Olesia Lapikova is a public activist from Ukraine. They are a member of the All-Ukrainian NGO Institute Respubliсa and NGO Mainstream. Olesia is passionate about involving citizens, particularly youth, in political processes. They are involved in training and consulting on petitions and elections for citizens and authorities. Olesia coordinates and supports educational projects for youth and pro-feminist projects. They also focus on the facilitation of public consultations at the local and national levels as well as organizing cultural, literary and musical events. During the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Olesia engaged in volunteering, information support of volunteer initiatives and translation of news reports.
More on the project is available here: https://zp.suspilne.media/episode/63234
Olesia participated in the IVLP Project Youth and Civic Engagement II organized by the U.S. Department of State and Mississippi Consortium for International Development.
Olesia's exchange experience led to the development of their IVLP Impact Award Project: "It was an incredible communication with colleagues from all over the world, which brought inspiration and motivation for further work. Although the IVLP was held online, there was a feeling of live presence and warmth. I am grateful for the incredible experience and feeling of unity!"
Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Manchester, NH; Pittsburgh, PA