HOW WE STARTED
Photo: Esteban Bustillos GBH News
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors provides oversight and strategic direction to the organization, ensuring alignment with its mission and ethical standards. They define the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Members of the UCCN volunteer their time and expertise without compensation.
Ivanka Roberts | Co-founder, President
Driven by passion and love for Ukraine, Ivanka leads UCCN in fostering cultural connections and empowering the Ukrainian community.
Born in the cultural capital of Ukraine – the city of Lviv, Ivanka has always been immersed in the rich tapestry of culture, traditions, and history. This fascination fueled her studies at the Lviv National Polytechnic University, where she earned a degree in Informational Activity and Documentology, with minors in Culturology, Diplomacy, Research, and Archival Studies. More than a decade ago, she embarked on a new chapter, moving to the United States. But her connection to her heritage remained strong. In 2022, alongside a group of amazing people, Ivanka co-founded the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England (UCCN).
As President, she plays a pivotal role in building relationships, representing the Ukrainian community, and planning events and initiatives. Ivanka's leadership is characterized by her deep commitment, collaborative spirit, and strategic planning. Beyond her role at UCCN, Ivanka maintains a keen interest in community-building activities and Ukrainian cultural heritage.
Alona Popova | Co-founder, Director, Secretary
Alona Popova is originally from the Cherkasy region. She holds a degree from Cherkasy National University named after Bogdan Khmelnitsky, where she studied Physics, Astronomy, and Computer Science.
Having relocated to the USA in 2017 and settling in Massachusetts in 2019 with her family, Alona is committed to giving back to her community and maintaining her connection to her Ukrainian roots. With a passion for promoting Ukrainian cultural heritage, Alona serves as a Pysanky Artist, Instructor, Teacher, Community Activist, and Volunteer. Alona's involvement in preserving and sharing Ukrainian folk art extends to her role as an instructor at a Pysanky Club community and teaching Folk art, Tradition, and Culture at a Ukrainian school in Massachusetts.
As a co-founder and active volunteer at the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England (UCCN), Alona serves as the secretary, ensuring accurate records of all board meetings and activities. Additionally, she actively engages in strategic planning discussions, event planning, and fundraising initiatives, and manages volunteer teams during various center events. Alona also contributes to the center's social media presence by creating and sharing engaging content related to Ukrainian culture.
Svitlana (Lana) Tsar | Co-founder, Director, Treasurer
Originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, Lana earned her master's degree in Information Systems from NTU "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute". After graduating, she spent seven years living and working for EPAM Systems as a software engineer in Kyiv, Ukraine, before moving to the United States in 2019. Becoming a founding member of UCCN in 2022, Lana is committed to introducing innovative technology solutions. She is passionate about the cultural impact and fostering community growth.
Inna Boyko | Co-founder, Director of Experiential Design
Born in Gorlivka, Donetsk region. Having her first master's degree in water supply resources at Kharkiv National Academy of Urban Economy, she received her second, bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from International Design School and started her own business in the USA in August 2023 after 10 years of a design career in Ukraine.
She was a finalist of SBID Awards (The Society of British & International Interior Design) in 2019 with the project Tiny Flat in the Historical Center of Lviv, Ukraine.
During her life in Ukraine, she lived in multiple regions and personally observed different approaches to aesthetics in Ukrainian homes. This helps her use this unique knowledge to foster a Ukrainian voice through visual components and compositions.Being a co-founder and Board member of UCCN since 2022, her field of activity is the visual design of events and the creation of powerful aesthetic effects, which are based on a combination of Ukrainian cultural heritage and modernity.
Ola Voytovych | Director of Finance
Born in Lviv, Ukraine. Graduated from Ivan Franko National University in Lviv with a bachelor's degree in linguistics, taught Ukrainian language and literature in school. Moved to the United States in 2004 and pursued a second education, obtaining a master's degree in accounting. Has experience working for big corporations (Citigroup, Inc.) and small and medium-sized companies. Currently working at AirSlate, Inc.
Volunteered at the Ukrainska Shkola in St. Louis, Missouri from 2018 to 2020. After moving to Massachusetts in 2022, joined Ridna Shkola to continue to empower students and celebrate the richness of Ukrainian heritage. In 2023, became a member of the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England (UCCN), further deepening involvement in advocacy and cultural preservation initiatives.
Beyond professional and community endeavors, Olga is inspired by history, particularly Ukrainian history, which she avidly explores as a hobbyist. Her journey reflects a blend of diverse experiences, pursuit of knowledge, and a steadfast dedication to promoting education and cultural understanding.