Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center

About us

The Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center is a university initiative within the structure of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, focused on strengthening the leadership potential of veterans through education and community. The Center began its activities in June 2024 and was officially founded on August 29, 2024 — the Day of Remembrance of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine.

The Leadership Center operates on Kyiv-Mohyla’s values and is part of a community that unites Ukraine’s defenders, NaUKMA faculty and researchers, as well as representatives of the public, private, and state sectors. It is a space for open dialogue, generating new ideas, and building partnerships between veterans, their families, and different sectors of society.

Mission

The mission of the Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center is to support veterans in developing their leadership potential for active participation in building a conscious society, recognizing the power of their experience and their contribution to the future of the state.

The Center combines an educational approach with leadership development, fostering the transformation of military experience into civic, professional, and social engagement.

The values and strategic goals of the Leadership Center continue NaUKMA’s mission: to cultivate nationally conscious, honest, and responsible individuals who act according to the principles of fairness and justice, contribute to an open democratic society, and strengthen the resilience of the state.

Our Target Audiences

Veterans of the russo-Ukrainian war
Active service members
State/government sector
Civil society organizations
Ukrainian businesses
Academic community

Director
Yana Chapailo

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Main Areas of Work

“Leadership and Resilience”Executive Education Program

The goal of the program is to support and professionally empower veterans who seek to actively engage in public policy, community development, and other leadership initiatives aimed at rebuilding and strengthening Ukraine. The program provides students with unique opportunities to interact with leaders in the fields of education and international advocacy for Ukraine.

Certificate Programs for Veterans

Development and implementation of modern academic programs tailored to the needs of veterans and active service members. These programs focus on strengthening leadership capacities, managerial skills, and civic engagement.

Cross-Sector Cooperation

Building partnerships among state institutions, businesses, the civic sector, and the academic community to create an environment conducive to supporting and empowering veterans.

Implementation of the Trauma-Informed Approach

Integrating trauma-informed principles into the Leadership Center’s academic programs, providing training for specialists working with veterans to foster a sensitive and safe environment.

Scaling & Disseminating Best Practices in Ukrainian Higher Education Institutions

Developing and disseminating effective models of veteran support for other Ukrainian universities, replicating the successful model of the Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center across higher education institutions in Ukraine.

Community of Action

Establishment and support of the Community of Action network for Leadership Center alumni that has already brought together 67 veterans, students, faculty, and NaUKMA administration. The community fosters cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives, strengthening engagement within the university and with broader society.

Key Achievements in the First Year

Launch of the Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center

Piloted a unique concept of educational programs for veterans
Strengthened trust among key partners in the veteran support sector

“Leadership & Resilience” Executive Education Course

Designed and launched a flagship course for veterans — a tool for transition from military to civilian leadership (authors: Yana Chapailo, Mariia Savrun, Taras Tymochko, Oksana Syroid, Volodymyr Dehtyarov, Liudmyla Kryvoruchka)
Graduated two cohorts — Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
A total of 29 veterans became alumni: the first group of 9 participants graduated in January 2025, the second group of 20 participants in June 2025

Career Navigation Course for Veterans

Adapted and piloted the author’s Course “Career Guidance and Career Counselling for War Veterans Adaptation”, together with Sergiy Nozdrachov

38 participants successfully completed the course across two groups (online and in-person)

Work with Communities, the State, and Ukrainian Businesses

Conducted focus groups to assess needs in career counseling, guidance, and inclusive employment programs in three pilot communities: Lutsk, Opishnia (Poltava region), and Chernihiv. Respondents included local authorities, Employment Centers, and veteran associations
Designed and delivered the training “Trauma-Informed Communication in Working with Veterans” for HR professionals of Agromat, Epicenter K, Unique Trade, SoftServe, Ukrenergo, and Ukrtelecom companies
Designed and delivered the training “Guiding war veterans through choosing a career path” for specialists of the State Employment Centers (22 professionals from Kyiv, Kyiv region, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lutsk, and Opishnia, Poltava region)

International Advocacy and Networking

Yana Chapailo, Director of the Center, presented the Leadership Center at the panel discussion “Strengthening Ukraine’s Workforce and Human Capital” in Washington, D.C., organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Visited the Ukraine House in Washington, DC, and met with Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States (2021–2025), NaUKMA alumna in Ecology (1999), and member of the NaUKMA Supervisory Board (2018–present). Presented the Center’s achievements
Welcomed a distinguished guest at NaUKMA — TJ Ihor Kostecky, professor at Bard College and author of the Vision Training method. He conducted a series of meetings and workshops for students, veterans, and partner veteran organizations

Alumni Community “Community of Action”

Formed an alumni community that already includes 67 veterans
The Community of Action unites defenders, students, faculty, and NaUKMA administration to foster cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives.
Organized a meeting with Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine (2022–2025), alumna of the NaUKMA Faculty of Law (2007–2013)
Participated in the charity fair “Podilskyi Shuk”, presenting the Leadership Center’s programs, expanding our contact network, and strengthening ties with the Podil community