We’re excited to continue introducing you to talented Ukrainians — the winners of Talents for by Ukraine KSE Foundation. These remarkable individuals are shining examples of the strength of the Ukrainian spirit, deep professionalism, and the unwavering drive to shape the future, even in the most challenging times.
⭐️Vitalii Azhnov is a Ukrainian stage and film actor, Honored Artist of Ukraine. He works at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater. He is best known for his portrayal of Kazimir Malevich in the film Malevich and Volodka Tverdokhlib in the TV series And There Will Be People. Vitalii also teaches acting and stage speech, narrates audiobooks, and shares his experience with students. He is the founder of the theater studio Kurs Azhnova and the creator of the podcast Azhnov Show, which brings Ukrainian poetry to a wider audience. His mission is to support Ukrainian culture and inspire others through creativity, education, and the power of the spoken word.
“I’m constantly looking for opportunities to branch out and explore new fields of activity,” Vitalii emphasizes.
⭐️Svitlana Krakovska is a climatologist, PhD in Physics and Mathematics specializing in geophysics, Head of the Applied Climatology Laboratory at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute, and an international member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. She develops climate forecasts for Ukraine and is a lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. She was the first to develop methodological approaches for assessing climate change risks and economic sector vulnerabilities at the regional level in Ukraine, using ensembles of regional climate models. According to Nature, she was named one of the top 10 most influential people in science in 2022.
“What I value most in people is honesty,”says Svitlana.
⭐️Mariia Kozakevych is the founder of the initiative «Frankivsk That Must Be Preserved» and the brand berehty.if.ua, a civic activist and expert in cultural heritage preservation. For over a decade, her professional work has combined urbanism, entrepreneurship, and public education. She initiated Ukraine’s largest project for the restoration of historic doors, turning them into a symbol of the city and a catalyst for transforming public consciousness. Mariia has also created a series of educational and souvenir products that promote the architectural, cultural, and natural heritage of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, helping to shape a modern local identity.
“My life principle is to listen to my heart and act where I can make a positive change,” Maria says.
More about the Talents For Ukraine winners
