Mary is an entrepreneur and philanthropist originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, Mary made her way to Ukraine to assist with humanitarian efforts, eventually founding a school for 250 women and children in the town of Nowe Brezsko, Poland.

Mary’s background includes serving for multiple years as Director of the Special Olympics Summer Games in Washington, DC and receiving several notable industry awards during her time spent in luxury hospitality. Mary also previously served as the Vice President for the Society of Government Meeting Professionals in Washington, DC. Her time in Ukraine is dedicated to supporting those most in need who continue to be affected by the war. She recently adopted her much loved dog, Sasha, who is always the highlight of her days.

Elizabeth is British, but moved to Kyiv in 1988 and has been a member of IWCK for many years. She served as IWCK President between 2014-2017 and again 2023-2025 with a stint as Head of Charity in 2022-2023. Her husband is the Ukrainian author Andrey Kourkov. They have three adult children, all living in Kyiv.

Elizabeth taught English for the British Council in Kyiv until 2020 and continues to teach on a voluntary basis. She also helps her husband with translations of his non-fiction works.

She values IWCK as an organization that supports ex-pats like herself and involves them in charitable projects that improve the lives of vulnerable people in the local community.

I have 12+ years in communications, and have lived in Ukraine since 2010. I am an experienced and passionate editor, writer, and storyteller with a very diverse background. I have worked as a news anchor for UATV, a communications and content manager for a healthtec company, and an editor for the UN, Save Pets of Ukraine, and other organizations.

I am adept at developing and delivering truly meaningful content, while building strong relationships. I love translating into words the passion people have for what they do. I also enjoy creating inspirational work environments, and delivering truly meaningful projects.

In my free time, I indulge in reading science fiction and taking my cat on adventurous nature walks.

Donna is a Canadian who has been in Ukraine as a volunteer since the summer of 2023. She supports the Ukrainian charity Magic Food Army in Zaporizhzhia. In Kyiv, she volunteers with the 'МУРАШКИʼ (ANTS) to prepare and pack dry rations for soldiers. She also volunteers with the ProEnglish Theatre.

Donna was a teacher of History, Politics, and the Theory of Knowledge and taught at international schools in Asia, the Middle East, and South America for 35 years. Retired, she now focuses on volunteer work. Donna has developed a love for Mahjong while in Ukraine, and enjoys board games, reading, and the theatre.

Emiko Ota is from Japan and used to live in Kyiv from 2012 to 2016. Her family really enjoyed the life in Kyiv. Emiko also met lifelong friends there.

After russia's full scale invasion, Japanese citizens cannot officially enter Ukraine. Therefore, her husband was chosen to handle business in Ukraine again from Poland.

Emiko has been in Warsaw for almost 2 years and been a member of IWCK for a year. She would like to somehow contribute to IWCK and hope her efforts may even be just a little help.

Yumi Terajima is Japanese and has been on the IWCK board for two years. After living in Kyiv for 11 years, Ukraine has always been at the center of her heart. She has nothing but love for Ukraine. Currently, Yumi is living in Warsaw with her husband. Her daughter has been in Ukraine since before russia’s full scale invasion and is still there, working as an international journalist to tell the world the truth about Ukraine.

Thanks to IWCK, Yumi has made lifelong friends and gone on lots of explorations in Kyiv. She’s still in touch with them today. In order to keep going, Yumi would like to contribute to IWCK in the midst of the unprecedented hardships in Ukraine.

Helen is originally from the United States. She has lived in Kyiv since 1998 and has been an IWCK member since 2009. After a few months as Head of Membership, she served on IWCK's Steering Committee from 2015- 2018 as Secretary. Helen also served several years on the Charity Committee. She has been an Overseer since 2022. Helen is married to a Ukrainian and has two children. In addition to being a mother, she also grows organic fruits and vegetables and teaches at Kyiv International School. 

IWCK has meant a lot to Helen over the years, from providing support as she learned to be a full-time mom to providing growth, challenges, and professional development opportunities. Helen is honored to serve as a Member of the Board of Supervisors for the 2025-2026 season.