In 2014, when Ukraine was going through difficult times, I decided to try my hand at volunteering for the first time. Back then, as a fourth-year student, I founded the project “Acta non Verba” (actions, not words). It was a series of lectures and master classes during which we collected donations to help the Ukrainian military. I realized that even small actions can have a huge impact if they are done with heart and faith in the cause.
The road to Florida and helping Ukrainians
In 2016, I moved to Florida to study for an MBA at Lynn University. However, the real impetus for volunteering in Florida came in 2022, when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The Uniting for Ukraine program opened the door for many Ukrainians to find refuge in the United States, and I felt that with my experience and knowledge, I could help those who had left everything behind to save their families.
Boca Ratón: from idea to community
The fall of 2022 marked the beginning of my active volunteer work in Boca Raton. I organized charity events, brought Ukrainians together to celebrate national holidays, and created a cultural community that became a source of support for many. Our events were always not only about entertainment but also about preserving Ukrainian traditions: we held master classes on pysanka (Easter egg) painting, prepared traditional dishes, and organized nativity scenes. Thanks to these initiatives, Ukrainians in Boca Raton felt that they were not alone and had support. Over time, our community grew and became one of the most active in Florida. To ensure its stability, I handed over management to my friend, who had always been there for me, and moved to Miami, where a new stage in my volunteer journey began.
Establishment of Svitanok Miami Chapter
In Miami, the situation was different: many Ukrainians assimilated into the Russian-speaking community. But I was convinced that we needed to create a Ukrainian-speaking community that would not only preserve Ukrainian culture but also help Ukraine through advocacy. Thanks to the support of an organization in New York, I founded Svitanok Miami Chapter. We started with simple gatherings where we got to know each other and discussed important issues. Over time, cultural events, charity events, and even solo pickets in support of Ukraine appeared. One of the most powerful moments was the collaboration with military musicians who flew in from Ukraine for the Miami tour of the Cultural Assault. During the hurricane, we joined forces with them and the Global Empowerment Mission to help Americans affected by the natural disaster. This moment clearly demonstrated who Ukrainians are: people who are ready to help others even in the most difficult times.
Our values and mission
Svitanok Miami Chapter is more than just an organization. It is a community of people who respect freedom, support each other and Ukraine, and believe that uniting around shared values makes us stronger. We strive to become a cultural and advocacy hub for Ukrainians in Miami, as well as to represent Ukrainian issues on the international stage.
Join us!
If you are Ukrainian in Miami or simply a caring person who wants to support Ukraine, we invite you to join our community.
Together we can do more! Follow us on Instagram @svitanok.mia, where you will find information about our events, initiatives, and ways to join us.
Light will always prevail over darkness. Let’s work on this together! Together we are strong!
Kateryna Teslenko
Head of Svitanok
Florida, Miami
