Board
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Mykola Melnyk
Founder, CEO
Mykola Melnyk is a veteran who went from being a lawyer to a combat officer during the Russian-Ukrainian war. He is a Senior Lieutenant and Commander, awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky for his bravery.
He founded the charity “Brave Children of Ukraine.” The foundation helps children of Ukrainian defenders and orphans whose parents died defending Ukraine.
Dr. Phillip A. Karber,
Strategic Board Advisor, Head of the U.S. Office
Dr. Phillip A. Karber is a world-renowned military expert, and a former external advisor to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Having made over 45 trips to Ukraine, including numerous visits to active combat zones, Dr. Karber leverages his decades of strategic expertise and international influence to support the children of Ukrainian defenders who gave their lives for Ukraine's independence.
Denys Hayda
Board Member, Public & Community Relations, Ukraine
Denys Hayda is a Ukrainian military veteran and volunteer. He served in the Russian-Ukrainian War from 2014 to 2024. For his heroism on the battlefield, he was awarded the Order “For Courage” (2nd and 3rd degree). He was also honored with the title of People’s Hero of Ukraine.
Oleg Bonchynskiy
Board Member, Community Engagement, Ukraine
Oleg Bonchynskyi is a Ukrainian military veteran and volunteer. He served in the Russian-Ukrainian War. For his heroism on the battlefield, he was awarded the Order “For Courage” (3rd degree). He was also honored with the title of People’s Hero of Ukraine.
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Alec Ronin,
Board Member,
Financial oversight and governance Expert, USA
Alec Ronin serves as the Managing Partner of Brontide, LLC, a CPA firm based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, where he provides strategic leadership and advises businesses on complex audit, tax, and financial matters. With thirty years of experience in public accounting, he possesses extensive expertise in financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning.
Alec serves on the Board of Directors, where he contributes financial expertise and governance insight to support the organization’s mission, strengthen its financial stewardship, and promote its long-term sustainability.
Tatiana Raiberg,
Director of Strategy & Communications, USA
Tatiana Raiberg is a strategy and communications leader with a background in nonprofit development, international initiatives, and business operations.
Tatiana brings years of experience developing new programs, leading strategic initiatives, and building structured systems that drive organizational growth and impact.
Tatiana is also a doctoral researcher focused on veterans as an economic force in Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
At Brave Children of Ukraine, she leads strategy, communications, and organizational development, driving the foundation’s long-term growth and international outreach.
Foundation Team
Yuriy Kapustyak
Board Member, Local Government Relations
Yuriy Kapustyak is a Ukrainian military veteran and volunteer. He served in the Russian-Ukrainian War. For his heroism on the battlefield, he was awarded the Order “For Courage” (1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree). He is also a Knight of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky and a People’s Hero of Ukraine.
Olena Kukla
Manager program ""Girls’ Empowerment""
Olena Kukla is a Ukrainian veteran, master sergeant, and volunteer who served in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Ruslan Kaganets
Manager Civic and Patriotic Education
Ruslan Kaganets is a Ukrainian soldier and veteran who has been serving in the Russian-Ukrainian War since 2014.
Iryna Jurba
Volunteer Program Manager, Ukraine
After the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2014, Iryna became actively involved in volunteering and supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Since 2023, she has led the Ukrainian volunteer team of “Brave Children of Ukraine.”
Iryna Mazur
Community Outreach Lead, Pennsylvania
Iryna Mazur has been with “Brave Children of Ukraine” since its inception. She is dedicated to helping children affected by war and plays an essential role in sharing the foundation’s mission. Her kindness and commitment inspire the whole team.
Ulyana Boychuk
Development Advisor
Ulyana joined "Brave Children of Ukraine" with a deep-rooted desire to help children and a strong alignment with our core values. Bringing extensive experience in the charitable sector, she plays a vital role in our foundation's growth and strategic development. Her professional expertise and unwavering dedication are key to expanding our impact and ensuring a brighter future for the children of our fallen heroes.
Maria Pulkiv
Project manager, Ukraine
Maria Pulkiv leads the mission to support the children of fallen and active Ukrainian Heroes, ensuring they receive care, education, and opportunities to grow even in times of war.
Olena Zhyvko
Lawyer, Ukraine
Olena Zhyvko is a lawyer and volunteer. She knows firsthand what war is—from the early days in 2014 and the full-scale invasion to evacuating fallen soldiers under fire. She also understands what comes after the front lines: the journey of returning to civilian life. At our foundation, she helps veterans and their families reintegrate into society.