June 5, 2021: The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America held its XXXII national convention virtually on June 5, 2021, with two hundred and one delegates and guests in attendance. A new slate of officers was elected to the UNWLA National Board with Natalia Pawlenko as the new president.
Outgoing President Marianna Zajac, was unanimously elected honorary president in recognition of her outstanding contributions over her 13 year tenure.
Reports by the outgoing officers and standing committee chairs highlighted the many achievements of our organization since the last convention in May of 2017. Awards were given to Branches for outstanding contributions in the areas of Arts and Museum, Culture, Education, Membership, Public Relations, Scholarship, Social Media, and Social Welfare. Additionally, individual members and branches celebrating major anniversary milestones were recognized for their long years of dedicated service to the organization and the Ukrainian community.
In enumerating the many projects undertaken by the UNWLA, outgoing President Marianna Zajac, in her address to the convention, stated the “the motto of the XXXII convention –Spreading our Wings – reflects the fact that we continue to find new ways of becoming more effective and impactful in carrying out our mission.”
In her acceptance speech, newly elected president Natalia Pawlenko cited the many accomplishments achieved during the pandemic year. “The pandemic has shown that no challenge can limit the work of the UNWLA” said Ms. Pawlenko who also called for a redoubling of UNWLA’s efforts as the organization approaches its one hundredth anniversary.
