400+ WomEN

in 55 countries & counting

About WOW WOMAN and Olga Shmaidenko

WOW Woman was founded in New York City in 2015, by Olga Shmaidenko. The goal of the project was to highlight extraordinary women from all walks of life. Since then, over 400 women were featured on the platform, representing over 55 countries. The women receive public recognition, but also gain access to the larger WOW WOMAN community, resources and connections, as well as the ability to mentor or become a mentee.

Olga Shmaidenko is a transplant twice over. She immigrated from Ukraine to Canada, followed by the move to New York City. Olga received a Biochemistry & Economics degree from University of Waterloo in Canada and devoted nearly a decade to the global HIV vaccine R&D organization. For over five years, Olga advocated for survivors of domestic and sexual violence at an emergency room in New York City, witnessing first-hand the importance of women feeling heard and seen.

A big leap and a career switch took Olga around the world as a photojournalist. She is passionate about providing women with a medium to share their unique biographies, views and opinions; she takes pride in highlighting diverse professions, experiences and ideas.

Currently, most of Olga’s focus is on Ukraine and writing about brave women Inside Ukraine who are withstanding attacks and occupation by the russian federation since the full-scale invasion of February 2022. More about that below and here.

 

UKRAINE

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 offered and the humanity shown by the regular Polish volunteers were unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

Storytelling is a form of justice. Through WOW Woman and the new “Inside Ukraine” series, I will continue to shine spotlight on the brave and defiant Ukrainian women - those defending their right to live and prosper on their own land, doing what they must for liberation from the russian aggressor. Ukrainians will not be silenced! These faces and stories behind them are the real flesh and blood humans in the news headlines.

Ukrainians are fighting for us all, and they need our help here.

Slava Ukraini! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!

- Olga Shmaidenko, founder of WOW Woman, a proud Ukrainian from Dnipro.

Photo by Sonia Stiplosek

Photo by Sonia Stiplosek

Wadi Rum desert, Jordan. Photo by Keith C.

Wadi Rum desert, Jordan. Photo by Keith C.

BIG THANK YOU, to these volunteers for helping elevate WOW Woman platform to a professional and elegant level:

 

*Please note: All views and opinions, such as memories, recollections and viewpoints, expressed in the WOW Woman features strictly belong to the interviewees themselves and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Olga Shmaidenko or WOW Woman.