Kateryna Troyan, a participant in the regional “Young Person of the Year – 2026” competition in the “Knowledge Leaders” category
Kateryna is from the village of Yalta in Donetsk Region, located on the shores of the Sea of Azov. Her life journey, which began with a childhood passion for drawing, has led her to professional work in culture, volunteering and civic engagement.
Despite having a hearing impairment, Kateryna developed her creative abilities from an early age. At school, she actively participated in drawing competitions and won prizes. After studying fine arts, she worked as a cultural organizer at a local House of Culture, practiced photography, led creative activities for children and helped organize cultural events and exhibitions.
The full-scale invasion dramatically changed her life. While living under occupation, Kateryna refused to cooperate with the occupation authorities. Several months later, she managed to leave the occupied territory and reach government-controlled Ukraine.
In Lviv Region, Kateryna became involved in volunteering. She made camouflage nets, held creative workshops, painted spent shell casings for charity auctions and participated in the “Birds of Victory” initiative.
Today, Kateryna continues to contribute actively to her community. In 2024, she became a member of the Youth Council of the Mangush Territorial Community, and in 2026 she was re-elected to the council. She takes part in civic initiatives, youth projects, campaigns and flash mobs.
Her story is an example of how creativity, inner resilience and a desire to help others can help overcome the most difficult challenges while remaining an active part of one’s community.