Big Ideas,
Real Impact.

Rooted in her Ukrainian heritage, Katrina has been deeply engaged in supporting Ukraine since russia’s full-scale invasion, advocating for democracy, freedom, and accountability. In 2024 she ran for Congress to challenge a system that falls short in defending democratic values at home and abroad, including sustained U.S. support for Ukraine. She continues to educate, mobilize, and strengthen her local Ukrainian community through focused advocacy, meaningful outreach and speaking engagements.

Judge Orest Jejna has served on the Scottsdale Municipal Court for nearly 24 years, following 21 years as a practicing attorney, marking a 45-year legal career distinguished by human rights advocacy. The son of Ukrainian immigrants, he has played a pivotal role in Ukrainian causes, most notably leading efforts to secure asylum for Ukrainian seaman Myroslaw Medvid during the Cold War and challenging Kremlin-linked legal influence in the U.S. His lifelong commitment to freedom, democracy, and justice for Ukraine has earned recognition from multiple human rights and civic organizations, and he currently serves as President of the Board of the Ukrainian American Bar Association.

Karyna chose to partner with a nonprofit that aligns closely with her values. She is honored to contribute her time and skills to ensure that Ukraine's resilience and spirit are never forgotten and that people of Arizona continue to keep Ukraine in their hearts despite of disinformation. She is supporting C&T with media outreach and press releases.

Andrew became involved with Cactus and Tryzub through his long-standing work with a team based in Dnipro and across Ukraine. After more than five years of close collaboration, Russia’s full-scale invasion transformed professional relationships into a personal commitment to stand with his colleagues and support Ukraine in meaningful ways.

Outside of his volunteer work, Andrew serves as Director of Product Management at a company that builds custom software solutions for large organizations across multiple industries. He has also been learning the Ukrainian language to deepen his connection with his team and express solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Through Cactus and Tryzub, Andrew has focused on website and digital projects and continues to volunteer and advocate for Ukraine. He hopes to one day visit Ukraine with his wife and daughter.

Since February 2025, Maria Pereira has been a devoted supporter of Ukraine, its sovereignty, its people, the Armed Forces, and the courageous leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Deeply moved by the resilience and sacrifice of the Ukrainian nation, she actively supports humanitarian and grassroots efforts, including coordinating volunteers for Cactus & Tryzub, who knit warm clothing for Ukraine. She believes that even small acts of solidarity, when multiplied, carry powerful hope and dignity to those enduring unimaginable hardship. She remains committed to advocacy, awareness, and humanitarian support for Ukraine, with prayers for an end to the war and a future of peace, freedom, and well-deserved prosperity for the Ukrainian people. Maria is a seasoned business and operations leader with extensive international experience across the United States, Europe, and Asia, having held executive leadership roles in aerospace, defense, space, and semiconductor industries. She holds an Engineering Physics degree from the University of Arizona and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Originally from Sweden, Christina came to Arizona for college and now work as an artist and graphic designer. She has volunteered with Cactus and Tryzub since 2022, contributing as a photographer, graphic designer, and artist in support of humanitarian initiatives for Ukraine. Her work includes event photography for advocacy, social, and fundraising initiatives. She is honored to contribute creatively to the cause that promotes global solidarity and humanitarian relief.

Olena Tanchyk is a professor with a PhD in Economics. She earned her Master’s degrees in International Economics, English Language and Literature, and Ukrainian Language and Literature in Ukraine. Later, she completed her MTSOL at ASU. Originally from Donetsk, she relocated to Mariupol after the first invasion in 2014. In 2021, she came to the U.S. as a Fulbright Scholar and Visiting Professor. Due to the war in Ukraine and Mariupol being razed to the ground, she now resides in Tempe, Arizona. She works for ASU, where she teaches English to international students with Global Launch and Ukrainian as an international language to global audiences with Critical Language Institute. Additionally, she teaches courses on Ukraine at Barrett College and is affiliated with the Melikian Center at ASU. She also teaches Micro and Macroeconomics at Glendale Community College. Olena has partnered with Cactus & Tryzub since 2022, contributing to various initiatives.

Born and raised in Kropyvnytsky, Ukraine, Olya was involved in Cactus and Tryzub from the start because remaining passive was not an option. She is committed to supporting Ukraine with projects like the Ukrainky series, Embroidered With Pain exhibit and advocacy. Outside her volunteer work, Olya works in finance with a focus on leadership development and training.

Irene immigrated to the United States with her family in 1997 at the age of 14. For generations, her family resisted Russian oppression, and she continues that legacy today from abroad - dedicated to preserving Ukraine’s heritage and supporting its fight for freedom. In response to Russia’s full-scale invasion, she founded Cactus and Tryzub, a volunteer initiative in Phoenix, AZ. Outside her humanitarian work, Irene has built a successful career in cancer genomics and, alongside her husband, runs a boutique pet photography business.