Trying to make our grandparents proud.

The world has watched in awe of the bravery of the Ukrainian people. For us in the diaspora, we are not surprised by their heroism. We heard similar stories from our parents and grandparents. Whether they fled during World War II, survived the Ukrainian genocide known as the Holodomor, or resisted against the repressive Soviet regime, the story of resilience is the same. We are coming together to support Ukrainians now in this latest battle for freedom and raising funds to help the growing refugee crisis. Inspired by a Ukrainian woman who confronted a heavily armed soldier with just a handful of sunflower seeds (the national flower of Ukraine), Ivanka Theodosia Galadza an artist from Ottawa is creating art to represent the growing movement to rally around the Ukrainian people. Let the seeds of hope spread around the world.

Ivanka Theodosia Galadza is a Ukrainian-Canadian living in Ottawa. She is an illustrator and has recently completed a graphic novel about the Holodomor titled Five Stalks of Grain, forthcoming from the University of Calgary Press in November 2022. Named after her two grandmothers, Ivanna and Theodosia, she hopes to make them proud by honouring her heritage and offering hope in the form of art.

Mary Micevych Jerome is a second generation Ukrainian-American living in Los Angeles with her husband and two girls. Mary consults leading non-profits on cause-marketing campaigns. She’s worked with organizations and companies including the UN Foundation, Red Nose Day, Ad Council, Disney, United Way and more.