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10 OUR LIFE • September-October 2024 tend the funerals of our fellow students than their weddings.” The UNWLA Women’s Center at UCU works together with the In- stitute for Psychological Health to help with the mental health issues arising from the war. The Women’s Center also brings academic programs to the stu- dents, many themed around the current war and what women are going through. In October 2022, the center organized an international conference at UCU titled, “Imperial Powers and Women: Trauma, Resistance, and Resilience.” This is the pow - er of our organization of which we should be so proud. After Dr. Dobko’s speech, the two remaining Spirit of Ukraine awards were presented. The second UNWLA Spirit of Ukraine award was given to Oksana Bilozir, Ukraine’s former Minis - ter of Culture, who has been a staunch supporter of Ukrainian soldiers and prisoners of war. Her efforts in both cultural and political spheres, coupled with her support for the UNWLA over the years, have profoundly im- pacted Ukraine and its people. Valentyna Tabaka accepted the award on behalf of Ms. Bilozir. The final UNWLA Spirit of Ukraine award was given to the WFUWO team at the United Na - tions. For over three decades, the WFUWO team has been a steadfast advocate for Ukraine at Bria Blessing and Jesse Pohle enchant banquet guests. Брія Блессінґ і Джессі Пол зачаровують гостей бенкету. UNWLA Members-at-Large take the opportunity to meet with MAL liaison Olya Czerkas. Вільні членкині користуються нагодою зустрітися зі зв’язковою вільних членкинь Олею Черкас. the UN. Composed of volunteers who are also members of the UNWLA, this team has played a crucial role in drawing international attention to human rights violations in Ukraine. Their enduring commitment to Ukraine’s cause has been instrumental in shaping global perceptions and policies. Marianna Zajac accepted the award on behalf of the team. During dinner, our members were entertained by opera singer Alla Rodina, a soprano from the National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv who is also a member of UNWLA Branch 1 in New York City, and by Bria Bless- ing and her husband Jesse Pohle. To everyone’s delighted surprise, Bria spoke and sang in beautiful Ukrainian. While Bria is not Ukrainian, she spent most of her life from the ages of 13 to 40 in Ukraine with her mis- sionary parents. Bria became immersed and enchanted with the Ukrain- ian language while attending local schools. How wonderful to hear an American woman speak our language with passion and precision! The evening ended with the results of the lottery winnings organized by our Fundraising committee. Members danced to the tunes played by Bria and Jesse. Few wanted to leave, though the hour was late. Day 3 , Sunday morning began with both Catholic and Orthodox lit - urgies, followed by breakfast and the final plenary session. New reso- lutions were debated, amended, and adopted. These resolutions form a “road map” for the organization, and the discussion was lively. Break-out meetings then followed for Branches-at-Large and Members- at-Large. Our members listened to one last presentation on Zemliachky, by Ksenia Drahaniuk and Andrij Kolesnyk, the organizers of the project in Ukraine. They shared a film of their work and thanked our Soyuzianky for their contribution to this important initiative. The convention then ad- journed with a closing ceremony. Lunch was served, and members began preparing for their departures. At a brief meeting of the newly elected board, new officers were introduced. Our new board was photographed by Oksana Sorochan (Branch 98, Holmdel/Middletown, NJ) of TruePhoto.US, who officiat - ed as our photographer throughout the convention. As the theme of our convention – “Heritage and Strength” – res- onates over the next three years, let us continue to strengthen and share our beautiful heritage with the work we do as we continue to advocate, educate, cultivate, and care. The war in Ukraine threatens our heritage and our identity. We must “double-down” on each di - mension, educating our elected officials and our American friends. God bless America! God bless Ukraine! До Перемоги! Слава Україні! For many more photos from the XXXIII Convention, visit the UNWLA website at unwla.org.
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