Our Team
Who We Are
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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.

Olena Kukla
Board Member, Girls’ Empowerment
Olenka Kukla is a Ukrainian veteran, master sergeant, and volunteer who served in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Denys Hayda
Board Member, Public & Community Relations
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
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.

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.

Ruslan Kaganets
Board Member, 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.


