I am Alla — a volunteer, craftswoman, former cultural worker, and television journalist.

Since the first day of the full-scale war, I have supported Ukraine through volunteer work, creativity, and the promotion of Ukrainian culture. Together with my neighbor, I made a five-meter Ukrainian banner, and we stood with it on a bridge over one of America’s major roads. I later began creating Ukrainian flags, traditional clothing, and handmade items for cultural events and fairs.

My work combines traditional Ukrainian crafts, contemporary design, and a personal creative approach. I make Ukrainian skirts, aprons, traditional headdresses, ladunky, wreaths, necklaces, herbal dolls, leather goods, and other pieces inspired by Ukrainian heritage.

Food is another important part of my cultural work. I prepare Ukrainian dishes ranging from traditional historical recipes to contemporary creations that bring Ukrainian culinary heritage into dialogue with other cultures.

I teach creative workshops for children and adults, both individually and in groups, participate in organizing and hosting cultural events, and share Ukrainian traditions through blogging and media.

To me, culture is a living process. It is the knowledge we pass on, the things we create with our own hands, the food we prepare, and the stories we share with future generations.

My goal is to preserve Ukrainian heritage, make it accessible and engaging for people of different ages and backgrounds, and introduce contemporary Ukraine through its traditions, creativity, and people.