Manny’s: Rebuilding Ukraine: Stories From the Front Lines

Join us for a conversation with local and national leaders from Ukraine as they share their stories and discuss their country’s future.

We will be joined by Oleksandr Markushyn, Volodymyr Kreidenko, Rostyslav Smirnov, and Daryna Nedzelska.

Oleksandr Markushyn, Mayor of Irpin, Ukraine

Mayor Markushyn became the face of opposition to the Russian invasion early in the war when he ordered the destruction of the central bridge linking the city of Irpin to Kyiv, a mere 13 miles apart. The decision to blow up this bridge prevented the Russian Army from reaching the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv. In retaliation, the Russian army destroyed much of Irpin. Today, Mayor Markushyn is actively rebuilding housing and schools in Irpin.

With unwavering determination, he has actively defended the city of Irpin since the onset of the Russian-Ukraine war, garnering well-deserved recognition and accolades for his steadfast efforts in safeguarding the community.

Volodymyr Kreidenko, Member of Parliament, Ukraine

Volodymyr Kreidenko has been a member of the Ukrainian parliament since 2019. He is a Deputy of Ukraine, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transportation, and Infrastructure. Kreidenko is also project ambassador for Ukrainian NGO, Dobrobat.

Rostyslav Smirnov, Former Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine; Dobrobat co-founder

Rostyslav Smirnov is a prominent public figure and dedicated civic activist in Ukraine. He co-founded Dobrobat, a non-profit organization created to recover the country and help the Ukrainians with the urgent recovery of the houses and social infrastructure on de-occupied territories. He studied Public Administration at the Kyiv National Academy of Internal Affairs at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

Daryna Nedzelska,Culture Consultant at the UNESCO Kyiv Desk

Daryna oversees projects focused on damage and risk assessment, emergency restoration, and stabilization work in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv under the Heritage Emergency Fund support and within the Project “Support for Ukraine in Culture and Education through UNESCO: Emergency Response for World Heritage” and cultural property: damage assessment and protection’, funded through UNESCO.

Daryna’s dedication and contributions to culture and arts were recognized in 2018 when she received an honorary award from the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

Manny’s never turns away anyone for lack of funds. To receive a complementary ticket just email the word “grapefruit” and the title of this event to luis@welcometomannys.com.

Want to support community members? By purchasing a “Pay It Forward” ticket you will allow us to provide free tickets to those who may not be able to afford entry otherwise and ensure we can create a diverse socio-economic audience that represents San Francisco.