The foundation is wholly dedicated to charitable endeavors! Our mission is to actively support and enhance initiatives that our board members have previously participated in. Every project aims to benefit the public, ensuring that no private interests are involved. We’re exceptionally committed to uplifting war-torn Ukrainians living under Ukrainian government control, making a positive impact on their lives. Together, we can create meaningful change and foster hope for a brighter future!
The Ukrainian Arizona Foundation works to provide humanitarian support to Ukrainian civilians (including clothing, computers, power sources, etc.) and to military medical units (including medical supplies, uniforms, vehicles, etc.) in a responsive and cost-effective manner. The Ukrainian Arizona Foundation is dedicated to channeling humanitarian support from Arizona to Ukraine and helping tip the scales of success against an unprovoked and genocidal war.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dmitri Logvinenko
President
Dmitri Logvinenko grew up in Kharkiv, Ukraine. He works at Phoenix College as a professor of mathematics. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by russian occupants in 2022, he has dedicated most of his free time to volunteering activities. He frequently travels to Ukraine, delivering supplies and purchasing vehicles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Starting in the Spring of 2024, he is the co-founder of the non-profit Ukrainian Arizona Foundation, which aims to help Ukraine.
Ganna Kyrychenko
Director, Treasure
Ganna Kyrychenko serves as the Treasurer of the organization, bringing in over 15 years of experience in aviation. She holds a master’s degree in Air Traffic Management and is passionate about applying her expertise to support the organization’s mission and community impact. Ganna is also a devoted wife and mother, dedicated to service, integrity, and teamwork both professionally and personally.
Nataly Podolnikova
Director, Secretary
Nataly Podolnikova was born and raised in Kyiv. She is a molecular cell biologist with over 20 years of experience in scientific research. She is dedicated to supporting the Ukrainian community in Phoenix through volunteer work. She has coordinated clothing and supply drives for displaced families in Ukraine, helped organize concerts and cultural celebrations, and worked on fundraising projects that provide direct aid. Her efforts focus on both humanitarian support abroad and preserving Ukrainian culture for future generations in the U.S.
Yuriy Melnyk
Director, Chairman
Yuriy Melnyk grew up in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. He moved to the United States in 2005 and has been residing in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2008. He is a Senior Electrical Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace, working in the R&O department of electronics for both military and commercial aviation.
In 2014, when the war in Ukraine began, Yuriy and his friends initiated a support program for the defenders of Ukraine. In 2016, he joined the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) Phoenix chapter and became an active member of the Ukrainian community in Phoenix.
Today, he serves as the Vice President of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Mary’s Protectress and is the co-founder of the Ukrainian Arizona Foundation.
John Thornton
Director
John Thornton is the principal for Thornton Financial Consulting, specializing in utility finance and rates. He has testified in electric, gas, water, and telecommunications cases before state commissions and the FERC. He has also presented for the Agency for International Development, and he has lead seminars at the Institute for Public Utilities. Mr. Thornton earned a B.S. in Economics from Willamette University in 1984, a Graduate Diploma awarded with credit from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 1985, and an M.Sc. from the University of London, having completed the graduate program in economics at the LSE in 1986. Mr. Thornton is passionate about supporting Ukraine through personal sponsorships under Uniting for Ukraine, through projects under local Rotary clubs and Rotary International, and through the Ukrainian Arizona Foundation.
VOLUNTEERS
Olena Feltina
Media
Olena Feltina was born in Ukraine and now lives in the United States. She is a proud wife, mom, and dog lover who believes in the power of kindness and the importance of community. Since the start of the war, she has dedicated her time to volunteering for Ukraine — organizing donation drives, sending humanitarian aid, and supporting those in need. Olena loves nature, the outdoors, and carries the spirit of my homeland in everything I do.
From BYLAWS:
T2.01 Purposes.
The purpose of the Foundation is defined in its Articles of Incorporation. The Corporation may engage only in activities permitted for nonprofit corporations under Arizona law and statutes, such as:
- Raise funds and gather tangible resources, such as medical equipment, supplies, and educational materials, to provide assistance to Ukraine in the areas of health, education, and family welfare.
- Raise funds to assist various organizations in Ukraine in their efforts to develop a free and prosperous economy, safeguard Ukrainian culture, preserve Ukrainian national identity and cultural heritage, and develop the national democratic process.
- Meticulously organize and deliver charitable, medical, and humanitarian aid to individuals and organizations affected or harmed during national democratic protests, as well as to their families.
- Coordinate efforts with other aid organizations that offer similar charitable assistance to optimize impact and reach.
- Consistently advocate for the advancement of civil society in Ukraine through grant-making and other programs, utilizing innovative technologies and different strategic approaches.
- Provide financial assistance to an organization that works towards diminishing corruption across all sectors of life in Ukraine.
- Provide financial assistance to organizations that actively uphold the preservation of Ukraine’s geopolitical unity.
- Engage in programs aimed at raising awareness about Ukraine in the United States and globally.
- To pursue any other charitable purpose in line with 26 U.S.C §501 (Section 501 (c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code) as determined by the Board of Directors of the corporation.
October 20th, 2024