UGS is a lean and agile organization: UGS is effectively operated by a team of 10+ employees and a network of 100+ volunteers. Our Leadership Team provides strategic steer and supports key fundraising, admissions, community building, boarding school advising, college counseling, and academic advising workstreams. Our Mentors work directly with the scholars providing invaluable 1:1 guidance. Our Essay team and a team of professional editors support our scholars with essay writing. Our Admissions team runs annual publicity and admission campaigns and selects new cohorts of UGS scholars. Our Co-mentors, or recent UGS alumni, work alongside the more experienced mentors and already give back to our community by supporting new UGS intakes. Many volunteers contribute to multiple teams; all in all, about 75% of UGS alumni are involved with UGS in some capacity, paving the way for new scholars. Our Repatriation team builds and develops partnerships with businesses, non-governmental organizations, and the public sector, creates opportunities for professional development for UGS finalists through internships, support for first-time employment, and the formation of a strong community of UGS alumni. Our Advisers, including former U.S. Ambassadors and prominent business thinkers, provide valuable strategic advice, enabling us to scale UGS operations. As a public charity UGS relies on individual and corporate donations to cover its operating costs. The majority of our donors come from the US and Ukraine.
Information partner
Information partner in Ukraine
Information partner
Information partner in Ukraine
Fundraising partner
Pro bono legal partner in Ukraine
Education Partner
Education partner
Education partner
Education partner
Education partner
Fundraising partner
Education partner
Fundraising partner
Legal partner in Ukraine

In this role, Kateryna is responsible for creating engaging social media posts, designing graphics, editing videos, and supporting the implementation of communication strategies. Kateryna brings valuable international experience from her studies abroad, which strengthens her commitment to inspire and guide Ukrainian youth in their applications to UGS.

As a Communications Manager, Veronika is focused on developing UGS’s communications strategy and managing UGS’s social media and other communication channels. Previously, Veronika has worked in international nonprofits and businesses in the education and IT fields. Apart from Communications, she is passionate about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion matters.

As a UGS President, Julia leads day-to-day UGS operations out of Boston with a special focus on fundraising and strategic projects, e.g., UGS partnerships. Trained in Ukraine and the UK, Julia has 10+ years of experience as a banking and corporate lawyer.

Yana has over 15 years of experience in education operations and student support. She has guided students and families through international academic processes, ensuring structured, reliable, and human-centred support at every stage. Yana is passionate about expanding access to global education and empowering Ukrainian youth.

As the UGS Program Director, Olena Nechay is responsible for developing the UGS graduate repatriation program to Ukraine. She assists students in finding internship opportunities in Ukraine and helps graduates secure their first job in the country. Establishes new partnerships and maintains existing ones. Ensures that students stay informed about the contemporary Ukrainian business environment. Additionally, organizes job fairs with representatives from both the Ukrainian business community and the public sector. Contributes to strategic initiatives aimed at building a positive image among Ukrainian and international partners.

As Chief Operating Officer, Olha oversees UGS operations, ensuring smooth day-to-day management and strategic coordination. She supports students and their families throughout the application process and their journey with UGS, coordinates student-focused programs and initiatives, including the annual summer boot camp, and drives efforts to enhance the overall student experience globally.

As the Mentorship Director, Melissa is responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and management of volunteer mentors. She has over a decade of experience in teaching, academic advising and curriculum development. She is dedicated to supporting education initiatives for international students. Outside of work, she is actively involved in volunteer efforts, including with the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Kenya Education Fund.

As the UGS Program Director, Helen performs strategic and operational management of the UGS Program in Ukraine with a special focus on connections with key stakeholders, coordination, and monitoring of the UGS operations in Ukraine. Trained in Sociology of Education, School Improvement & Educational Leadership, and Law, Helen has 15+ years of interdisciplinary professional experience, including in educational leadership, policymaking, and social research with a special interest in transnational educational migration.

Оксана, координує фінансові процеси фонду, забезпечуючи прозорість, ефективність і стійкий розвиток донорських коштів для підтримки талановитих дітей на шляху до провідних коледжів і університетів світу. Має багатогранний досвід у міжнародних бізнес-компаніях та неприбуткових, благодійних організаціях, забезпечуючи ефективне фінансове управління, контроль і аудит. Поза роботою, Оксана долучається до волонтерських проєктів, сприяючи інклюзивності та ініціативам для розвитку суспільства.

As the UGS Repatriation Program Manager, Vira works individually with students and alumni to find the most suitable internships and jobs. She is driven by a deep commitment to youth development and a strong focus on individual needs and care.