Olga Shmaidenko is a photographer, writer and the founder of WOW WOMAN®, a platform that aims to shine a spotlight on extraordinary women around the globe. To date, Ms. Shmaidenko traveled to over 55 countries, visited 5 continents, interviewed and photographed over 300 women. From Philippines, Indonesia, Greenland, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Micronesia, Jordan, Egypt, Brazil to France, Canada, Vietnam, USA, the list goes on and on. Olga has featured women at the top of their fields, but also uncovered hidden gems in small communities; humble women who have never been celebrated for their kindness or ability to rise over adversity.
Because women these days no longer fit under one label or designation, expect to find unique combinations of skills and professions in the stories showcased on the platform. WOW WOMAN features include a paraglider+teacher, fire fighter+writer, nurse+community volunteer, physicist+cook, boxer+entrepreneur+designer, personalized perfumer+sailor, immunologist+body surfer, burlesque dancer+kindergarten teacher, ER doc+dancer, correctional officer+chef, and many many other stories.
WOW WOMAN is a platform that doesn't discriminate, finding strength in diversity. Olga chooses to celebrate women across all races, ages, cultures and religious backgrounds. With each WOW WOMAN feature and a story Ms. Shmaidenko wants to uplift and inspire contemporaries as well as future generations of girls to pick up a passion/hobby, veer off the beaten path, reinvent their professional careers or pursue something uniquely theirs. As an ensemble, the stories show that women are at their best when they help, learn from and mentor one another.
Once featured, the woman gains access to a larger WOW WOMAN community and resources / connections as well as the ability to mentor or become a mentee. The images are gifted and so far have been used on WOW Women's websites, blogs, promotional materials, books, and newspaper articles.
Olga is inspired by women's strength and a sheer willpower to keep fighting and persevering. She is currently writing a book about the journey and the lessons learned.
Olga Shmaidenko is a transplant twice over. She immigrated from Ukraine to Canada followed by a move to New York City. As a proud Ukrainian, she continues to support Ukrainian women and amplify their voices. Prior to becoming a writer and a photographer, she completed University of Waterloo in Canada, graduating with the Biochemistry and Economics degree. She devoted nearly a decade to an HIV vaccine R&D organization in NYC, and simultaneously developed passion for women's stories while advocating for vulnerable populations (primarily female survivors) at an ER in a New York City hospital.
Like so many multi tasking New Yorkers, Olga honed her photography skills while simultaneously working in vaccine development. She eventually transitioned to running WOW WOMAN full time. Her photography has been featured in magazines, on book covers as well as Olympus advertising campaign. Olga is the winner of the indie arts photography award in NYC. She is passionate about helping small businesses with promotional images and marketing help as well as special projects like showcasing a mother + daughter bond. Olga loves to travel, kite surf, climb, paraglide and thrives near an ocean or in the mountains. To check out her photography portfolio and more, visit riverflowsthroughit.com
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I am Ukrainian. I was born in Eastern Ukraine, in Dnipro. Although I immigrated to North America years ago, I've kept a piece of my heart in Ukraine; it is my homeland, and it is hurting. I have seen the country grow tremendously, strive for a better future and become stronger with each passing decade. Young people in Ukraine aspire to join the ranks of other European countries in stature, experience and skill levels. However, when it comes to bravery, patriotism, tactics, determination, creativity and a sense of humour, the world can learn a thing or two from Ukrainian people. Ukraine’s global diaspora is also all hands on deck, fundraising for the Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
As a special highlight, I will always and forever be grateful to the Polish people. What I’ve seen in Poland, at the start of the war, will never leave me; the help they offered, the humanity shown by the regular Polish volunteers were unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Since the start of the russian infestation of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, I found myself in Poland for the second time in 2022, volunteering with several initiatives run by the incredible Polish and Ukrainian women.
Below I listed the detailed descriptions and the links to the ongoing work I personally participated in. These activities are mainly going on in Poland where I have made extensive contacts. I have been personally involved with each initiative, dedicated my time and funds to each effort, shook hands with the founder(s) and saw the results. I am in touch with each person I list below and can answer any further questions you may have.
I plan on continuing helping them in any way I can. I hope you will too.
1. What is being done now: Organization Team Ukraine Love (TUL) ran by the incredible Polish and Ukrainian WOW Women supports close to ten shelters in and around Warsaw. Besides delivering aid, TUL has taken over operations of one of the shelters in the center of Warsaw. This building was a business center, the Atrium, and has been converted into a makeshift living quarters for over 200 women and children.
Organization or Individual Effort? Organization
Address: al. Jana Pawła II 27, 00-867 Warszawa
I personally know: three dedicated Polish and Ukrainian women in charge of the effort - Victoria Umanska, Aleksandra Gątkiewicz and Ilona Andriievska
How to donate: Go Fund Me campaign here.
Socials and other links for more info: Instagram @teamukrainelove, Facebook: @MamaVdomaTeamUkraineLove
2. What is being done now: Incredible WOW Woman Katarzyna Kalicka-Lots started a non-profit called Wyprawiamy Dobro (“We Do Good”). She is providing backpacks for girls and boys filled with school supplies, personal hygiene items, calculators and drawing utensils. Since the start of the russian aggression against Ukraine, Wyprawiamy Dobro has gifted over 3,000 such backpacks. New backpacks will give Ukrainian children dignity when starting a new year in a new school in a foreign country.
Org or Individual Effort: Organization.
Address: the effort is being run out of Katarzyna’s home garage where she personally fills the backpacks.
Activities: helped fill and deliver backpacks to the shelters and the orphanages
I personally know: founder and a WOW Woman, Ms. Katarzyna Kalicka
How to donate: you can donate here.
Socials and other links for more info: Instagram @wyprawiamydobro/ and linkedin.com/company/wyprawiamy-dobro
3. What is being done now: worked on the border helping Ukrainians, those entering by bus, car or by foot with supplies, food, baby needs.
Org or Individual Effort? Organization. Polish Humanitarian Action aka PAH (Polska Akcja Humanitarna). PAH is present at every border, helping Ukrainians, feeding them, taking care of their needs as they enter Poland.
Address (of the volunteer center near the border, not the HQ of PAH): Polska Akcja Humanitarna, Osrodek Wypoczynkowy Mamczur - Pizuny, Pizuny, 37-610 Lukawica 96, Woj. Podkarpackie, Poland
I personally know: Darek and Slawek running the border operation at the Hrebenne crossing in Poland. Also this incredible WOW Woman, Italian-Brit who volunteered at the border for multiple weeks.
What I personally did: donated. Made multiple massive bulk trips close to Ukrainian border to shop for food and baby needs, clothing for women and children. Welcomed Ukrainians to Poland on the border in shift work with other volunteers. Translated and listened to people’s stories. Helped mothers with small kids with access to baby supplies. Fed my people.
How to donate: pah.org.pl/en/donate/?form=ukraine
Socials and other links for more info: facebook.com/PolskaAkcjaHumanitarna/
4. What is being done now: Team4Humanity was created to respond to the crisis of getting aid (medicine and food) into hard hit Ukrainian cities and areas. Jean Bonis and Ana Popovic set up a massive logistical effort of coordinating trucks of aid into Ukraine (which involves setting up storage facilities along the Polish border, getting aid there, then delivering into Ukraine as required). This is Ana Popovic’s role. Jean Bonis is setting up an organized flow of refugees into countries beyond Poland (which is currently saturated with Ukrainians). He is partnering with organizations in France mostly.
Org or Individual Effort? Individual currently, soon to be org.
Address: this massive logistical effort is run out of a residential address in Warsaw. The buzz of activity where all the coordination happens.
I personally know: Jean Christophe Bonis, Founder and Ana Marija Popović, Team Leader Logistics. They are running the entire operation out of an apartment in Warsaw.
What I personally did: liaise between UKR contacts in the East and Team4Humanity’s Polish efforts.
How to donate: teamforhumanity.org
Social and other links for more info: linkedin.com/company/team4ua/ ; French interview: instagram.com/tv/CcNUI3GDlsj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
5. What is being done now: a 7-floor dorm-style building converted into a shelter. The shelter houses women and children brought there directly from the Ukrainian border, from the hardest hit areas of Ukraine. The building is entirely volunteer-run and is in constant need of essentials, food and medicine. There is a small store where shoes and clothes can be obtained for free. Additionally at this shelter women can obtain logistical help for transport onward to other parts of Europe.
Org or Individual Effort? Organization. This effort is supported largely through people's donations. The building is provided by the City of Warsaw.
Address: shelter’s address for volunteering and delivering clothing/food is Wołoska 7, 02-675 Warszawa, Poland
I personally know: Valentyna Grymak, a Ukrainian/Polish volunteer, is at the shelter nearly full-time in rotating shifts. Valentyna helps with translation, logistics of additional orders and settling-in of women and children. She is a ray of light for the women who have gone through a lot to get to Warsaw. Additional WOW Woman, Ms. Kinga Pestkowska works full time (she is a journalist), and spends three nights a week at the shelter, helping with the intake of aid, distribution of clothing and other logistics.
What I personally did: together with Valentyna we accomplished a massive shopping trip for food, clothing and shoes. Additionally we procured medicine for the residents, sorting out medical supplies and prescriptions for 300+ women and children.
How to donate: the foundation directly funding the shelter is called Grunt ot Nowa, ul. Wrocławska 133, 45-837 Opole, Poland
Monetary donations details: mBank: 29 1140 2004 0000 3602 8196 0505 ; writing "Ukraina na Woloskiej 7" in the title of the translation. Transfer title: “Support for Ukraine - Woloska 7”
in EUR - IBAN PL 89 1140 2004 0000 3812 1496 1587
in USD - IBAN PL 60 1140 2004 0000 3112 1496 1579
in CHF - IBAN PL 94 1140 2004 0000 3612 1496 1595
in GBP - IBAN PL 37 1140 2004 0000 3512 1496 1603
in PLN - IBAN PL29 1140 2004 0000 3602 8196 0505
SWIFT mBank code: BREXPLPWMBK
Social and other links for more info: for volunteering sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuoSu8JVgxhnDyfb77hj7g2NX_btXrzIIqz6Om7oDt7sfSZg/viewform
Facebook update page: www.facebook.com/Woloska7
6. An idea of how to help a Ukrainian inside Ukraine in a meaningful way (via a UKR/New Yorker Anya Melnyk who volunteered in Warsaw). Anya is taking piano lessons from a teacher in Ukraine. She signed up at rockschool.ua. Anya’s teacher is: rockschool.ua/kukharicheva. For $13/hr you cannot possibly go wrong.
Another idea is to hire a language tutor. If you always wanted to learn Ukrainian or other languages, you can find a tutor based in Ukraine here: Preply App. Someone like Yulia (with a philology degree and ten years of experience): https://preply.com/en/tutor/22270
7. What was done March 2022 - April 2022: buying protective body equipment (vests, safety helmets, gloves, etc.), drones and sending/delivering them into Ukraine
Org or Individual Effort? Individual Effort. Ukrainian tech founder/entrepreneur in Los Angeles put this effort together.
I personally know: Stas Matviyenko who founded the effort, is resourceful and passionate about protecting Ukrainian guys/girls fighting for Ukraine.
What I personally did: donated.
How to donate: allsetnow.com/help-ukraine
Socials and other links for more info: n/a
8. Other ways to donate to help with Ukraine’s defense:
Come Back Alive (Povernys Zhyvym), one of the most accountable and trustworthy charities working for the military in Ukraine since 2014. The charity has been providing the military with auxiliary equipment, specialized software, drones, personal body protection, training, and other supplies ever since the foundation's inception. The charity provides instructions on how to donate, from Ukraine or abroad, and posts financial reports on its website savelife.in.ua/donate.
Another Kyiv-based charity is called Army SOS. They raise money to support the Ukrainian military with necessary ammunition, shields, communication devices, and more. They say they focus on providing direct assistance to those soldiers who are on the very front line. Requisites for donations can be found here.
9. What was done February 2022 - June 25 2022: a large space at a busy intersection in Warsaw was converted into a free shop providing clothes, shoes, baby necessities to Ukrainian refugees. Set up by the community members, run by the volunteers.
Org or Individual Effort? Individual Effort. CENTRUM POMOCY PUŁAWSKA 20.
Address: Puławska 20, 02-512 Warszawa.
I personally know: Sveta Chystiakova who started the effort and is personally there most days the shop is open, taking in donations, sorting and coordinating volunteers
What I personally did: sorted clothes, interacted with Ukrainian women, translated, helped find appropriate sizing, distracted children so the mothers, who waited for hours, could procure an item of clothing or shoes for the little ones.
How to donate: center has closed recently, as the lease for the space ended. New effort to help Ukrainians is underway, TBC
Socials and other links for more info: instagram.com/cppulawska20
10. What was done February - September 2022: a local bar space in the center of Warsaw converted into a shelter. Containing space for 16+ women and children, with cribs and beds. The space is meant as a temporary refuge for families who have no other options as they arrive in Warsaw; for those in need of several days of safety. The families are helped with finding further accommodations in Europe.
Organization or Individual Effort? Individual Effort. Zuzanna Krzatala, founder. Zuzanna procures and supplies food as well as clothing for the families, solves pressing problems (health, logistics, etc.) provides further instructions to the refugees about where it is safe to travel onward in Europe. Additionally she finds transportation to other European countries accepting fleeing Ukrainians and personally secures links with organizations that will welcome her shelter guests at the destination.
Address: Mazowiecka 9, 00-052 Warszawa, Poland
I personally know: Zuzanna Krzatala, founder and the jack of all trades. A tireless warrior.
What I personally did: helped translate English/Russian/Ukrainian, shopped for food, medicine, supplies. Drove mothers and kids to the hospital appointments as needed, helped calm and explain options to the worried mothers, took mothers and kids to the park and to the local museum which offered free lunch and programs for Ukrainian kids.
How to donate: the shelter has closed in August 2022, after serving families for six and a half months.
Socials and other links for more info: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-60621252 where Zuzanna talks about opening her own apartment to a Ukrainian family (where they currently still reside).