From July 16 to 19, 2026, the first session of the international women's leadership program The Alliance Of Her Ukraine Class 2026 was held in Kyiv, which brought together active, professional and motivated women from different regions of Ukraine. The program became a platform for developing leadership competencies, exchanging experience, establishing interregional cooperation and strengthening the role of women in the processes of restoration and development of communities.
Only 20 participants from all over the country took part in the program. Among them is the head of the department of culture, family, youth and sports of the Cherkasy settlement council of the Kramatorsk district of the Donetsk region Olena Kashuba. Her inclusion in the program is a recognition of professional experience, active civic position and significant contribution to the development of cultural, family and youth policy of the community.
For four days, participants worked on developing leadership skills, building a personal brand, improving anti-crisis communications, and creating their own leadership vision. The training program combined practical classes, discussions, and meetings with leading Ukrainian and international experts, representatives of the diplomatic corps, government agencies, and the public sector.
Of particular value to the participants were a meeting with the Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Ukraine, Katrin Buchholz, a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine with the assistance of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, training sessions from Dr. Keri Odermann and the Head of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Office in Brussels, Jules Maaten. A meaningful dialogue was also held with the People's Deputy of Ukraine Inna Sovsun and the Head of Programs of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Ukraine, Anna Kravchenko.
Today, Donetsk region demonstrates examples of strong and responsible female leadership that contributes to the development of communities even in conditions of full-scale war. Representatives of the region's communities continue to implement new approaches to work, attract partners, support residents and create opportunities for the development of youth, culture and civic activism. Participation in international programs of this level not only opens up new opportunities for professional growth, but also contributes to the spread of successful practices of community development in Donetsk region.
The knowledge gained, modern management tools, new partnerships and experience in international cooperation will become a significant resource for the implementation of new initiatives in the community and the further development of the region.
We sincerely congratulate Olena Kashuba on her participation in the prestigious international program and wish her successful continuation of her studies, new achievements and implementation of ambitious projects for the benefit of the community and Donetsk region.
We express our gratitude to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Ukraine and the organizers of The Alliance Of Her Ukraine Class 2026 for supporting the development of women's leadership, creating opportunities for professional growth, and forming a community of women leaders working for the future of Ukraine.