Advocacy Leader
Oleks Taran
President, Svitanok NY
Community organizer mobilizing New York's Ukrainian diaspora through advocacy, cultural programming, and civic action.
The Future of Ukrainian-American Leadership Starts Here
Ukrainian Community
Impact & Civic Gala
Celebrating Leadership, Advocacy & Influence.
Building the Next Chapter of the Ukrainian-American Civic Ecosystem.
An exclusive leadership gathering uniting the people shaping the future of the Ukrainian-American community. Community leaders, business executives, diplomats, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, philanthropists, cultural ambassadors, media, and advocates will come together to strengthen civic infrastructure, expand strategic partnerships, support Ukraine, and build long-term influence across the United States.
09.20.26Chicago, IL
Organized by
In collaboration with
The Mandate
Our strength extends beyond identity. We are an ecosystem of leadership, transforming individual initiatives into coordinated national impact.
Unite the Ukrainian-American community as a coordinated civic force.
The Ukrainian community in America is no longer only cultural or humanitarian. It is a growing civic force - businesses, media, nonprofits, churches, advocacy leaders, donors, veterans organizations, cultural ambassadors, and a new generation of leaders - ready to organize, coordinate, and act together.
- ◆Coordinate business, nonprofit, media, and advocacy efforts
- ◆Strengthen democratic values and support for Ukraine
- ◆Build durable Ukrainian-American civic infrastructure
Civic Infrastructure
Building stronger Ukrainian-American institutions that endure across generations.
Strategic Advocacy
Strengthening informed civic engagement and public awareness at the highest levels.
Cultural Diplomacy
Showcasing Ukraine’s identity through modern culture, art, and public dialogue.
Philanthropy
Supporting sustainable nonprofit initiatives across the community.
Section · Event Positioning
A hybrid civic-cultural-philanthropic gala with a compliance-conscious structure
The evening is organized as two clearly separated tracks. The public gala is nonpartisan and community-focused. The private PAC reception is invitation-only and independently hosted.
Nonpartisan · 501(c)(3)
Hosted by
- URC Life / Ukrainian Roots Community
- Svitanok.ny 501(c)(3)
A nonpartisan community, civic education, cultural, philanthropic, and leadership event - open to sponsors, partners, and community guests.
Focus of the public program
- ◆Ukrainian-American civic leadership
- ◆Community infrastructure and coordination
- ◆Support for Ukraine
- ◆Ukrainian Adjustment Act awareness
- ◆Cultural diplomacy and exchange
- ◆Unity of Ukrainian business and nonprofits
- ◆Veterans support
- ◆Donor and sponsor engagement
- ◆Long-term Ukrainian-American influence
Proceeds support Ukrainian-American civic education, community infrastructure, advocacy awareness, cultural diplomacy, and nonprofit programming.
Section 02 / Context
Why this gala matters
The Ukrainian-American community has entered a new era. Today, our strength extends far beyond cultural identity - we represent a growing ecosystem of civic influence across the United States.
◆Community Leadership
◆Entrepreneurship & Business
◆Civic Engagement
◆Media & Communications
◆Education
◆Philanthropy
◆Veterans Support
◆Cultural Diplomacy
◆Advocacy
◆Public Service
Together, we are transforming individual initiatives into coordinated national impact.
Section 03 / Convening
A gathering of
leaders
The Gala convenes distinguished representatives from across the Ukrainian-American ecosystem. It is an evening where meaningful relationships become long-term partnerships, and where collective presence translates into national influence.
By the numbers
15+Leadership categories
40+Partner organizations
1Evening. One vision.
Who convenes
01
Community Leaders
Directors of Ukrainian-American institutions and civic organizations.
02
Diplomats
Consular and diplomatic representatives building bilateral ties.
03
Public Officials
U.S. congressional and municipal leaders advancing policy.
04
Business Executives
Founders and CEOs strengthening cross-Atlantic commerce.
05
Philanthropists
Individuals and foundations investing in long-term impact.
06
Veterans Leaders
Advocates supporting service members and post-service care.
07
Faith & Cultural
Clergy, artists, and cultural ambassadors shaping identity.
08
Media Executives
Producers, editors, and platforms carrying the narrative.
09
Young Civic Leaders
The next generation of Ukrainian-American influence.
Featured voices
Leaders on stage
A first look at the officials, advocates, and community figures joining the gala.
Official Guest
Maria Pappas
Cook County Treasurer, Chicago
Long-serving public official and steadfast ally of the Ukrainian-American community across Illinois.
Ukrainian Official
Alexander Romanishyn
Strategy Director, Razom We Stand
Former Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine leading strategy for global energy and sanctions advocacy.
Community Leader
Alex Balbus
President, Ukrainian Roots Community
Founder of URC Life and URC Radio; entrepreneur building infrastructure for Ukrainian-American civic influence.
Advocacy Leader
Nazar Melnychuk
Svitanok NY Leadership
Civic organizer coordinating grassroots advocacy, community outreach, and cross-organization partnerships in New York.
Community Leader
Vlad Skots
Co-Chair, Ukrainian American House · CEO, USKO
Award-winning Ukrainian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist bridging U.S. business leadership and Ukrainian civic life.
Confirmed voices
Distinguished Participants
A curated circle of leaders, advocates, and cultural voices confirmed for the gathering.
(12)
AdvocacyPublic OfficialDiplomacyCommunity LeaderAdvocacyCommunity Leader
Business ExecutivePhilanthropistDiplomacyFaith & CultureMediaVeteransTrust & Recognition
In good company
Recognized and supported by organizations, institutions, and community leaders across the Ukrainian-American landscape.
URC Life
Svitanok.NY
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America
Razom for Ukraine
United Help Ukraine
Nova Ukraine
Ukrainian Institute of America
Ukrainian National Federation
Ukrainian American Bar Association
Selfreliance Foundation
Ukrainian Medical Association
Ukrainian American Youth Association
Ukrainian Museum
Meest America
Voices of Children
Sunflower of Peace
Ukrainian American Veterans
URC Life
Svitanok.NY
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America
Razom for Ukraine
United Help Ukraine
Nova Ukraine
Ukrainian Institute of America
Ukrainian National Federation
Ukrainian American Bar Association
Selfreliance Foundation
Ukrainian Medical Association
Ukrainian American Youth Association
Ukrainian Museum
Meest America
Voices of Children
Sunflower of Peace
Ukrainian American Veterans
Section 04 / Distinction
What makes this event different
01
Civic Leadership
Building stronger Ukrainian-American institutions.
02
Community Infrastructure
Connecting organizations, businesses and initiatives.
03
Advocacy
Strengthening informed civic engagement and public awareness.
04
Philanthropy
Supporting sustainable nonprofit initiatives.
05
Cultural Diplomacy
Showcasing Ukraine's identity through modern culture.
06
Strategic Collaboration
Creating partnerships that extend well beyond a single evening.
Our Shared Values
Connected. Professional. Purpose-driven.
IntegrityLegacyServiceExcellenceUnity
Section 05 / Program
Evening Schedule
5:30 PM
Leadership Welcome Reception
Private reception for confirmed civic leaders, diplomatic guests, sponsors, host committee members, speakers, and cultural ambassadors.
6:00 PM
Guest Arrival, Red Carpet & Networking
Media wall, partner photo area, sponsor recognition, Ukrainian art and culture display, welcome drinks, guest registration, and press interviews.
6:45 PM
Opening Cultural Moment
Ukrainian and American anthems, symbolic cultural performance, blessing by clergy, and a moment of remembrance for Ukraine's defenders and civilians.
7:00 PM
Official Opening
Why this event matters, why civic influence matters now, and why unity between business, nonprofits, media, culture, advocacy, and donors is essential.
URC Life & Svitanok.ny / Host Organizations
7:10 PM
Diplomatic Welcome
Ukraine-U.S. partnership, the role of the diaspora, gratitude to American society, and the importance of an organized Ukrainian-American community.
Consul General Kostiantyn Vorona / Consulate General of Ukraine
7:20 PM
Community Infrastructure Presentation
URC Life / UA Portal, community coordination, media infrastructure, event and resource ecosystem, advocacy awareness, and Ukrainian Adjustment Act education.
Alex Balbus & Svitanok.ny / URC Life / Svitanok.ny
7:35 PM
Senator Dick Durbin Remarks
Legacy of public service, democratic values, support for Ukraine, immigrant communities, and the future of Ukrainian-American civic engagement.
Senator Dick Durbin / U.S. Senate
7:55 PM
Future Leadership & Congressional Perspective
A moderated, issue-based conversation on the future of Ukrainian-American civic engagement and U.S.-Ukraine relations.
8:10 PM
Policy & Civic Strategy Conversation
How Ukrainian-Americans can build long-term bipartisan political influence: PACs, campaign finance, advocacy vs. political activity, and professional representation.
Jed Sunden / Policy Strategist
8:30 PM
Community Impact Voices
Short remarks from Revived Soldiers Ukraine, Ukrainian House / UA House, clergy, Ukrainian business, and cultural ambassadors - the full ecosystem of veterans, faith, culture, business, advocacy, and media.
8:50 PM
Cultural Demonstration & Exchange
A high-impact musical performance and cultural visual moment connecting civic influence with Ukrainian identity - art, fashion, poetry, and cross-cultural exchange.
9:15 PM
Nonprofit Mission Appeal
Proceeds from the public gala support Ukrainian-American civic education, community infrastructure, advocacy awareness, cultural diplomacy, and nonprofit programming.
9:40 PM
Closing & Next Steps
Follow-up advocacy briefing, donor circle, community leadership council, media recap, partner coordination platform, and next community action steps.
10:00 PM
Networking, Media & Photos
Informal networking and partner conversations.
Section 06 / Impact
Our shared impact
We are building an innovation ecosystem for Ukrainian-American civic life - where community organizations, entrepreneurs, technologists, and cultural leaders compound each other's impact and turn presence into lasting influence.
01Civic Infrastructure & Community Hubs
02Entrepreneurship & Founder Networks
03Advocacy & Policy Influence
04Next-Generation Leadership Pipelines
05Sustained Support for Ukraine
06Veterans Reintegration & Care
07Cultural Diplomacy & Storytelling
08Technology, Media & Innovation
09Cross-Border Business Collaboration
10Education, Mentorship & Scholarships
11Long-Term Community Coordination
Not only what our community has accomplished - but the ecosystem we can build together.
The Previous Success
A legacy of gatherings that moved the community forward.
For years, URC Life and Svitanok.NY have convened Ukrainian-American leaders, officials, philanthropists, and cultural voices - raising funds for Ukraine, strengthening civic infrastructure, and building lasting bonds. Explore the moments that came before this evening.
12+
Signature events
3,200+
Guests convened
80+
Speakers & leaders
$1.4M+
Raised for Ukraine
gallery.urclife.org
Section · Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most-asked questions
The evening runs two clearly separated tracks. Use the tabs below to see the questions most relevant to how you plan to participate.
The gala is open to sponsors, partners, community leaders, business executives, diplomats, public officials, philanthropists, cultural ambassadors, media, and invited community guests. It is a nonpartisan community, civic, cultural, and philanthropic event.
Section · Compliance & Disclosures
Two tracks. One clear line between them.
The public gala and the private PAC reception are organized, ticketed, checked in, and accounted for separately. The disclosures below explain how each track is treated.
Track 1 · Public Civic Gala
Nonprofit · 501(c)(3) · Nonpartisan
- Organizer. URC Life / Ukrainian Roots Community with Svitanok.ny 501(c)(3).
- Tax status. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, after deducting the fair market value of goods and services received. Svitanok.ny will provide a written acknowledgment.
- Political activity. The public gala does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate, party, or campaign, and does not engage in partisan political activity.
- Use of funds. Net proceeds support Ukrainian-American civic education, community infrastructure, cultural diplomacy, veterans support, and nonprofit programming.
- Data & privacy. Registration information is used only for event operations and program communications, consistent with the Privacy Policy.
Track 2 · Private PAC Reception
Political · Invitation only · Not tax-deductible
- Organizer. Hosted independently by American Ukraine PAC and/or the official candidate campaign committee - not by URC Life or Svitanok.ny.
- Tax status. Political contributions are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
- Eligibility. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents only, contributing personal funds. Prohibited: foreign nationals (other than lawful permanent residents), federal contractors, and corporate treasury funds. Individual contribution limits apply.
- Public reporting. Contributions may be reportable to the FEC or applicable state authorities and may appear in public campaign finance filings as required by law.
- Separation. Track 2 uses separate hosts, invitations, ticketing/contribution processing, check-in, and accounting from the 501(c)(3) public gala.
This page provides general information and is not legal, tax, or campaign finance advice. Please consult your own advisor for guidance specific to your situation. Nothing on this page constitutes a solicitation of political contributions from persons not eligible to give under U.S. law.
Section 07 / Your Invitation
Your invitation to lead
Your presence is more than attendance. It is a contribution to a stronger, more connected Ukrainian-American community. This evening is reserved for those ready to help shape what comes next.
01
Distinguished Guest
02
Community Leader
03
Diplomatic Representative
04
Public Official
05
Business Executive
06
Sponsor
07
Partner Organization
08
Cultural Ambassador
09
Philanthropist
10
Host Committee
Section 08 / Together
Building the future - together
Connected.Professional.Collaborative.Influential.Purpose-Driven.
We look forward to welcoming you as part of this important milestone in Ukrainian-American civic leadership.
Entertainment Track
A curated program of art, music & story
The Gala's entertainment program is designed to honor Ukrainian artistry and elevate the civic occasion. Below is the current preview - artists, banners and posters, video, and the photo pool. Full lineup is confirmed closer to the event.
KLive
Opening Performance · 6:15 PM
Kyiv Symphonic Ensemble
A curated chamber selection blending Ukrainian classical repertoire with contemporary composition.
JHeadliner
Headline Vocalist · 8:30 PM
Jamala
Grammy-nominated artist and Eurovision winner performing signature works and a new tribute piece.
DFeatured
Interlude · 9:00 PM
DakhaBrakha (Recorded Set)
Ethno-chaos ensemble contribution curated exclusively for the gala reel.
DReception
After-Program Reception · 9:45 PM
DJ Nastia
Closing set bridging Ukrainian electronic music with global house.
Interested in performing, exhibiting, or partnering on the entertainment program? Reach the artistic direction team through the Creator Partners application.
Apply as Creative Partner →Confirm Attendance
Confirm Attendance
By invitation only. Please provide your professional credentials for the host committee.
Contact
Get in touch
For sponsorship inquiries, press credentials, or general questions about the gala, our team is available at the addresses below.
- info@urclife.org
- Phone
- +1 (888) 555-1234
- Partnerships
- partnerships@urclife.org