Yulia O’Connell is the Director of Development at Dignitas Ukraine, where she leads strategic fundraising initiatives and works cross-functionally to strengthen operations and maximize impact. She strongly believes in innovation and capacity-building as essential tools to empower communities and deter Russian aggression.

Education & Credentials

  • Fundraising Certificate, New York University (NYU)
  • Graduate, Donetsk Management Academy

Professional Experience

  • Director of Development, Dignitas Ukraine
    • Leads strategic fundraising efforts
    • Strengthens organizational capacity and operational effectiveness
  • Fundraising Coordinator, Razom
    • Initiated donor engagement strategies
    • Led community-driven campaigns supporting Ukraine

Background

  • Originally from Donetsk, Ukraine
  • Traveled to 49 countries prior to the full-scale invasion
  • Since the invasion, her primary focus and destination has been Ukraine

Personal

  • Mother of four children
  • Brings both professional expertise and deep personal commitment to advancing Ukraine’s resilience and democratic future