PRESS RELEASE

New York, NY — October 19, 2025.


The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) marked its centennial anniversary with a historic celebration at the Bohemian National Hall in New York City, honoring a century of women’s leadership, cultural preservation, and humanitarian service.

The milestone event opened with welcoming remarks from Marianna Zajac, UNWLA Honorary President and Chair of the Centennial Committee, followed by blessings from Metropolitan Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

Marianna Zajac, UNWLA Honorary President and Chair of the Centennial Committee opened the celebration:

“For 100 years, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America has been a beacon of hope, a voice for justice, and a steadfast guardian of our heritage. The UNWLA has embodied the best of what it means to lead with the heart.”

Following these remarks, Oresta Starak, representing the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, DC, read a congratulatory letter from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, extending gratitude to the UNWLA for one hundred years of steadfast support for Ukraine and its people.
The centerpiece of the program was the multimedia theatrical performance A Legacy in Motion, created and directed by Romana Isabella Soutus and performed by NY actresses who are a part of the NASHi Experimental Theatre Club, a Kyiv-based ensemble empowering emerging artists. The production traced the evolution of the UNWLA through a century of resilience and
achievement, blending archival storytelling, live performance, and multimedia imagery. Many in the performance hall, which was filled to capacity, were visibly moved to tears as generations of Ukrainian women’s voices and stories came alive on stage.

UNWLA President Natalie Pawlenko thanked the performers and guests, emphasizing the organization’s enduring purpose and vision:

“Through it, we saw the spirit of generations — women who dreamed, built, and carried our mission forward through a hundred years of love for Ukraine.”

Following the performance, guests gathered for a festive cocktail reception featuring the organization’s signature drink, the Centennial Bloom, and culinary creations by Veselka NYC.

The venue, beautifully adorned with sunflowers and archival covers of Our Life magazine, radiated a spirit of unity, pride and joyful celebration as guests - many who were UNWLA members who had travelled from around the country - celebrated this historic milestone.

Among the distinguished guests were Ambassador Oksana Stefanyshyna (newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary of Ukraine to the U.S.) and Ambassador Andriy Melnyk, (current Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations), who joined the reception to congratulate the organization on its achievements. His Eminence Metropolitan Gudziak, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the U.S. and His Eminence Metropolitan Antony Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S. bestowed their blessings upon those present and upon all who continue the noble work and mission of the UNWLA.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees reflected on the UNWLA’s century-long legacy — from its founding in 1925 to its ongoing work in advocacy, education, cultural preservation, and humanitarian aid. Over the decades, the organization has supported women leaders, advanced Ukrainian studies, aided refugees and children, and stood at the forefront of advocacy for
Ukraine in the United States.

The UNWLA’s remarkable story is chronicled in the newly published book, A Century of Commitment: The UNWLA Story (1925–2025), written by longtime member Dr. Marta Kichorowska Kebalo, available at www.unwla.org.

Media Contact: Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA)

vp-pr@unwla.org | Marusia Kvit Flynn
www.unwla.org
New York, NY