About Hromada

Who We Are

Hromada is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California, that serves the Ukrainian-American community across the United States. Since 2017, Hromada has been dedicated to promoting educational, cultural, and charitable initiatives that strengthen Ukrainian identity, support humanitarian needs in Ukraine, and foster community engagement in the diaspora.

Our Mission

Hromada is dedicated to strengthening the Ukrainian-American community through information, culture, and connection. Our mission is to ensure that the voices of Ukrainian communities are heard, their contributions recognized, and their stories preserved for future generations. Hromada helps cultivate unity and preserve Ukrainian identity and heritage throughout the diaspora by sharing stories, sparking dialogue, and encouraging participation.

Newspaper

First published in December 2017, the Hromada newspaper remains a vital voice for the Ukrainian-American community. As the only Ukrainian-language print publication on the West Coast of the United States, it serves as a platform for news, culture, education, and charitable initiatives that reflect Ukrainian heritage and strengthen community bonds.

In addition to the monthly print edition in Ukrainian, Hromada also offers an English-language digital version to ensure accessibility and engagement for a wider audience across the diaspora. Each issue features stories, commentary, and insights that inform and inspire readers while preserving the voices and values of Ukrainians in America and beyond.

You can subscribe to the Hromada newspaper by signing up on our website to receive the latest editions directly to your inbox.

Business owners are welcome to advertise in both the print and digital versions of the newspaper. Promote your products, services, or community events to a dedicated and engaged readership. For rates and placement options, please contact us at info@hromada.us

Anhelyk Initiative

Hromada also leads a charitable initiative known as the Anhelyk Foundation, dedicated to supporting children whose parents lost their lives in the russian-Ukrainian war. Founded in 2018, Anhelyk provides direct assistance to the children of fallen Ukrainian Heroes, offering care, hope, and meaningful recognition of their families’ sacrifice.

Each year, all donations and funds raised through our charitable events are used to send Christmas gifts, provide scholarships, and purchase medical supplies and equipment for these children across Ukraine. The initiative ensures they are not forgotten and helps bring moments of warmth and joy, especially during the holidays.

Join us in bringing comfort, support, and solidarity to the youngest victims of war.

Our Team

Yarema Kuzyshyn

CFO, Co-founder, Board Member

Professional with a background in banking and entrepreneurship. As CFO and co-founder of Hromada, he oversees financial planning, fundraising, and event coordination to advance the organization’s mission.

Lesya Castillo

CEO, Co-founder, Editor-in-Chief, Board Member

Co-founder of the nonprofit organization Hromada. She serves as its CEO and editor-in-chief.

Andrii Slota

Secretary, Board Member

Professional currently working as a Field Engineer at HENSEL PHELPS, a construction company based in San Francisco, California. He serves as Secretary and Board Member of Hromada.

Yelyzaveta Hots

Social Media Marketing, Development & Editorial Content Manager

Manages social media marketing, development, and editorial content for Hromada.

Ihor Trehub

Leads public advocacy for Ukraine and strengthens engagement with the Ukrainian-American diaspora.

Councilmember for the City of Berkeley, CA, Strategic Partnerships Director at Reimagine Power.

Maria Medyukh

Hromada Volunteer (Lviv, Ukraine)

Hromada Volunteer from Lviv, Ukraine. She is a veteran of the russian-Ukrainian War and a combatant.

Serhii Stefanskyi

At Hromada, he oversees website functionality and plays an active role in web development and continuous improvements to support the organization’s digital presence.

DevOps Engineer at Albertsons Companies, Inc.