UNWLA in Action: Strength, Unity, and Women's Leadership on Capitol Hill

This fall, the Ukrainian Action Summit in Washington gathered Ukrainian activists from all corners of the USA. But for us, the members of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America, it was not just a summit — it was a testament to our historical mission, a moment when the voice of Ukrainian women resonated particularly strongly, with dignity and conviction.

Over 30 members from various UNWLA branches arrived in the capital, each carrying the memory of generations, community experience, and love for Ukraine. We came not as observers — we came as representatives of Ukrainian women in America with a single goal: to bring Ukraine's victory closer.

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Florida: 23 Meetings. Separately. Independently. Strongly.

While other states worked in mixed groups, the Florida delegation held 23 meetings independently:

• 16 officially confirmed, scheduled meetings,

• 7 additional drop-in visits, achieved through initiative and teamwork.

This was the largest workload of any delegation at the summit.

We entered each office with a clear message and a united position — as women, as a community, as Ukrainians.

Meetings that Define Alliances

🇺🇸 Senator Rick Scott (Florida)

The meeting with Senator Rick Scott was one of the warmest and most meaningful. He expressed firm support for Ukraine and asked us to send:

  • stories of children,
  • stories of families,
  • stories of those affected by the war.

"Your stories are what open people's eyes," he said.

After the meeting, he sent a personal message:

Tetiana, let me know how I can be helpful!

This was not a formal gesture — it was recognition of the importance of our work.

🇺🇸 Congresswoman Kathy Castor (Florida)

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Congresswoman Kathy Castor welcomed us with warmth, attention, and sincere support. She asked important questions, took photos with our group, and accepted symbolic gifts from the community.

Her position is unwavering:

Supporting Ukraine is supporting democracy.

🇺🇸 Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25)

The meeting with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was particularly touching, as she shared that she has Ukrainian grandparents. She:

  • warmly greeted our group,
  • expressed firm support for Ukraine,
  • signed a Ukrainian-American flag, which became a symbol of generational unity.

Our Main Demands to Congress

We presented four key priorities of the American Coalition for Ukraine:

1. Confiscation of Russian Assets (REPO Act)

Frozen Russian funds should work towards Ukraine's recovery.

2. Strengthening sanctions against Russia

Ban circumventions and block channels financing the war.

3. Return of abducted Ukrainian children

Over 19,000 children must be returned home.

4. Security guarantees and long-term economic cooperation

Ukraine needs stability, partnership, and a future.

We voiced these priorities at each of the 23 meetings — and we were listened to attentively.

Members Inspiring the National Movement

We highlight two women who, although not part of our Florida delegation, became the heart of national advocacy:

  • Mariyana Yelyzaveta Tretiak
  • Khrystyna Tershakovets

Their work — conducting Zoom sessions, training volunteers, coordinating between states, providing informational support — became the foundation of the effectiveness of all UNWLA branches.

Khrystyna Tershakovets

Her calm voice on Zoom, professionalism, support, and warm communication became our support.

This is a woman who unites.

This is a woman who inspires.

This is a woman who works for Ukraine every day.

Why It's Important That Ukrainian Women Were at the Summit

When members enter an office, congressmen see:

  • the history of Ukrainian culture,
  • the memory of generations,
  • the strength of women's leadership,
  • defenders of our identity,
  • a voice that prevents the world from growing weary of Ukraine.

Our words are not statistics.

Our stories are not abstractions.

We speak about the reality of Ukrainian families, mothers, children, soldiers.

And that is why we are heard.

Ahead — Work. And We Are Ready

Returning home, we commit to:

  • sending stories and analytics,
  • maintaining contact with offices,
  • preparing for the next summit,
  • uniting communities,
  • continuing the fight until Victory.

Advocacy is not an event.

It is a path.

It is a duty.

It is a mission.

Together — Towards Ukrainian Victory

We thank everyone who supported us with prayers, advice, kind words, and love.

We thank every member who walked alongside us.

We thank all the communities of Florida that gave us the strength to hold 23 meetings on Capitol Hill.

We are members.

We will stand.

We will speak.

We will serve Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!