Occupation: Student

Country of Birth: Ukraine

Current: Lincolnshire, IL

“As a Ukrainian, I carry values that can help build a bridge—economic, cultural, and spiritual—between our countries and enable them both to thrive.”

Yelyzaveta, also known as Lisa, was born in Kyiv, the magical 1,500-year-old capital of Ukraine. She grew up alongside her close-knit family and loyal beagle in a big apartment on the eighteenth floor. She was surrounded by laughter, piano music, and family traditions. Christmas was her favorite holiday. She loved visiting her grandparents’ house; they would pick various berries and fruits in the garden and make delicious dishes.

In eighth grade, Lisa was enrolled in Kyiv’s top liberal arts lyceum. Lisa has a passion for the arts. She danced everything from ballet to breakdancing and performed on stage. Her first role was alongside her mom, and soon after she joined a professional theater company.

Then, the invasion of Ukraine changed everything. They would seek refuge in the underground parking garage, which became their bomb shelter from the explosions and attacks. For a year, they stayed, until the loudest explosion they ever heard happened near their home on New Year’s Eve. It became clear that it was time to leave.

Friends who had been living in the US for over twenty years offered to sponsor Lisa and her family. The journey began by train, crossing the border into Poland, then flying to Chicago on February 26, 2023. It was late at night, and as Lisa looked out over the glowing lights of the city, she could finally breathe without fear.

Today, Lisa’s primary goal is to achieve a quality education. She enjoys volunteering at her Ukrainian church and school, raising funds for disadvantaged families. Her English has improved significantly, and she has returned to her hobbies of playing piano and dancing. Her journey has helped her become an adaptable, resilient, and creative young woman.