Executive Team

She has many years of management experience in educational institutions. Yuliya served as a Vice President at Kyiv School of Economics (KSE). She worked as a Head of the advisory group for Ukrainian Minister of Economic Development and Trade. Yulia is a co-founder of Bendukidze Free Market Centre. She is a civic activist in Ukraine and founder of the Open University of Maidan. Yuliya graduated in Atlas Leadership Academy and Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. In 2018, Forbes selected her as a top 30 under 30 in Europe in Law and Policy field for her role in the building of civil society in Ukraine.

Civil Society Development Expert: Since 2016, Program Development Director at the Aspen Institute Kyiv; since 2007, cooperated with the Aspen Ukraine Initiative as a moderator; Program Development Manager of the International Renaissance Foundation, an expert and project coordinator of the UN Development Program in Ukraine; Degree in psychiatry.

Specalist with 20 years of international experience in organizing business, educational and cultural events in Ukraine and abroad, including Seoul and Beijing. Has managerial experience in recruitment companies. In 2010, she joined the Aspen Initiative in Ukraine as the project leader of The Responsible Leadership seminars and worked on the development of the Aspen-Ukraine Alumni Association. Today she heads the seminar programs of the Aspen Institute in Kyiv.

Olena Fomina is Ukrainian lawyer and programs director. She joined the team of the Aspen Institute Kyiv in February 2019 and occupied different positions, including Justice and Law Program Coordinator, Good Governance Program Director and Director of core Policy Programs at the Aspen Institute Kyiv (Good Governance, Justice and Law, Media, National Identity and Cybersecurity). She is an Attorney-at-law (BAR certificate, 2009) and Insolvency Practitioner (certificate, 2019). Before joining the Aspen Institute Kyiv, Olena led Bankruptcy and Tax practices at Nobili Law Firm (2015-2019) and was awarded as one of the TOP-100 UA Best Lawyers: Leader of Tax Practice: 2015, 2017, 2018. Olena graduated from Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, CELLI Institute (Prague) on International Bankruptcy Models, and Kyiv Mohyla Business School on Mediation. She is a member of the Ukrainian Bar Association and held the position of the Vice-Chairman of the Bankruptcy Committee of the Ukrainian Advocates‘ Association (2019-2021). She is the author of more than 50 publications on legal and socio-economic issues in national media. Olena participated in the seminar "Justice, Law and Society" (Aspen Institute Kyiv, 2018) and is an active member of Aspen Community since then.

Media Manager and Media Expert. Program Activity Director at Internews-Ukraine Public Organization. Master’s degree in Philosophy History at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Attended the Aspen Institute seminar (USA) in 2006. Co-founder of the Ukraine Aspen Club.

Born in Poltava. At the Aspen Institute Kyiv, he coordinates the communication processes. He has seven years of experience in the PR field. For five and half years he has worked in the PR agency Yoda Consult, coordinated the work of the Department of Political and Electoral Communications, and managed election campaigns at various levels for three years. Also, since 2016, he provides communication workshops for representatives of various industries. In 2014-2016 he was the author of the idea and PR coordinator of the video project #Vstol, aimed at updating the work of undeservedly forgotten or little-known authors. In 2020, he was the author and host of the project "There is a crisis, but…", in which representatives of various industries spoke about their experience in the coronary crisis.

Primarily responsible for coordinating communications at Aspen Institute Kyiv. Ms. Zabotkina possesses practical communication experience in both the public and private sectors, specifically working in the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) and Shipping Administration. She has a strong focus on PR, copywriting, and organizing PR events. Moreover, she has experience in electoral campaigns. Ms. Zabotkina is also passionate about studying sign language, translating songs for people with hearing impairments, playing chess, and dedicating her free time to running and cycling. Education: Management of Foreign Economic Activity and International Relations.

Alona joined the team in October 2023, providing administrative and operational support for the organization's projects, including financial operations and grant reporting. She holds a master's degree in accounting and auditing. Alona has worked at a Big Four company and an international express delivery service.

Natalia joined the team in February 2021. Currently working as an Operations Manager at Aspen Institute Kyiv, responsible for operational process planning, organizational documentation support, and administrative and financial support. Natalie has a master's degree in history and economics (Vasyl' Stus Donetsk National University). Entrepreneur with extensive experience in retail, the agricultural sector, and commercial real estate management.

At Aspen Institute Kyiv, Tetiana primarily oversees event organization. She facilitates communication with participants, alumni, and community members. Additionally, she is responsible for the Institute's office functions. Tetiana is a lecturer and PhD laureate in Geography at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She has worked in education for 7 years, gaining experience in providing general organizational support for university research activities and scientific guidance (Theses, Bachelor's Qualifications). In addition, she authorizes over 20 academic publications, including articles in professional journals and materials from international and all-Ukrainian conferences. Tetiana is also a History and Geography Faculty Graduate at the V. G. Korolenko Poltava National Pedagogical University.

Ms. Kravets oversees the coordination of the program for teenagers - Aspen Teens. Furthermore, she is responsible for preparing and organizing events for other program directions. Ms. Kravets has extensive experience working in a coaching agency and holds a Master's Degree in History and Archaeology and works as a Junior Research Associate. She graduated from the History Faculty of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. In terms of work experience, she has completed an internship at the International Documentary Film Festival in Olomouc (Academia Film Olomouc, Czech Republic). During this time, she studied the Czech language at the Slavic Studies Summer School at Palacký University, where she also pursued a Master's Degree as part of an academic mobility program. Her interests include painting, culinary, functional training, and stretching.

Marina Boiarchuk is a Coordinator at the Aspen Institute Kyiv. She helps to develop and implement Aspen Teens program, a policy program of the Aspen Institute Kyiv. Before joining the Aspen Institute Kyiv, Marina served in the Investment banking company. Marina also served as a Teach, having taught French language and literature at the University and Primary School. After graduation she studied Literature at the Università degli studi di Roma “Tor Vergata” in Italy.