I grew up between different cultures, languages, and places. I can understand and read English, German, Quebecois French, Ukrainian, Greek, and Arabic. Moving through different parts of the United States and Canada and spending time abroad, especially in my family's native country Ukraine, shaped the way I see the world. I learned at an early age that history is not an abstract concept. It is lived by ordinary people, often through circumstances they never chose, and often repeated.

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My experiences gave me a deep curiosity about how societies function and how people communicate across political, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. Through my professional and personal experiences, I learned that information and trust are two of the most powerful forces in any society. When people understand each other and share reliable information, problems are easily solved in an effective, collaborative way. When communication breaks down, fear and misinformation fill the void.

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My professional focus naturally gravitated toward problem solving, communication, strategy, and understanding how narratives shape public action. In moments of crisis (especially war) our communication becomes more than messaging; it becomes a lifeline between those experiencing events on the ground and those who have the ability to help from afar.

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Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been one of those moments. The nation my family called home is fighting for its survival, its sovereignty and identity, and the right for its people to determine their own future. Behind every headline we see are millions of individuals whose lives have been disrupted by a war they did not start but are now forced to endure and fight. In this war, I have lost family members. I have also helped legally bring Ukrainian family members to the United States and Canada. 

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Despite having a brief background working in the United States House of Representatives, my support for Ukraine is not rooted in partisan politics whatsoever. I do not see this work as belonging to any political side. For me, supporting Ukraine is an act of honoring my family, my heritage, and the generations of people who endured hardship before me. It is also an act of supporting humanity itself. During times of suffering, humanity must come before politics.

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At Slava Ukraini, my role as Chief Communications Officer is to ensure that the world can clearly see the reality of what is desperately needed in Ukraine and the tangible impact that support can make during these circumstances. My goals are to build trust with our supporters and donors, communicate transparently about our work, and tell the stories of the people and communities who are directly affected by this war.

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Communication is too often treated as secondary to action, but in reality, it is what enables action. When people understand the stakes and see the results, they are far more willing to step forward to help, whether that be by volunteering, fundraising, sharing the message, or giving words of support and encouragement.

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History has repeated itself again, and Ukraine’s fight is not only about borders. It is about whether the Ukrainian people have the right to determine their own future without being erased by force.

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As Parry mentioned, talk is cheap, and at Slava Ukraini, I remain hopeful that words and ideas can turn into tangible actions. That's why in addition to working with Slava Ukraini, I consistently work to bring vehicles and aid to Ukraine, as well as do everything I can with my feet on the ground in Ukraine.

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It is my duty to ensure that Ukrainian stories continue to be heard and that those who want to help know exactly how they can make a difference, no matter how big or how small.

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Yuliana (Yana) Murray-Harris

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