Our Stories

"I was born and raised in Kirovograd (now Kropyvnytskyi), Ukraine. I was lucky enough to visit different parts of the country while growing up. We did not live a lavish life, not many people did. But Ukraine is where I learned about the value of hard work, determination, and resilience. I learned to never give up, no matter what. And I learned to appreciate small things in life.

I came to the United States when I was 17 to go to college. I was young and bright-eyed and had no fear to cross the ocean by myself and come to a country where didn't know anyone. I felt that everything my parents taught me, the education they provided for me, and the grit I acquired prepared me well for the journey and the new chapter in my life. I got my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, found a job that I love, built my career, and started an amazing family here in the United States.

I truly believe that everything I have accomplished and the person I am today is because of where I am from and the way I was raised. The Ukrainian women I grew up around, my mom, my grandmas, and my aunts, taught me how to be strong and independent. The Ukrainian men I grew up around, my dad, my grandpas, and my uncle, taught me that anything is possible if you never give up. I am the woman I am today because of them! And because of them and the Ukrainian spirit in me, I am able to set out to help others during these terrifying times of war.

I was fortunate to meet Olga, my energetic and strong-willed business partner, while volunteering in Denver, Colorado. We share the same vision and passion to help Ukrainian people in this unprovoked conflict."

~Yulia Boozer

"I have been calling Colorado home for the last 18 years. Since I moved here in 2004, I started a family, got my citizenship, reestablished myself in the professional world, and completed the MBA in 2020. In 2019, I almost lost my only daughter in the STEM shooting and have experienced the consequences of psychological trauma. The life challenges I faced as a new immigrant and as a mother not only grew me stronger as a woman but helped me to reflect on how I truly am.

As a woman, born and raised in beautiful Kyiv, Ukraine, I can thank my native country, the Ukrainian people, and my family for shaping me up as a kind yet strong and resilient woman. I can thank my beautiful Kyiv for gifting me the memories of the lush streets with the blooming chestnuts streets, old coble roads, and the incredible smell of my favorite lilac bushes in Kyiv National Botanic Garden. The smell carried away from the garden that my Ukrainian grandmother Olga took care of in her "mazanka" (old-style clay house) in Vasylkiv. The memories of my childhood and youth years have given me the power and inspiration during the toughest moments in my life.

Ukraine has shaped me and it is my turn to support my native country and all Ukrainian people. When Russia attacked Ukraine, I started volunteering for the Ukrainian organization in Colorado and met my wonderful business partner Yulia Boozer. "

~Olga Funk