Our Story
The inception of Friends of Ukraine, Madison, traces back to a serendipitous encounter between Ukrainians brought together by American friends. It all began when Natalka and Ruslana crossed paths at a Literacy Network fundraiser, and a similar connection happened between Olga and Ruslana at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Education. This fusion of Ukrainian and American lives in Dane County sparked the formation of our community. Inspired by Natalka Akulenko’s Facebook group, Friends of Ukraine - Madison, what started as a small gathering quickly blossomed. As Wisconsinites sought a sense of community and a way to support Ukraine during the challenging times of the 2022 invasion, our group rapidly expanded. United by a shared goal to support one another and the broader Dane County community, Friends of Ukraine, Madison, evolved into a vibrant support network dedicated to the cause of Ukraine and its people.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote Ukrainian culture among Wisconsinites and to create a sense of belonging among Ukrainians. We strive to support Ukrainians scattered by the war and to promote Ukrainian culture through educative and cultural events for Wisconsinites.
Our Community
Our community consists of Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Wisconsin on humanitarian parole after the 2022 invasion, as well as those who have been here since the 90’s and early 2000’s. Our board members represent both groups, working together to support the Ukrainian community and share our rich cultural heritage with the people of Madison.
Get Involved
Join us in our mission to celebrate Ukrainian culture and support our community. Whether you are looking to attend our events, volunteer, or donate, there are many ways to get involved with Friends of Ukraine - Madison. Together, we can make a difference and build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Our Board Members
Ruslana Westerlund
President and Director
Ruslana was born in Buzhanka, Ukraine (Cherkasy region) and graduated from Cherkasy State Pedagogical University in 1995 majoring in education and English linguistics. After graduating, she came to the US as an exchange teacher, earned her doctorate at Bethel University. She now works as an educational consultant supporting educational initiatives for K-12 students working with school districts in southeastern Wisconsin, and consults nationally and internationally through her own company. She resides in the Madison suburbs.
Zoya Khomyk
Secretary, Fundraising Director
Zoya is a registered nurse with more than 15 years of experience in mental health. She was born in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, and graduated from Vasyl Stefanyk National University. She came to Madison in 1998. She now resides in Middleton.
Olha Skyba
Treasurer, Financial Director
Olha Skyba was born in Rivne, Ukraine. She graduated from Kyiv National Linguistic University with a degree in English and Spanish Linguistics. She arrived in 2002 for graduate studies. She has also earned an M.S. degree in educational psychology from Purdue University. Currently, she works as an associate director of academics and development at the UW-Madison where she manages the academic and curricular processes for Badger Pre-college as well as over-sees scholarship and fundraising initiatives. She now resides in Madison.
Natalka Akulenko
Communications & Media Director
Natalka was born in Kyiv, where she graduated from the Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University and worked in the Ukrainian environmental movement. She came to Madison in 2004 with her young children and never left. She now resides in Madison.
Halyna Turchanova
Outreach Director
Halyna Turchanova was born in Oleksandrivka Kirovohrad region, Ukraine. She graduated from Kirovograd Institute of Agriculture Engineering with a degree in Management. She served as a manager and Insurance Broker in Insurance Broker's Company EULIFE GROUP. She fled the full-scale invasion in 2022 and arrived in Madison with her son under the Uniting 4 Ukraine program.
Kateryna Babych
Board of Directors, and officer: Program Manager
Katya Babych, born in Kyiv, Ukraine, graduated from Drahomanov National Pedagogical University with a degree in Psychology. She served as a Business Manager and Project Coordinator at New Generation private school and Children’s Development Center in Kyiv, overseeing managerial, financial, and legal aspects of the K-12 school system for over 12 years. After fleeing the country due to the war, she now resides in Stoughton with her husband and two children.
Ellina Golynska
Board of Directors, and officer: Event Manager
Elina Glynska represents two Ukrainian regions in our community - Kyiv and Odessa regions. She studied at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. She has over 25 years of experience in advertising and marketing. She arrived in the USA in September 2022.