Founders and Team
Meet the Ukrainian Patriots

Lana Nicole Niland
Founder

Lana Nicole Niland
Founder
Growing up on the Canadian prairies (Saskatoon, SK), Lana pursued dance there as far as it could take her. Along the way, she discovered the beauty, power, and history of Ukrainian Dance, and this became the focus of her burning passion to create. Upon completion of her studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Lana moved to Kyiv to focus her passionate pursuit of Ukrainian dance, culminating in a much-coveted dancer’s position with the Virsky National Honoured Academic Ensemble of Ukraine. To date, she is the only dancer outside the post-Soviet space to achieve this incredible accomplishment.
Throughout her 19 years (and counting) in Ukraine, Lana Niland has had very little downtime. Once her dance career with Virsky ended in 2009, she joined What’s On Kyiv, Kyiv’s only English Language Arts and culture magazine, as Deputy Editor, then later as Editor-In-Chief. In 2015, she founded Postmark Ukraine, a firm that employs local designers to create costume and dancewear for clients around the world. She also co-founded Rodovid Academy of Ukrainian Dance in 2016 and one year later, founded Big Fat Roger Productions as a home for What’s On Ukraine, among other ongoing creative projects.
Lana has turned her drive and passion toward developing Ukrainian Patriot. Working with international networks she has assembled through years of work as a journalist and marketer, UP is engaging Lana Niland in ways she never expected and her passion for creation is becoming battle-hardened resolve that is focussing on saving Ukraine and Ukrainian lives.
Throughout her 19 years (and counting) in Ukraine, Lana Niland has had very little downtime. Once her dance career with Virsky ended in 2009, she joined What’s On Kyiv, Kyiv’s only English Language Arts and culture magazine, as Deputy Editor, then later as Editor-In-Chief. In 2015, she founded Postmark Ukraine, a firm that employs local designers to create costume and dancewear for clients around the world. She also co-founded Rodovid Academy of Ukrainian Dance in 2016 and one year later, founded Big Fat Roger Productions as a home for What’s On Ukraine, among other ongoing creative projects.
Lana has turned her drive and passion toward developing Ukrainian Patriot. Working with international networks she has assembled through years of work as a journalist and marketer, UP is engaging Lana Niland in ways she never expected and her passion for creation is becoming battle-hardened resolve that is focussing on saving Ukraine and Ukrainian lives.

Hai Vao
Co-Founder

Hai Vao
Co-Founder
Hai Vo is a Dutch National and has been for the last 40 years. His start in the Netherlands was difficult as his family fled the Vietnamese war that still raged there in 1984. But Hai was able to find his way, eventually earning his Master’s Degree from the Delft University of Technology. While he was on an internship in South Africa, Hai found his calling with VR technologies, seeing ways he could use technology to make a difference in the world around him and inspire others to work for a better future.
Founding his first company at the age of 21, Hai worked in Dubai and Kyiv between 2006 and 2011. It was during these stints in Ukraine that Hai fell in love, first with a Ukrainian woman, then with the country itself. Though Hai remains a Dutch National and has since returned to the Netherlands, his heart remains with Ukraine as he works with UP to find ways to make direct and meaningful differences for the safety and future of a Ukraine under the siege of war.
Currently, Hai’s work with UP is directly funding volunteers that are making treacherous forays within Ukraine, taking food and supplies to the elderly and those who need it most on the ground. Hai’s vision is for Ukrainian Patriot to be the “Smart Impact Club that really knows what is happening on the ground in Ukraine. We want to help other organizations target their efforts more effectively so we all help more Ukrainians directly.
Founding his first company at the age of 21, Hai worked in Dubai and Kyiv between 2006 and 2011. It was during these stints in Ukraine that Hai fell in love, first with a Ukrainian woman, then with the country itself. Though Hai remains a Dutch National and has since returned to the Netherlands, his heart remains with Ukraine as he works with UP to find ways to make direct and meaningful differences for the safety and future of a Ukraine under the siege of war.
Currently, Hai’s work with UP is directly funding volunteers that are making treacherous forays within Ukraine, taking food and supplies to the elderly and those who need it most on the ground. Hai’s vision is for Ukrainian Patriot to be the “Smart Impact Club that really knows what is happening on the ground in Ukraine. We want to help other organizations target their efforts more effectively so we all help more Ukrainians directly.

Daria Malin
Co-Founder

Daria Malin
Co-Founder
Daria Malin is passionate about the history, culture, and people of Ukraine. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada’s most Ukrainian city, per capita, Daria grew up steeped in Ukrainian culture and has maintained this connection all of her life and brought her children up in it as well. Her love and affinity for Ukraine deepened during her two trips there, the most recent one in 2018 when she and her family crossed the country as her kids participated in a Ukrainian Dance tour. It was on this tour that they had the occasion to learn more about the pride of Ukraine when they visited Kyiv’s Maidan Square, the centre of Ukraine’s 2014 Revolution.
Daria brings years of marketing and communications experience to the Ukrainian Patriot’s Founder’s Team: After many years working in advertising, Daria founded Boost Strategic Coaching, a firm that offers private business coaching, sales & marketing workshops, and trains sales teams and ownership groups across North America.
More recently, she founded Malin Marketing Group to support non-profit organisations and community-based projects to leverage their connections and impact. She also co-founded Poyas & Poppy Dance Tees, a Canadian apparel label that celebrates Ukrainian Dance and culture, and is the author of the book Hands-On Marketing: The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Advertising & Branding.
Daria is the head of UP’s PR and marketing team. Her goal is to bring the world together in support of the incredibly important work Ukrainian Patriot has embarked on.
Daria brings years of marketing and communications experience to the Ukrainian Patriot’s Founder’s Team: After many years working in advertising, Daria founded Boost Strategic Coaching, a firm that offers private business coaching, sales & marketing workshops, and trains sales teams and ownership groups across North America.
More recently, she founded Malin Marketing Group to support non-profit organisations and community-based projects to leverage their connections and impact. She also co-founded Poyas & Poppy Dance Tees, a Canadian apparel label that celebrates Ukrainian Dance and culture, and is the author of the book Hands-On Marketing: The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Advertising & Branding.
Daria is the head of UP’s PR and marketing team. Her goal is to bring the world together in support of the incredibly important work Ukrainian Patriot has embarked on.

Ronny Sleiman
Co-Founder

Ronny Sleiman
Co-Founder
Ronny is a US national who has lived in Ukraine for more than 18 years. There, he worked as an IT consultant and serial entrepreneur with an expertise in e-commerce, data, and technology. Since graduating from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s in management information systems, Ronny had always wanted to explore abroad especially growing and emerging markets. That curiosity brought him to Kyiv in 2004, where he saw a country poised for growth. He started his first company in IT consulting and tapped into the highly talented pool of Ukrainian developers servicing Western clients. Throughout his years, he has been witness to the evolution of the Ukrainian identity and the growth of a generation of the Ukrainian people.
Not only did he fall in love with Ukrainian culture, but also fell in love with his Ukrainian wife of 13 years. Being an integrated part of the ex-pat community, Ronny cultivated many friendships and relationships with businesspeople from around the world. In 2006, he became an active member with the Kyiv Lions Club charity, a charted chapter of the International Lions Club, and served as the Vice President from 2020 to 2021.
Ukraine has been home to the Sleiman family until March 2022, when the war forced them to escape and move to Houston, Texas. Although they are starting over, Ronny and his family are dedicated to helping Ukraine in any way they can.
Which is why Ronny immediately jumped on the opportunity to co-found Ukrainian Patriot, and head the Online and Technology of the organization. His vision for UP is to reach as many people in the world, and tell them of the true difficulties and needs of the Ukrainian people. Building humanitarian channels and actually delivering is a core value of the mission of Ukrainian Patriot. Ronny Sleiman is fully on board to fulfill this mission.
Not only did he fall in love with Ukrainian culture, but also fell in love with his Ukrainian wife of 13 years. Being an integrated part of the ex-pat community, Ronny cultivated many friendships and relationships with businesspeople from around the world. In 2006, he became an active member with the Kyiv Lions Club charity, a charted chapter of the International Lions Club, and served as the Vice President from 2020 to 2021.
Ukraine has been home to the Sleiman family until March 2022, when the war forced them to escape and move to Houston, Texas. Although they are starting over, Ronny and his family are dedicated to helping Ukraine in any way they can.
Which is why Ronny immediately jumped on the opportunity to co-found Ukrainian Patriot, and head the Online and Technology of the organization. His vision for UP is to reach as many people in the world, and tell them of the true difficulties and needs of the Ukrainian people. Building humanitarian channels and actually delivering is a core value of the mission of Ukrainian Patriot. Ronny Sleiman is fully on board to fulfill this mission.

Sherry Rawlyk
Co-Founder

Sherry Rawlyk
Co-Founder
Sherry is Canadian with Ukrainian roots. She grew up on the family farm in rural Saskatchewan that was settled by her grandfather who immigrated from Ukraine in the early 1900’s. Sherry attended school in rural Saskatchewan and enjoyed many years of Ukrainian dance.
Sherry went to college and began a family with her husband who also danced. A passion for Ukrainian dance and culture was important for both herself and her husband which they passed on to their three children who still dance and instruct as young adults today.
With her children as dance performers, she toured Ukraine and has visited Kyiv Maidan square, watched her children in a workshop with Virsky, and helped produce performances in Chernivsty and Lutsk. An experience she cherishes, Sherry has seen the beautiful culture of Ukraine in cities and rural areas, and the love of the people that make the fabric of Ukraine strong and proud.
Sherry was previously a member of the executive as treasurer and president of a dance group in Saskatoon that has been in existence for over 50 years, and the current VP Finance of Evolutzia Ukrainian Dance. She has helped order beautiful costumes from Ukraine for prairie dance groups and is extremely proud to show the craftsmanship and dedication of Ukrainian artists.
Her experience and passion for volunteering in her Ukrainian community for the celebration and preservation of Ukrainian dance and culture is one of Sherry’s callings. Her years of experience in record keeping for charitable organizations is what Sherry brings to support Ukrainian Patriot.
Sherry went to college and began a family with her husband who also danced. A passion for Ukrainian dance and culture was important for both herself and her husband which they passed on to their three children who still dance and instruct as young adults today.
With her children as dance performers, she toured Ukraine and has visited Kyiv Maidan square, watched her children in a workshop with Virsky, and helped produce performances in Chernivsty and Lutsk. An experience she cherishes, Sherry has seen the beautiful culture of Ukraine in cities and rural areas, and the love of the people that make the fabric of Ukraine strong and proud.
Sherry was previously a member of the executive as treasurer and president of a dance group in Saskatoon that has been in existence for over 50 years, and the current VP Finance of Evolutzia Ukrainian Dance. She has helped order beautiful costumes from Ukraine for prairie dance groups and is extremely proud to show the craftsmanship and dedication of Ukrainian artists.
Her experience and passion for volunteering in her Ukrainian community for the celebration and preservation of Ukrainian dance and culture is one of Sherry’s callings. Her years of experience in record keeping for charitable organizations is what Sherry brings to support Ukrainian Patriot.

Maria Zhabyuk
Co-Founder

Maria Zhabyuk
Co-Founder
Maria is Ukrainian and based in Kyiv. She grew up in the West of Ukraine and since her childhood values greatly everything Ukrainian, its culture, spirit and soul.
While living in Kyiv for 7 years, Maria graduated Kyiv Mohyla Academy with a Sociology Degree and worked at the law firm Everlegal as a PR Manager and Designer. Currently she is a Product Designer at Credit Agricole Ukraine.
Maria helps Ukrainian Patriot with visual communication and creates designs for social media to bring necessary messages to the audience.
«In this challenging time for Ukraine, I need to help my country and those fighting for our independence once again. It is for sure a life changing reality and any support coming is valued greatly. With UP, I am trying to bring as much attention from the audience as I can to show that people around the world can trust us, and support Ukraine.
Glory to Ukraine!
While living in Kyiv for 7 years, Maria graduated Kyiv Mohyla Academy with a Sociology Degree and worked at the law firm Everlegal as a PR Manager and Designer. Currently she is a Product Designer at Credit Agricole Ukraine.
Maria helps Ukrainian Patriot with visual communication and creates designs for social media to bring necessary messages to the audience.
«In this challenging time for Ukraine, I need to help my country and those fighting for our independence once again. It is for sure a life changing reality and any support coming is valued greatly. With UP, I am trying to bring as much attention from the audience as I can to show that people around the world can trust us, and support Ukraine.
Glory to Ukraine!

Lyalya Fonarova
Co-Founder

Lyalya Fonarova
Co-Founder
“It’s not politicians who build society, it is Ukrainians who build society that shapes politicians.”
Ukraine is Lyalya Fonarova’s native country. It was during the Revolution on Granite in Kyiv, in 1990, that her need to get involved began. Incidentally, this is the same square where the 2004 Orange Revolution began, as well as the most recent Revolution of Dignity in 2014.Following her inauguration into activism, Lyalya’s call to create was fostered in the world of hair and beauty, winning awards for her achievements at many international competitions. At the age of just 30, she became the youngest judge at a number of these same competitions, which had validated her craft. This led to an opportunity to work with Tony & Guy in London, UK, together with a number of well-known international faces.
In 2000, she changed gears and started working in the entertainment industry as the director of what has become one of Ukraine’s most well-known rock groups, in good part, thanks to her creative and directorial assistance. During this time, she has also founded the clothing brand Eter and has recently opened the beauty and hair salon – Dvoye.
Throughout her life, Lyalya has always played an active role in social and civic activism. She believes strongly in the strong roles of public office, patriotism to one’s nation and culture, and the importance of these values in family life. And today is no different. Directing all of her current energy into the activities of Ukrainian Patriot, working together we will be victorious.
Ukraine is Lyalya Fonarova’s native country. It was during the Revolution on Granite in Kyiv, in 1990, that her need to get involved began. Incidentally, this is the same square where the 2004 Orange Revolution began, as well as the most recent Revolution of Dignity in 2014.Following her inauguration into activism, Lyalya’s call to create was fostered in the world of hair and beauty, winning awards for her achievements at many international competitions. At the age of just 30, she became the youngest judge at a number of these same competitions, which had validated her craft. This led to an opportunity to work with Tony & Guy in London, UK, together with a number of well-known international faces.
In 2000, she changed gears and started working in the entertainment industry as the director of what has become one of Ukraine’s most well-known rock groups, in good part, thanks to her creative and directorial assistance. During this time, she has also founded the clothing brand Eter and has recently opened the beauty and hair salon – Dvoye.
Throughout her life, Lyalya has always played an active role in social and civic activism. She believes strongly in the strong roles of public office, patriotism to one’s nation and culture, and the importance of these values in family life. And today is no different. Directing all of her current energy into the activities of Ukrainian Patriot, working together we will be victorious.

Dean Furbush
Co-Founder

Dean Furbush
Co-Founder
Since early in his career, Dean has committed his professional intention to building a leadership toolkit that would be of value if extraordinary need and opportunity should arise later in his career. The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022 presents that need and opportunity -- first, because of the innocent people whose lives have been wrenched from normalcy, or have been cut short; second, because this unjust international act cannot be allowed to stand, not for Ukraine, nor as 21st Century precedent for Europe, including for Russia and Russians, and for the rest of the world; and third, because this most extreme act of tyranny is a further step in a growing orientation towards tyranny that threatens the United States and several other countries that had incorrectly considered the value and existence of democracy a settled question.
Ukrainian Patriot represents the opportunity to serve alongside inspiring partners, many of whom are putting their lives on the line to help the people of Ukraine, the nation of Ukraine, and the notion that democratic self-determination, not naked aggression carries legitimate power. UP's founder, Lana Niland, understands and embodies the fact that fiercely fighting for justice and doing so with compassion are not inimical to each other but are both necessary elements of success.
Dean is a serial founder and change agent, with both "hard" skills -- operational, startup, technological, financial, and data-driven process improvement; and "soft" skills -- listening, empathy, radical transparency, and a willingness to be vulnerable, admitting errors and not knowing all the answers.
His work experience is diverse, ranging from alphabet jobs in Washington, DC –CNA, CEA, SEC, CFTC, and NASD to leadership roles in both startup and established organizations, including EVP, Nasdaq Transaction Services, and CEO FreshDirect. He has taught economics at the college level and consulted on topics that include litigation support and supply chain management. He is most proud of his work as founding Chair of College Summit, now PeerForward, and as a founding board member, now Chair, of Solutions Journalism Network.
Ukrainian Patriot represents the opportunity to serve alongside inspiring partners, many of whom are putting their lives on the line to help the people of Ukraine, the nation of Ukraine, and the notion that democratic self-determination, not naked aggression carries legitimate power. UP's founder, Lana Niland, understands and embodies the fact that fiercely fighting for justice and doing so with compassion are not inimical to each other but are both necessary elements of success.
Dean is a serial founder and change agent, with both "hard" skills -- operational, startup, technological, financial, and data-driven process improvement; and "soft" skills -- listening, empathy, radical transparency, and a willingness to be vulnerable, admitting errors and not knowing all the answers.
His work experience is diverse, ranging from alphabet jobs in Washington, DC –CNA, CEA, SEC, CFTC, and NASD to leadership roles in both startup and established organizations, including EVP, Nasdaq Transaction Services, and CEO FreshDirect. He has taught economics at the college level and consulted on topics that include litigation support and supply chain management. He is most proud of his work as founding Chair of College Summit, now PeerForward, and as a founding board member, now Chair, of Solutions Journalism Network.
Support Team
Tanya Baran – Lead Medical
Viktoria Pashysta – Financial Manager
Alena Semkina – Administrator
Sheena Grindlay – Administrator
Kevin Sorokowski – Writer
Laurie Friesen – Social Media Coordinator
Kaitlyn Kruk – Marketing Team
Candace Ochitwa – PR & Logistics
Nissa Baran – PR & Logistics
Tanis Taylor – Logistics Support