THIS INSIDE UKRAINian Heart STORY IS FROM New York City

Born in Kyiv and raised in New York, Polina Buryakov Alexiou’s life is full of intriguing contrasts. She runs two businesses, a jewelry store and a firearm manufacturing company. She is a mom of two and the founder and president of a nonprofit with ambitious goals.

After russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Polina created OUR Organizing Ukraine Relief Foundation, a nonprofit that supports Ukrainian war amputees as they rebuild their lives after devastating injuries caused by the russian aggression. The foundation provides custom prosthetics, rehabilitation, emotional support, and full logistics for survivors traveling to the U.S. for treatment. Every step, from medical care to cultural outings, is designed to restore dignity and mobility. The work is carried out by a volunteer-driven team that shares Polina’s compassion and determination.

Polina’s path began with a love for medicine. She studied nursing and spent 14 years supporting rehabilitation programs with the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation. When russia’s full-scale invasion began, Polina felt compelled to act. She used her experience and network to launch OUR Foundation, turning that moment into a lifelong mission to help survivors heal.

What stands out to me most is just how much of Polina’s work happens quietly, without recognition. The person who nominated her is deeply involved inside Ukraine and made it clear that there is far more “behind-the-scenes” effort than can be discussed in an interview. I want to acknowledge that and say how much I respect Polina’s dedication, compassion, and drive. I am honored to share her story here.

— Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman

1. Name.

Polina Buryakov Alexiou

2. Where is your hometown?

I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and immigrated to New York when I was 7 years old. I grew up in Pelham Parkway in the Bronx and Rockland County and now live in New City, NY

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like? 

I wear many hats: Entrepreneur – I own and operate two local businesses: a jewelry store, and a firearm manufacturing and sales company.

Mom – I’m the proud mother of two amazing kids.

Philanthropist – I am the founder and President of the OUR Organizing Ukraine Relief Foundation, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to empowering Ukrainian war amputees and helping rebuild their lives after devastating injuries caused by the Russian full scale invasion.

OUR Foundation’s mission is to enhance mobility and restore dignity for Ukrainian war survivors who have lost limbs. We provide:

• Custom prosthetics tailored to each individual’s needs.

• Comprehensive physical rehabilitation to restore mobility, strength and independence.

• Peer support and counseling to navigate the emotional challenges of life after amputation.

• Full-service logistics, including visas, travel, lodging, transportation, and meals for treatment in the U.S.

• Holistic care, from medical support to outdoor activities and cultural outings to uplift the spirit and enhance mental and physical well-being during their stay.

Our team is made up of rehabilitation specialists, prosthetic experts, physical therapists, and humanitarian aid workers—all united by compassion and the will to serve. This mission is deeply personal to me. As someone who was born in Ukraine, I feel a responsibility to give back to the country that shaped the earliest part of my life. I am committed to making sure that every dollar raised is a lifeline—a symbol of solidarity, hope, and love during a time of unimaginable hardship. OUR Foundation stands with the people of Ukraine in the midst of one of the most challenging times in their history.

My days are a balance of creativity, leadership, and service. I oversee day to day operations, production and sales for both businesses, collaborate with medical teams for the foundation, advocate for the dignity and healing of those we serve, and most importantly, navigating the everyday joys and challenges of motherhood. It’s a life of purpose and passion, driven by a commitment to make a real difference one person at a time.

4. What did you study in school?

I studied nursing, motivated by a lifelong passion for medicine and the art of healing. From a young age, I was fascinated by the human body, the power of care, and the importance of helping others in their most vulnerable moments. Although my career path ultimately led me into entrepreneurship, my foundation in nursing has deeply influenced the way I approach every aspect of my life and work.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

My journey has been anything but linear, but it's been grounded in purpose. For the past 14 years, I’ve served on the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation Board, where I’ve helped support rehabilitation programs and medical advancements that change lives. This experience has shown me the power of community, and the impact we can make when we come together.

When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, it awakened a deep sense of patriotism within me. I felt an undeniable pull to act. I realized I had the tools and the network to help and that helping one person at a time could make a real difference. That was my turning point. I launched OUR Foundation and fully committed to this humanitarian mission.

Yet none of this would be possible without the incredible team of volunteers who power every aspect of our work, from helping navigate the complex visa process, arranging the needed documents, coordinating travel, fabricating prosthetics, cooking and delivering food, providing therapy, organizing outings, or simply offering emotional support, relies on the dedication, passion, and generosity of people who give their time, energy, and hearts.

Through this journey, I have also met and formed deep bonds with people who share my vision and values. These connections have become more than just partnerships, they are friendships rooted in shared purpose, compassion, and a fierce determination to help others heal and rebuild their lives. I have learned that every life we touch is a reminder that no act of service is too small, and when we come together, the impact is extraordinary.

6. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)? 

I feel “tallest” at the beach. There’s something about the ocean, the sound of the waves, the feeling of sand under my feet. The endless horizon brings me clarity and peace. It’s where I feel most grounded and free, where my thoughts settle and my spirit feels light. The beach reminds me to breathe, reset, and reconnect.

7. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them? 

My mother is my ultimate WOW WOMAN. She taught me how to be strong by never letting anyone knock her down. She broke down barriers, defied expectations, and led with grace and resilience. She shaped the woman I am today. Every challenge I face, I face with the strength she instilled in me.

If I could tell her one thing, I’d say: Because of you, I know what it means to stand tall, speak up, and never back down. You gave me the courage to be unapologetically strong.

My second nomination is Olena Dettsel, she amazes me every day. Her calm presence, even under pressure, is something I deeply admire. She juggles family, business, and humanitarian work with selflessness—visiting the wounded, delivering food, and showing up for others at a moment’s notice, always putting their needs before her own.

If I could tell her one thing, I’d say: Your light shines through your actions. Your strength doesn’t need to be loud to be felt, it radiates in everything you do. You show up without hesitation, give without question, and lead with compassion. Your presence brings comfort and your actions inspire change.

For my third nomination, I honor all the women I know who are everyday superheroes—the volunteers, the caretakers, the business owners, the mothers, the daughters, the sisters, the aunts, the nurses, the doctors, the wives, and the fighters who carry the world on their shoulders.

If I could tell them one thing, I’d say: Your efforts matter. Your love, sacrifices, and determination don’t go unnoticed. You are the heartbeat of our communities, and the world is a better place because of you.

8. Advice for other women?

Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If a door isn’t open—knock it down. You are stronger and smarter than you think, and more capable than you know. Keep going, even when it’s hard—especially when it’s hard. Break barriers and trust your voice. The world needs your strength, your ideas, and your fire.

9. Where can others find you/your work?

🌐 www.ourfoundationusa.org
📷 Instagram: @ourfoundationusa
📘 Facebook: @ourfoundationusa
❤️ Donate or support: Together for Heroes

1. Where were you when Russian attack took place (in 2022, but you can also write about the first seizure of land, Maidan and Crimea)? Did you believe in the possibility of the RF attacking key cities of Ukraine and starting a full-scale aggression?

On February 24, 2022, when the full-scale invasion began, I was at home in New York with my children. I woke up to the news in disbelief, scrolling through messages, videos, and headlines with a sense of horror that something I hoped would never happen had become reality. It felt surreal, even though in many ways, the signs have been there for a long time.

I remember Crimea in 2014, I remember the Maidan, and I remember watching Russia seize land piece by piece while the world hesitated. I knew this escalation was always possible, I just didn’t want to think it would actually happen. I didn’t want to believe that Russian missiles would rain down on Kyiv, that entire cities would be bombed, or that civilians would be targeted.

2. What was your experience of the day the war started? Where did you go and what do you recall was your plan?

To be clear, the war didn’t begin in 2022, it began in 2014 with the illegal annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Eastern Ukraine. February 24, 2022, was the day it became impossible for the world to ignore. It was the day the war escalated into a full-scale invasion, and everything changed.

February 24th and the next few days were a blur but I knew I couldn't stand by and watch from a distance and that I had to do something. My cousin sprang into action and flew to Poland to help the refugees that were crossing the border. I packed him a bulletproof vest and helmet and asked him to find out exactly what was needed on the ground. Back home, I launched into action, organizing a massive aid drive with the help of friends and colleagues. Medicine, first aid, shampoo, toiletries, baby formula, blankets, food, clothes, whatever we could collect.  My friends used their networks to source supplies and move quickly. There was no roadmap, only urgency and purpose.

That days and weeks that followed, my plan was simple. Act and help. What started as a desperate response quickly turned into something larger becoming the spark that grew into OUR Foundation. The days, weeks and months following February 24th  ended up changed the course of my life. 

3. How are your family and friends doing? How often are you in touch? 

Some of my family members have left Ukraine and are beginning to build new lives in other countries, while others have chosen to stay. I stay in close contact with both family and friends as much as possible. Sadly, not all have been safe. Most recently, my elderly aunt was tragically killed in an explosion caused by a cluster munition dropped by a russian UAV. Her death is a painful reminder of the ongoing danger and the human cost of this war.

4. What concrete actions (big or small) have you taken and continue to take to help Ukraine and the Ukrainian people?

Aside from the humanitarian work I lead through the OUR Foundation, a non profit which provides prosthetics, rehabilitation, and holistic care for Ukrainian war amputees, my everyday life also revolves around manufacturing firearms, arms sales, and defense trade. While I won’t go into detail, I’ll simply say this: for the past three years, I’ve used every tool, connection, and capability at my disposal to support Ukraine’s right to defend itself. Some efforts are visible; others are behind the scenes, but all are driven by a deep sense of duty to stand with Ukraine in its fight for freedom and survival.

5. Do you feel the war changed you? How? Since the start of the war, has anything surprised you about yourself (how you have handled yourself, remained strong, found inspiration in unlikely sources, etc.), about your country, about your ideas about humanity? What have been some of your epiphanies? 

February 24, 2022 changed me completely. It awakened a version of myself I didn’t know existed. I’ve always cared deeply about people, but the full scale invasion lit a fire in me. It gave me clarity of purpose. It showed me that I’m capable of much more than I thought, emotionally, mentally, and logistically.

What surprised me most about myself was how quickly fear turned into focus. Instead of feeling sad, I felt propelled. I found myself organizing supply drives, coordinating aid across borders, advocating, and building something from nothing. It turns out that when the people you love are hurting, you find a strength you never had to use before.

I’ve also been profoundly moved by the resilience of Ukrainians. The courage, compassion, and unity I’ve witnessed, both from those on the front lines and those helping behind the scenes. It’s people showing up for each other, every single day, no matter the cost.

One of my greatest epiphanies has been how powerful humanity can be when it’s grounded in purpose. In the darkest moments, I’ve seen light shine through in the most unexpected places: a stranger sending medical supplies, a child drawing a picture for a wounded soldier, a mother caring for others while grieving her own loss. These moments have reminded me that kindness, courage, and connection are what sustain us, even in war.

The war didn’t just change me, it revealed me. And it made me more determined than ever to live a life that’s not just about survival, but about meaning.

In the darkest moments, I’ve seen light shine through in the most unexpected places: a stranger sending medical supplies from halfway across the world, children drawing pictures for wounded soldiers, kids donating their birthday money to buy items for the soldiers on the front lines, and much more.

And through my work with OUR Foundation, I’ve seen American prosthetists donate their time and expertise to help Ukrainian amputees walk again and Physical therapists who generously dedicate time from their demanding schedules to support rehabilitation.  I’ve seen volunteers open their homes and hearts to wounded soldiers, cook for them, provide transportation, or simply sit alongside them. I’ve watched a community form around healing. A unity that defies borders, languages, and politics, built entirely on compassion.

These moments humble, quiet, and often unseen have reminded me that kindness, courage, and connection are what sustain us. It’s these deeply human gestures that keep the soul of Ukraine alive, no matter how dark the days may be.

6. In your opinion, how do Russians differ from Ukrainians? Do you want justice for Ukrainians?

I was born and raised in Soviet Ukraine. My birth certificate and official documents were written in both Ukrainian and Russian. My great-grandmother never spoke Russian, but by the time I was born, the Ukrainian language had been so suppressed that I was raised speaking only Russian. Ironically, for the first 40 years of my life, I didn’t even know there was a Russian word for “beets”, I only ever knew the Ukrainian word buryak.

Despite the language I spoke, my parents always reminded me that my blood was Ukrainian, and they never let me forget how difficult and oppressive their lives were under Soviet rule. As I got older, I began to understand more clearly the cultural differences between Ukrainians and Russians. Ukrainians have a strong sense of national identity. Our traditions, values, and spirit are entirely our own. We are not a branch of Russian culture. We are a distinct people with deep rooted history and a fierce love for our land and our freedom.

Yes, I want justice for Ukraine and justice for every life lost, every family shattered, every city destroyed. Whether that comes through international accountability, reparations, or the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, I believe justice must be pursued. It won’t bring back the lives we’ve lost, but it will affirm the truth that Ukraine has the right to exist and to live free from occupation or fear.

7. What do you want the world to know/realize/understand/appreciate about Ukrainians and Ukrainian women in particular?

I want the world to understand that Ukrainians are a people of extraordinary resilience, strength, and pride. We are not victims. We are fighters, survivors, builders, and protectors of our land, our families, and our freedom. Through every hardship, we hold onto our identity, our history and our culture.

Ukrainian women, in particular, have a unique kind of power. They are the quiet warriors and the loud voices. They are mothers who shield their children from falling bombs, doctors who work around the clock in makeshift hospitals, volunteers who deliver aid to frontlines, and soldiers who take up arms to defend their homeland. They are also business owners, caretakers, teachers, and leaders. What I want the world to truly see is that Ukrainian women are not only enduring this war, they are holding their communities together through it. Their strength is not in spite of their femininity, but because of it. They lead with their hearts, fight with conviction, and love with a depth that can’t be measured. Ukrainian women are the backbone of our resistance.

8. What is it like to live outside the country right now and keep connecting to your family and loved ones inside? Can you please describe to those who can't relate to this on a personal level? 

Living outside of Ukraine while friends and family remain inside is a constant emotional balancing act. On the surface, life continues. Work and everyday routines but underneath it all is a persistent worry that never goes away.

There’s guilt, too. Guilt for being safe when they are not and knowing there’s nothing you can do from where you are. It’s like living in two places at once. One half is trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in your day to day life, and the other is constantly tuned to news alerts, text messages, and updates from a war zone.

For those who’ve never experienced this. Imagine your childhood home, the streets you played on, the places that hold your dearest memories, all under threat, while you’re forced to watch from afar, praying and fighting in any way you can, separated by an ocean and a war you cannot touch but feel every day.

9. Do you have plans to live in Ukraine again? What do you feel is the right approach to eventually encourage all the people who left the country (~6 Million Ukrainians) to eventually return? 

Ukraine will always be home in my heart. Whether or not I live there again permanently, I will always remain deeply connected and committed to its future. I return as often as I can and through the work of OUR Foundation, I stay deeply connected, helping war amputees rebuild their lives, regain their independence, feel seen, valued, and supported.

Encouraging the return of the millions who were forced to flee begins with more than just rebuilding cities. It requires rebuilding hope. People need security, stable jobs, support for small businesses, functioning infrastructure, comprehensive support for veterans and the growing community of individuals living with war-related disabilities. Ukrainians are incredibly resilient but they need to feel that they’re returning to a country that honors their struggle and gives them a future to believe in. Ukrainians need a country that makes returning possible.

10. How do you see dynamics changing inside the country, with attitudes toward those who left vs those who stayed? Do you think that Ukrainians who left the country, recently or a long time ago, have a specific responsibility toward their homeland? 

This is a touchy subject and one that I often discuss with the soldiers who come to us through OUR Foundation. The war has created a painful divide between those who stayed and those who left. It’s understandable. Those who remained, have and continue to endure unimaginable hardship. Bombings, occupation, loss, injury and daily uncertainty. Their sacrifices are immeasurable, and they often feel like their struggle isn’t fully understood by those living outside Ukraine. At the same time, many who left did so to simply survive. Both paths require courage, and both carry their own burdens. Everyone has a role to play, whether they’re inside Ukraine or part of the global Ukrainian diaspora. Those of us who left or were raised abroad, also carry a responsibility to stay connected, to speak the truth, to support from afar, and to contribute however we can.

That responsibility shouldn’t be about guilt it should be about love and honoring the people still enduring this war by using our freedom, safety, and resources to advocate and support them. The future of Ukraine depends on all of us.

11.  What is it like to witness the country from the outside, evolve and grow with incredible difficulties of surviving aggression and atrocities? 

Watching Ukraine from the outside is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It’s a mix of pain, pride, and helplessness. I see a nation being tested in the most brutal ways. Bombed, invaded, torn apart and yet refusing to break. I see unimaginable suffering, but also unbelievable strength.

Even amid destruction and loss, Ukrainians continue to resist, rebuild, and redefine what it means to be a free and sovereign nation. Artists keep creating, teachers keep teaching, soldiers keep fighting, and families keep loving all while carrying the weight of war.

From the outside, you gain a unique perspective. You see how the spirit of Ukraine has become a symbol to the world. It reminds me that national identity isn’t bound by borders. It's alive in our language, our traditions, our actions, and in our refusal to be silenced or erased.

To witness Ukraine, evolve through such suffering and still find ways to grow, to unify, and to hope is one of the most painful, yet powerful, things I’ve ever experienced.

12.   What will be the first thing you’ll do when Ukraine wins? What are your dreams for yourself and your family after the war is finished?

When Ukraine wins and I believe with all my heart that it will, the first thing I’ll do is take my kids to Ukraine. I want them to see the land where our roots began and to witness firsthand the pride, the pain, and the power of our heritage. I want them to see a Ukraine that’s standing strong not just because of its soldiers, but because of its spirit.

My dream is to see a healed Ukraine. I want them to walk through a rebuilt Ukraine and see the beauty of the country, not just in its landscapes, but in its culture and spirit. I want my children to grow up proud of where they come from, to understand what courage looks like, and to carry that strength into everything they do.

For myself, I dream of continuing work with OUR Foundation. Not just in response to the war, but as part of rebuilding a stronger, more inclusive future for Ukraine. I dream of seeing veterans empowered, amputees running again, families reunited, and a country not just surviving, but thriving.