4,000 annually to a student of Ukrainian descent in fields including engineering, the sciences, medicine, law, business, and the arts.
Founded in 1925, the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA) is the oldest and largest Ukrainian women's organization in the United States. Guided by four pillars — Advocate, Educate, Cultivate, Care – the UNWLA supports Ukraine, assists vulnerable communities, and empowers Ukrainian women. Since the late 1950s, it has invested in the education of future generations through its scholarship programs. Learn more at unwla.org.
Photo: UNWLA
Author: Inna Mikhno