THIS INSIDE UKRAINian Heart STORY IS FROM Los Angeles, USA.

“During the last two and a half years of russian aggression, Arina Gerasimova, has made over 20 trips from her home in Los Angeles to Ukraine. Each journey, over 24 hours of flights and a long drive from Poland to the war-ravaged eastern regions of Ukraine, is an opportunity for Arina to bring more than 60 duffel bags filled with protective gear and clothing for Ukrainian defenders. After Arina meets with soldiers for a drop off in the pre-frontal zones of Ukraine, her journey continues to Zaporizhzhia, where she briefly reunites with her family, finds time to support local animal shelters, and plans the next phase of operations of her nonprofit, Brighter Ukraine. Arina’s relentless work ethic and sharp negotiation skills enable her to secure life-saving equipment for Ukrainian defenders through partnerships with American donors. Her refusal to take "no" for an answer reflects the determination of those Ukrainians willing to sacrifice everything for freedom.

Ms. Gerasimova embodies the spirit of the indomitable Ukrainian woman. In addition to managing a full-time career as an executive in a construction company, she dedicates every other waking hour to her nonprofit entirely on a voluntary basis. Together with her partner and a team of tireless volunteers, including WOW Women like Anya Lugo and Yevgeniya Pokhylko, Arina has equipped more than 1,000 soldiers with medical, tactical, and protective gear, and delivered over 500 bags of military and medical supplies—more than 25,000 pounds of aid - directly to the front lines. With their herculean efforts, Arina and her team save lives every day!

Arina, an unstoppable force in her volunteer efforts, for the last two and a half years has set aside her personal goals and dreams to support Ukraine's defenders in their fight for freedom and victory. As I read Arina’s words, I am filled with immense pride. Through this interview, I am privileged to share a story that showcases Ukrainian grit and resilience—a Ukrainian woman in action.”

—Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman.

Founder, Non-profit Organization, Tireless Volunteer, Los Angeles, USA

1. Name.

Arina Gerasimova.

2. Where is your hometown?

My hometown is Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Currently living in Los Angeles.

3. What is your profession? Could you describe a typical day?

A typical day for me starts early. I wake up around 5 a.m., and by 6 a.m., I’m already on the beach in Los Angeles for a two-hour volleyball training session. Once that’s done, I dive straight into work. I’m a business development executive at SurePods, a company specializing in the design of prefabricated bathrooms and kitchens; we work closely with our customers in healthcare and hospitality industries, taking their ideas from design to installation. My day involves a mix of in-person and remote client meetings, along with research and outreach efforts. Between my full-time role and my work with non-profits, I interact with up to 50 people on a given day.

I am the founder of the non-profit organization Brighter Ukraine Foundation, a nonprofit specifically created to help people in Ukraine, with a specific focus on military aid. For this role, I fundraise for and organize deliveries of packages to Ukraine and carry out calls with people asking to take things to Ukraine. Ukrainian military also sends me their requests for aid.

After 5 p.m., I solely focus on Brighter Ukraine work. Occasionally, I get to the gym.

4. Where/what did you study?

I hold three degrees. I started my studies at the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany), where I earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on finance and marketing, graduating cum laude. Afterward, I attended St. John's University, where I obtained a master's degree in international business. Finally, I completed a postgraduate degree in construction project management.

5. What extracurricular activities or hobbies are you most proud of and why?

I have always been passionate about sports. In Ukraine, I was a member of the national track and field team, specializing in triple jump. My achievements there earned me a scholarship to the United States where I continued my sports career. I competed professionally as a triple jumper for a while and now play beach volleyball at a semi-professional level. I can't give up the competitive world; it keeps me grounded and excited.

In addition to sports, I have a deep love for traveling. It’s one of my favorite things; exploring different cultures, trying new foods, experiences and immersing myself in nature. These are the two extracurricular pursuits I’m most proud of.

6. Where in the world do you feel the tallest? Where is your happy place?

Ukraine holds a very, very special place in my heart. But I have to say that the nature cures me. It heals and refuels me. Being in nature, regardless of where in the world, is where I feel most alive. I've always considered myself a citizen of the world because I’m not a homebody—I love to travel. What draws me in the most are the beauty of nature, the variety of climates, and the thrill of different hikes. So, I’d say that nature is where I feel the tallest and is truly my happy place.

7. Advice for other women?

My advice would be to stand up, speak up, and ask questions. Don’t hesitate to ask for more. I don't worry if people say it’s a man's world or that we have male bosses. That’s not the case. We are strong and capable, and the more you ask, the more you will get. This is the only way to get forward because there's nothing that can stop you besides yourself.

8. What or who inspires you?

I find the human body to be an incredible thing, it inspires me every day. I'm also inspired by innovations in the holistic world.

As for who inspires me, right now, it’s the resilience of the people on the front lines in Ukraine. To me, they are superheroes, truly - super human individuals. I have an immense respect for them; their courage and determination inspire me to strive for better.

This year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris got me thinking about Ukrainian Olympians. Despite losing their homes, facilities, and sports clubs, as well as enduring daily shellings and bombings, these men and women continue to train and compete at a highest international level, winning medals. Their perseverance is nothing short of remarkable.

9. What are at least three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

Since I was little, I’ve always been a relentlessly hard worker. I don't accept "no" for an answer; in fact, I see “no” as a temporary state. I believe that, depending on the situation, timing, and circumstances, today’s "no" can become tomorrow’s "yes”. I’m constantly trying to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Lastly, and this is something I hope never changes, I believe in the absence of hierarchy in the workplace, in projects, and in communication. I think that everyone, regardless of their title or level, has valuable ideas and should be heard. Embracing this mindset allows me to find harmony among people of different titles, ages, and interests, and I consider it a great strength.

10. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? What advice would your 14-year-old give you in return?

To a 14-year-old self me, I would say: “Be more confident! All the doubts and all the limitations that you put on yourself are coming from your brain. So let go and just go for it! I mean, what can be so hard when you're 14? Just let yourself grow and be amazing!”

Take a nap, she would tell me in return. I definitely need it.

11. Who is a WOW woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three or more women?

Ha! I can nominate way more than three women! I really admire people who have a connection of body and mind. I have a few female mentors whom I greatly admire. I would gladly nominate my very first boss in construction industry; her name is Christine Flaherty. She has no connection to Ukraine apart from offering support and donating.

Additionally, I’d like to nominate these incredibly hardworking, absolute badass, women who also help Ukraine:

12. Where can people find your work?

I'm on Instagram as @arina.ukraina, on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Brighter Ukraine Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 California, USA nonprofit. EIN: 88-3507452. Address: 516 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; phone: +1 310 896 5373; EMAIL: letschat@brighterukraine.org; Our Instagram: @brighterukraine; Facebook: facebook.com/BrighterUkraine

1. Where were you when russians attacked Ukraine in a full-scale invasion?

I honestly don't know. My brain does this trick, when I have a traumatic experience, it completely erases memories. That's happened to me multiple times, and I think that full-scale russian invasion of my country was a pretty traumatic experience for me. I think I was naive, one of those naive people that thought that, you know, the president said it's going to be okay, there'll be no attack, and I never, not never, I didn't think that time that there will be a full-scale attack on Ukraine. I remember being in serious shock and slight panic. My first action was open social media, post about it, ask everybody to join forces and just start collecting money for sending aid to Ukraine. My first two weeks I sent about $7,000 worth of non-perishable food until the CEO of Meest in Los Angeles came up to me and said, Hey Irina, this is all good, but there's really no shortage of food in Ukraine right now, what we really need at this moment is body armor. My jaw dropped, because I'd never dealt with anything military. I didn't know that you can easily buy body armor, you know, on the internet or in a store. Fast forward, I mean we got into full range military surplus operation.

2. What was your experience of the day the war started?

I don't remember anything besides going on autopilot and starting to collect money for Ukraine. I'm sure I had plans of continuing to do sports and training for international competitions and going to work and traveling. I used to travel to at least three countries every year. But that obviously doesn't matter anymore because that's not what's happening right now.

3. How are your family and friends doing? How often are you in touch?

I'm in touch with Ukraine in general every single day. I have friends who are fighting, friends who are really active volunteers, and I am from Zaporizhzhia, so a lot of my family, unfortunately, are still in Ukraine and very close to the front lines. I have family spread out between southeast, central, southwest, like very far south. I'll name specific locations, but I have a lot of family left in Ukraine, and a lot of them, unfortunately, will not be able to get out from russian occupation. Some have taken a refugee status in parts of Europe. I think my family, deep down I'm pretty sure they're still scared because the bombings are really close. A building next to where our apartment was in Ukraine, a high-rise, had a direct hit by a very powerful missile. Often the city doesn’t get electricity (because there are multiple and severe hits on Ukraine’s electric grid). At one time, my family in Zaporizhzhia didn't have water, power or windows (which were blown out from the post-explosive wave). The doorknobs were knocked out. I mean, this was horrifying. I think they're somewhat used, or maybe numb, to it and they kind of accepted it as the current state of life.

I know that nobody's talking about future at the moment because it's so unclear. And, yeah, I mean, they try to continue working and raising their kids, and there's no school that's happening in person, so I think that's very concerning for communication skills of the kids and their ability to perform high-skilled jobs. Yeah, I think that sums it up.

4. What concrete actions have you taken to continue to take help Ukraine and the Ukrainian people?

I have started a non-profit called Brighter Ukraine Foundation. We have delivered monetary aid and the in-kind aid, and that's physical aid to the Ukrainian. To date, we have delivered over $5 million in support for Ukraine. We focus heavily on helping military, anything from protective equipment to warm clothing, army boots, electronic and optical devices. You name it, we do it. We've delivered countless drones and drone jammers.

Throughout the war, I personally have traveled to Ukraine over 20 times. Each time I bring anywhere between 30 to 60 bags of humanitarian aid to the affected Ukrainians and our military.

Additionally, I have amazing volunteers who have taken duffel bags full of gear and flown with them to Europe and then by car into Ukraine. Brighter Ukraine volunteers have travelled over 90 times. We have a team on the ground in Ukraine that handles logistics, transportation and deliveries and procurement. We procure from U.S., from Europe, from Ukraine. Our supply channels have gotten pretty strong, and we don't stop!

Currently, we started an ambitious project of building a rehabilitation center for the Ukrainian military who have lost their limbs. That's for amputees and folks with neurological traumas; I’m talking about heavy cases of paralysis as well as neck and spine injuries on top of limb amputations. This is taking place in Zakarpattia (western) region in Ukraine. We have acquired 24 acres of land. The land will also have two hotel facilities and to host military members for free. All the treatments are also going to be free, supported by our American donors and incredible supporters.

My other goal, as an ex-Ukrainian professional athlete, is to start the rebuilding of Ukrainian sports. I was shocked when I came back to Zaporizhzhia, at how bad the conditions are. Both tracks at which I trained every single day in Ukraine, don't exist anymore. The facilities look like a dump, with weeds growing, with concrete jumping blocks. There are no track lanes. There's nothing left nor upkept (with an obvious emphasis of the population to survive the bombings). It's insane. Only one indoor facility exists and it has been bought out by a private club; it is just a pay-to-play kind of situation.

Second and third phase of our project is dedicated to creating a town center with some retail. We're building outdoor and indoor Olympic-sized stadium and indoor facility. It will host a wide range of sports. We will build another hotel to accommodate the athletes that will come from all over Ukraine. The spot we chose is close to the border with Europe, so our hope is to attract athletes coming from the bordering countries. The land location we chose has a healing feeling about it, with nature all around. There's a river running right on the property, through the property, there is a national forests around. There is a beautiful community out there. The goal of the project is to reintegrate the military into the community. And that will be done through rehabilitation, through sports, and through jobs. So we will collaborate with different government bodies and organizations to make sure that these folks have jobs lined up for them and make sure that they find their new purpose in life and reunite with their families and have a fulfilled life. The same goes for the sports. We want our youth, our superstars, our professionals to have incredible facilities that all the other countries have, big opportunities to continue growing sports, to continue developing their talents.

5. How do you feel the war changed you? Did you experience any epiphanies about your life?

The war has undoubtedly changed me. I've come to realize that I've sacrificed many of the dreams I had when I was younger—I'm no longer pursuing a career in professional sports. While it’s difficult to admit, I've noticed a significant decline in my passion for my professional career. My heart and soul are now fully dedicated to helping Ukraine.

Justice is something I deeply believe in, and I know that Ukraine needs volunteers. It needs people like me to step up and help. This is my calling—to help and support those in need.

Beyond that, I’ve always felt a strong connection to animals. As a child, I was the one to bring home every injured or lost animal I found. My three dogs today are rescues from shelters, and I’ve spent countless hours volunteering at animal shelters. Looking back, it’s clear that helping others, whether human or animal, has always been at the core of who I am.

6. In your opinion, how do Russians differ from Ukrainians? Do you want justice? Do you think it is possible and what would you like to see happen?

I don't think you can even compare the two nor do I think one should ever try to compare. To put it simply - a herd of braindead sheep, that is russia. The russian sheep react to food and their shepherd. That's it. That's how I see russia. I have nothing good to say about russia. So please do not compare the two.

As far as justice for Ukraine? Absolutely, yes. I think every crime should be paid for and it doesn't only apply to the military and putin’s regime, but to anyone who supports russia and supports the war. Ideally, I wish for a “wall” separating russians from the rest of the world. They can become a new North Korea, for all I care.

How can they pay for it? I'm sure there are better ways of making them pay, I think one would be for russians to pay Ukrainians for every single destroyed building. But you can never replace people, relatives, loved ones and relationships that were destroyed because of russian aggression on our land. I think russians should cover all the damages, pay for all destruction, yes.

7. What do you want the world to understand about Ukrainians and Ukrainian women in particular?

Ukraine is a nation of intelligent people. Ukrainians, we have this group mentality, where helping one another is at the core of our values, so are family and friends. Ukrainians are strong-willed, creative people with deep, deep culture. We value and cherish our culture. As far as Ukrainian women, I think of them as super creatures; they will plow through the garden, upkeep the house, take care of children, have a career, all while looking good and taking care of themselves. Yes, I consider that a superpower. Ukrainians are super humans, Ukrainian women especially.

8. What is it like to live outside the country right now and keep connecting to your family and loved ones inside? Can you please describe to those who just can't relate to this on a personal level?

My connection to my family in Ukraine is profoundly important to me. It’s incredibly difficult to be on the outside, watching in worry over every missile strike, every drone attack, or worry about russian advances into Ukrainian territory. My family is in the front and prefrontal zones. Whenever my Telegram app lights up, I immediately know there’s been a strike or an air raid. I’m on edge until the notifications stop and the air raid is over. In that instant, I don't know if my family is okay and finding out is tricky because most of the time their power is down (due to the constant russian bombings of Ukrainian energy infrastructure). So, imagine, silence from your family; they are not responding and you are unable to reach them by phone. And it's scary. It's scary to think that your family members or friends could be hurt, could be gone.

I’ve offered my family the option to relocate—to the U.S., to Europe, or even to Western Ukraine—but there are many reasons why people don’t want to leave their homes. Some have spent their entire lives working for that one apartment, and they’re unwilling to abandon it. Elderly folks are afraid to leave into the unknown and die there, away from their homes. I guess that's their own fear as well. Men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country, so many families, including mine, choose to stay together rather than leave their loved ones behind. It’s a difficult situation. In that sense, I consider myself fortunate, to be able to see them as much as I have in the past 2.5 years of russia’s war.

When I’m in Los Angeles, I can call or video chat with them, and they try to put on a brave face, making everything seem fine. But after spending time in Zaporizhzhia or on the front lines, I know it’s far from fine. You just wish they had a little more of that Western mentality of self-preservation and would move somewhere safer. But that’s not their reality.

9. Do you have plans to live in Ukraine again? What do you feel is the right approach to encourage millions of Ukrainians who left the country, to eventually return?

Absolutely.

With my planned work in veteran rehabilitation and revitalization of Ukrainian sports, I’ll likely be splitting my time between the United States and Ukraine. There's a simplicity to life in Ukraine that I cherish, along with a deep sense of belonging. Even though I love Los Angeles, Ukraine will always feel like home to me—the calm, the peace, even amidst the ongoing conflict. The warmth of the people is unmatched. Ukrainians may not smile as they pass you on the street the way Americans often do, but they're kind, deep and wonderful people who most probably live a hard life, yet somehow they carry their hearts on their sleeves. So yes, I do plan to live in Ukraine again. More than that, I want to play an active role in rebuilding the country. I want to help improve Ukraine’s post-war economy. Although a tiny being in this world, I will use whatever influence I may have, and I will do my part!

As for encouraging Ukrainians to return, I’m not sure you need to convince them. Our culture, our family connections, the food—none of that can be replaced anywhere else. Honestly, you can travel the world and not find anything like Ukrainian cuisine. The fertile soil makes everything taste better. Beyond that, the healthcare system—especially holistic medicine—is of a high standard and much more affordable than in many European countries. I believe people will naturally want to come back once we create more opportunities, improve the economy, and continue rebuilding. The key is to foster growth and stability, and people will return on their own terms.

10. How do you see dynamics changing inside the country, with attitudes toward those who left vs those who stayed? Do you think that Ukrainians who left the country have a specific responsibility toward their homeland?

First of all, people leave for different reasons. Many were under occupation, near the front line, or had young children, disabilities, or were elderly. You can’t judge someone for choosing to leave in those circumstances. In fact, it’s a wise decision to evacuate your home, especially when the military and government warn you that russian attack is imminent—it’s survival.

That said, there is a shift in how people view those who left. The frustration seems to focus on those who ran under different pretenses, like men paying bribes to cross the border, or those who leave and then start spreading negativity about Ukraine, as if it’s no longer their home and they will never return. Many seem to publicly proclaim, "What has Ukraine done for me?" But the right question to ask is, "What have you done for Ukraine?" The relationship between a country and its people goes both ways.

As for whether Ukrainians who left have a responsibility to their homeland—absolutely. If you’ve been able to save your life, you should do your part to help Ukraine, whether that means supporting the military, helping refugees, children, mothers, or even animals. Everyone can contribute, whether it's rebuilding or fundraising. If a grandmother living on a minimal pension can save for a year to donate towards a drone, then someone with a steady job abroad can do so much more. Every single person can play a role in helping improve the situation in Ukraine.

11. What is it like to witness Ukraine from the outside, as it evolves and grows with incredible difficulties of surviving aggression and atrocities?

It’s incredibly hard to be on the outside, even though I’ve made 18 trips to Ukraine in the past two years. Traveling there isn’t the same as living there, and every time I leave, I’m already planning my next trip. I’m constantly thinking of how I can return, how much more aid I can gather, and how I can be useful. This war is one of the most devastating events Ukraine has faced in decades, and it’s heartbreaking to realize that this is what put us on the global map.

At the same time, it has also awakened something in Ukrainians—an awareness of our potential for growth, change, and development. It’s shown us how much power we have as a people to transform our country. So while it’s hard to watch from the outside, there are still ways to make an impact, whether from the U.S. or anywhere in the world. I truly believe we will persevere and emerge stronger. The strength may not be apparent right away, as there will be a period of hardship and recovery, but in the end, Ukraine will be a more unified, less corrupt, and more economically and financially developed country.

12. What will be the first thing you’ll do when Ukraine wins? What are your dreams for yourself and your family after the war is finished?

The first thing I’ll do is hug every single military person I see, whether I know them or not, and express my gratitude. I do this almost daily already, but when we win, it will feel even more necessary. I’m not sure what emotional state I’ll be in, but I know the work won’t end there. Unfortunately, we still share a border with russia, and we don’t know exactly what victory will look like for us.

We’ll likely give ourselves a few days, maybe a week, to celebrate, but after that, it’ll be time to get back to work. Rebuilding, recovery, reconstruction—those are the next battles we’ll need to fight, and they’ll be just as important.