Foundation Team
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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
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.

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.




