Life of 21st century Ukrainian woman is topic of conference at Soyuzivka (05/04/03)

Life of 21st century Ukrainian woman is topic of conference at Soyuzivka

by Marianna Zajac

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - When surveyed about whether they would be interested in participating in another such conference, the guests of the "The World of the 21st Century Woman" conference replied "Yes," "Yes, Yes," and "Absolutely." From the very onset of the conference, held on April 4-6 at Soyuzivka, the ladies who traveled from Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut went out of their way to meet and greet each other.

One of the most important challenges the Ukrainian community faces is to ensure the survival of its organizations, and the diaspora as a whole. Without engaging the interest and talents of the younger and/or presently less involved women, for example, the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA) will face a questionable future.

Thus UNWLA Branch 95, the conference organizer, set a goal of bringing together women of the Ukrainian community - no matter what their profession, what their first language, what their organizational beliefs - in an informal setting to share their thoughts and ideas, their common daily issues, and, most importantly, to network.

Sunday's sessions opened up a good discussion on the transition of the UNWLA into the 21st century and also on the exciting new health initiative to bring preventive health care information and education to the women of Ukraine. As a result, "The World of the 21st Century Woman" conference surpassed even the organizers' hopes in seeding good exchanges and exciting plans for the future and was a resounding success.

The newly refreshed lobby of Soyuzivka's main house, decorated by UNWLA Branch 95 members with beautiful "kylymy," served as the setting for Friday night's opening program. The agenda began with a greeting from Marianna Zajac, conference chair and president of the Central New York Regional Council of the UNWLA, a wine tasting, an art exhibit, and a book reading and signing.

The wine, which came from local Hudson Valley vineyards, was much appreciated by the women who had traveled in poor weather conditions to be present at this function.

The art exhibit, organized by Ulana Hajdar, boasted a wealth of talent displayed in an eye-catching manner. The following Ukrainian women artists were featured: Oksana Cehelsky Klapiscak, Anya Farion, Jaroslava Gerulak, Irene Homotiuk Zielyk, Olga Maryschuk, Christina Saj, Ulana Salewycz Hajdar, Ilona Sochynsky, Zoriana Sokhatska, Marianna Szczawinsky Crans, and Halyna Tytla. The individual artists' styles and mediums were briefly described by Ms. Hajdar.

Later that evening, everyone comfortably seated with wine in hand, the lights dimmed, author Irene Zabytko was introduced to the congenial group. During this conference, Ms. Zabytko's presentation focused on her latest book, "When Luba Leaves Home," which tells a classic story of growing up in America's melting pot. Most of those present quickly identified with Ms. Zabytko's characters as she read an excerpt. There were many lively and eager questions from the audience, and the line to purchase this newly released book wrapped around the lobby. Ms. Zabytko graciously took the time to individually sign all books - even for those women who bought two and three copies for daughters, sisters, friends and cousins. The evening wrapped up, with great reluctance on the part of participants, only because of Saturday's early scheduled start.

The official kickoff of this women's conference was held Saturday morning as Ms. Zajac gave an upbeat and positive start to the weekend. Iryna Kurowyckyj, UNWLA president, was invited to the microphone to deliver introductory remarks in which she spoke of the bigger picture of the women's movement.

Saturday's opening seminar, "Legal and Financial Fitness," was given jointly by Oksana Xenos and Zoriana Stawnychy. The dynamic Ms. Xenos is an attorney and specialist on tax-exempt organizations with the U.S. Department of the Treasury in Washington. Ms. Stawnychy is the owner of the successful Stawnychy Financial Services Inc., a financial planning firm and registered investment advisor. Together, this team provided indispensable insight on financial and legal planning, and entertained many vital questions posed by the audience - primarily on estate planning and personal investment portfolios. It was a challenge for the organizers to bring this session to an end.

Luba Siryj, an information technology architect with IBM, captured the audience's attention with a lighthearted yet motivational approach to aging titled "Forever Young."

Following lunch, the conference was divided into two tracks. Participants were, of course, free to join any seminar in either track; however, in order to provide as broad an array of topics as possible in the span of one weekend, concurrent sessions were necessary.

Tatiana Zazula who holds a Ph.D in basic and applied neurocognition and currently has a private neuropsychological practice in New York City, delved into the differences between the male and female brains and how this difference results in reactionary variances between the two. Dr. Zazula's evolutionary perspective offered the audience a better understanding of the challenges faced by today's overextended women.

Communications was approached by two experts in the field: Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in-chief of The Ukrainian Weekly, and Gina Hancher, director of product publishing and design at Forrester Research in Cambridge, Mass., covered communications. Ms. Hadzewycz spoke about how community members can get their messages across to their local print media, as well as to Ukrainian community newspapers, whereas Ms. Hancher shared her knowledge on the power of effective oral communication. The duo was barraged with questions.

Dr. Marta Kushnir, a board-certified internist and current secretary of UMANA's New York chapter, spoke on how women's health issues and parameters differ from men's. Dr. Kushnir also fended numerous questions.

"Careers in a Male Dominant Society" featured four professional and very qualified ladies in different areas of expertise: Nadia Ratycz, project manager at Bayer Inc.; Oksana Mulyk, director of payroll reconciliation and data integration at ADP; Dr. Ivanna Ratycz, one of the first tenured female professors at Rutgers University and an honorary member of the UNWLA; and Oksana Rawlyuk Protenic, professor of music at SUNY Conservatory of Music at Purchase.

The topic of "Elder Care" was presented by Irene D'Alessio who holds a master's in social work and has worked for 20 years with the elderly. This is a topic which will affect each and every one of us at some point and time in our lives.

The last session of the day stood apart from the previous ones as it dealt with stress management. Ms. Kaminsky, who recently opened a Curves for Women Fitness Center in Ruchboro, Pa., assured that the ladies walked away with valuable relaxation and stress reduction techniques - but, they only had one hour to prepare for the cocktail hour.

The cocktail hour in the lobby bustled with great conversation and accolades for the day's events. The women (and some husbands) mingled and met with new people or rekindled old friendships. At the banquet, Ms. Zajac offered her welcome and insight into the hopes for the outcome of the event, after which she read letters of greetings from Sen. Hillary Clinton and New York Gov. George Pataki.

UNWLA President Kurowyckyj presented a certificate of achievement to Branch 95 for its outstanding efforts in public relations, within and outside of the Ukrainian community, including the planning of this conference.

The banquet program included a brief speech from Dr. Natalia Martynenko of Ukraine's Consulate General in New York City, songs performed by the Charivnyi Homin ensemble of Watervliet, N.Y., and the very important introduction of the UNWLA-sponsored Women's Health Fund by Martha Jarosewich-Holder.

Ms. Jarosewich shared her vision of how, by partnering with available resources in the United States (such as UMANA) and in Ukraine (Soyuz Ukrainok), we can provide preventive health information, education and resources to help Ukrainian women help themselves.

Luba Goy, a comedienne of international stature and the banquet's scheduled lead performer, regretfully had to cancel her appearance due to the snow-related closure of Toronto's airport; nevertheless, she shared her strong support for the conference goals and the women's health initiative.

Sunday's sessions began after divine liturgy at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church. "The Ukrainian Woman in Two Worlds" panel was moderated by Renata Zajac, financial analyst at UBS Warburg. The panelists included Eva Panchyshyn, a practicing attorney in Newburgh, N.Y.; Anna Khomenko, who is employed by Human Rights Watch; and Ms. Hancher, who graciously agreed to participate in a second panel.

The panelists spoke of their most challenging experiences within the Ukrainian community and how comfortable they feel in each of their two very different cultures.

Following this came a presentation on HIV/AIDS statistics and a review of the trafficking of women in today's Ukraine. Presenter Hanya Krill is a certified press representative at the United Nations and chief operating officer of Brama.

The next seminar was given by Nadia Petryk and Zoryana Mishtal on the "Challenges of the Fourth Wave" woman. Both ladies immigrated to the U.S. since 1991 and each described her perspective of the various challenges faced when entering the Ukrainian American community.

Ms. Zajac led the final discussion of the conference titled "Transitioning the UNWLA into the 21st century - Can It Be Done?" As the honest discussion ensued and the debates surfaced, it was clear that the deep-rooted issues involved were not going to be solved at one such forum.

It is interesting to note that the audience for this conference was a mix of younger and older women, some fluent in Ukrainian and some not, some UNWLA members and some non-members. This event was the very first all-English-language speaking conference sponsored by the UNWLA, designed with the purpose of attracting all women of the Ukrainian community.

Successful, professional women of the Ukrainian community eagerly shared their talents and knowledge with conference participants. The ambiance of the entire weekend was one of friendship and kindredship.

The beginning of a much needed-dialogue involving the younger participants about their role in the UNWLA organization was sparked. In addition, the younger participants were instantly drawn to the health fund initiative and many indicated they would be in contact with Ms. Jarosewich.

Although inclement weather prohibited a larger number of participants, this allowed a much more intimate atmosphere. The original goal of the conference was realized and the reality that its success must be built upon was recognized by organizers and participants alike.

Congratulations were offered to each member of UNWLA Branch 95 and especially to the conference co-chair, Vera Staruch, for their hard work and initiative on the planning and executing of this exciting, memorable and exceptionally well-received event.

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