On October 19, 2025, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) celebrated its Centennial at New York’s historic Bohemian National Hall. The event honored a century of women’s leadership, service, and cultural preservation — a milestone few diaspora organizations have achieved.
Reflecting on the organization’s beginnings during its 25th anniversary in 1950, the first UNWLA President Yulia Shustakevych wrote:
“It wasn’t easy for the founders of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America to establish a women’s organization. None of us had the appropriate preparation, but it is clear that these eight women who gathered for the first initial meeting…had a ‘lucky hand’ and that God had blessed their plans.”
The celebration brought together members and friends from across the U.S. to reflect on UNWLA’s mission and legacy of humanitarian work, education, and advocacy.
Guests arriving at the hall were greeted by volunteers from the Honorary Branch 1, NYC, and received a beautifully designed souvenir program featuring the afternoon’s schedule and messages from the Centennial Honorary Committee.
Brochure mock-up
Thank you to our Soyuzianky who volunteered at the check-in
guests 2
Marianna Zajac, Chair of the Centennial Planning Committee, opened the event, welcoming community leaders, sponsors, supporters, and generations of UNWLA members — “each of you part of this beautiful legacy.
Metropolitan Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the U.S. and Metropolitan Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. offered their blessings, followed by a moment of silence in memory of Ukrainian soldiers and UNWLA members who have passed away.
A special message from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, read by Oresta Starak, First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine, praised UNWLA’s century of courage and solidarity:
“It is the courage to be the voice of truth — the strength of women’s solidarity that can transcend borders and circumstances, uniting the past and the future.”
Later Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Olga Stefanishyna joined the celebration
“Legacy in Motion”: A Story Told on Stage
The centerpiece of the celebration was Legacy in Motion, an original theatrical production written and directed by Romana Soutus of NASHi Experimental Culture Project (Kyiv). The performance traced the journey of generations of Soyuzianky — from the League’s founding to its ongoing humanitarian work today.
Watch full performance on UNWLA’s youtube channel
The closing line — “And we’re just getting started!” — earned a standing ovation.
A Toast to 100 Years
The celebration continued with a Centennial Reception, where guests enjoyed sparkling Prosecco, Veselka’s hors d’oeuvres, and the signature “Centennial Bloom” cocktail.
The elegantly decorated hall welcomed guests, showcasing a selection of designed posters with covers of Our Life Magazine.
A highlight was the “Threads of Unity” quilt — 101 embroidered squares created by Members at Large, symbolizing connection and sisterhood across generations.
UNWLA President Natalia Pawlenko closed the event with words that perfectly captured the spirit of the day:
“This day reminds us that we are all part of a great living tapestry — each heart and voice woven together through time in this remarkable sisterhood that endures and inspires.”
As guests joined in singing Mnohaya Lita, it was clear that UNWLA’s story — one of unity, culture, and service — is far from over.
“And we’re just getting started.”
| Our deepest appreciation and gratitude goes to all the sponsors and donors of the Centennial celebration! Your contributions will shape impact for the next century! |
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Selfreliance Financial Federal Credit Union; Orest and Lidia Bilous Family Foundation; Selfreliance Federal Credit Union; Prof. Jaroslaw and Alla Leshko; George and Anisa Mycak; Prof Oleh Tretiak and Prof Renata Holod; Moye Handling Systems, Yaroslaw and Karen Chelak; SUMA Federal Credit Union; Ukrainian National Association Inc; Marta Mulyk Baxer; Vira Bodnaruk; Christine Bonacorsa; Branch 56, North Port, Florida; Detroit Regional Council; Ukrainian Catholic Education FOU; Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union; Hrycak-Samotulka children in honor of their mother Daria Samotulka; Dr. Yuri Mischenko & Natalia Pawlenko; Marianna Zajac; Mary Motyl & Joseph Laraia Merck (matching Motyl donation of 1000); Branch 98, Holmdel/Middletown, NJ; Branch 136, Naples, Florida; Heirloom Transformations TM by Anna Denysyk; Nova UA Federal Credit Union; St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Mission Parish, Naples, FL. (Fr. Andrii Romankiv); Stawnychy Financial Services Inc; Tamara Denysenko; Alexandra Hursky; Luba Kostryba; Oksana Lodziuk and Myron Krywulych; Iryna Kurowyckyj; Lydia Prokop; The Szmagala/Jarem Charitable Fund; Kateryna Wolowodiuk; Halyna Traversa Young; Meest; Dr. Ihor and Barbara Cehelsky; John and Olya Czerkas; Nadia Deychakiwsky; Anna Harmaty; Nadia Jaworiw; Margaret Keer; Chrystyna Panycia; Natalie Santarsiero; Ukrainian American Cultural Center of NJ |
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