Occupation: Prosthetist

Country of Birth: Ukraine (Maxymeny)

Current: Elk River, MN

“Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunities this country has given me—not just to rebuild my life, but to give back in ways I never imagined. America isn’t perfect, but it’s a place where dreams can take root, grow, and change the world.”

Yakov Gradinar comes from a multi-generational family with deep roots in Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova. His ancestors fled Bulgaria during turbulent times, eventually settling in Odessa, only to face more challenges during war and famine. Raised in a region rich with multicultural harmony but disrupted by external crises, Yakov’s childhood was shaped by resilience. His grandparents survived the 1933 famine by eating sunflower seeds–a memory that taught him the value of sacrifice and perseverance.

Growing up in Ukraine, Yakov faced persecution under communism for his faith and refusal to conform to party expectations. When the Soviet Union collapsed, Yakov pursued an education and earned his medical degree. As old political systems resurfaced, he made the difficult decision to leave Ukraine with his family to ensure a better future for his children.

In 2007, after arriving in New York and traveling to Portland, Oregon as a refugee, Yakov embraced the challenge of starting over and pursued prosthetics and orthopedic surgery. After five years, he moved to Minnesota where many of his relatives had settled. Despite others’ doubts, he eventually co-founded the Protez Foundation. What began as a small kitchen effort has grown into a global mission helping Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, and children injured in war. Under his leadership, the Foundation has provided over 200 prosthetics, trained specialists, and shipped essential supplies to Ukraine. The Protez Foundation is more than just a nonprofit; it builds bridges between nations and inspires communities to take action. 

Yakov is deeply grateful for the opportunities America has given him–not just to rebuild his life, but to give back in ways he never imagined. Now a father of seven, a pastor, and an advocate for prosthetics care, Yakov’s life is a testament to determination, faith, and the power of persistence to make a sustained difference.