About Us
Our Story: Empowering New Beginnings
Every great movement begins with a powerful idea—a spark that ignites a journey of change. For Svetlana Moskvitch, this spark came from her deeply personal understanding of the struggles newcomers face when transitioning to a new environment. This understanding, grounded in compassion and empathy, drove Svetlana to create the Svetlana Foundation, a place of hope, guidance, and support for immigrants, refugees, and anyone seeking a fresh start.
Svetlana’s inspiration grew from her own life experiences. Having witnessed the emotional and logistical challenges her friends, family, and colleagues faced as they started over in a new country, she recognized how isolating and overwhelming these transitions can be. The excitement of new beginnings often gets overshadowed by feelings of fear, confusion, and uncertainty. Yet Svetlana believed that these obstacles were not insurmountable. She saw the potential for every individual to overcome these challenges with the right resources and support.
Thus, the Svetlana Foundation was born—a beacon of light for those in need of assistance in navigating the complexities of a new life. With a focus on providing accessible support systems, the foundation strives to make integration into a new community less daunting, helping individuals tap into their potential to contribute meaningfully to their surroundings.
Our Philosophy: Focus on Changing Yourself, Not Others
At the heart of Svetlana Foundation lies a core philosophy: “Focus on changing yourself, not others.” This simple but profound belief drives the foundation’s approach to transformation, emphasizing personal empowerment as the starting point for broader community change.
Svetlana believes that, in order to create lasting change in the world around us, we must first focus on our own growth. By fostering self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability, individuals can overcome challenges and rise above the barriers they face. It is this mindset shift—embracing personal transformation—that sets the foundation for societal change, one person at a time.
Through the foundation’s programs, newcomers are encouraged to take ownership of their journey, empowering them to unlock their potential. Whether they are refugees, immigrants, or individuals seeking a fresh start, Svetlana Foundation provides them with the tools they need to not only survive but thrive in their new environment.
Vision & Mission: Building a World of Equal Opportunities
The Svetlana Foundation envisions a world where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. We believe that newcomers—immigrants, refugees, and displaced individuals—deserve the chance to build a future filled with possibilities.
Our mission is simple: to empower individuals with the support, tools, and connections necessary to overcome the challenges they face when starting over in a new country. Beyond basic needs like healthcare, housing, and education, we aim to provide holistic support that fosters emotional well-being, financial literacy, and community connection. Our comprehensive approach helps newcomers navigate not only the practical aspects of integration but also the emotional toll that starting over often takes.
We are committed to ensuring that every person—especially women and children who often bear the brunt of displacement—has access to employment opportunities, skills training, and mental health support. Whether it’s through job readiness workshops, resume-building, interview preparation, or helping individuals find stable employment, the foundation is dedicated to preparing individuals for a fulfilling career.
In addition, recognizing the significant legal hurdles faced by newcomers, we connect individuals with the right legal professionals to ensure they receive the help they need in navigating complex immigration and legal systems. Many of those we support have endured war, abuse, and trauma, and our mission includes offering them access to legal, emotional, and psychological support. Our programs also provide financial literacy lessons to help them manage their resources and become financially independent.
Ultimately, our vision is a world where newcomers can integrate successfully into their new communities, build meaningful careers, and contribute to the collective growth and prosperity of society.
Meet the team
Founder of the Svetlana Foundation
Svetlana Moskvitch is the visionary founder of the Svetlana Foundation, driven by her deep empathy and personal understanding of the challenges newcomers face when transitioning to a new environment. With a passion for empowering individuals and fostering community growth, Svetlana established the foundation to provide comprehensive support, guidance, and resources for immigrants, refugees, and anyone starting over. Her belief in the power of personal transformation as a catalyst for societal change inspires the foundation’s work, helping individuals unlock their potential and contribute to a more inclusive and hopeful world.
Director & Consultant
Ukrainian, Russian, and English-speaking Expert | Counseling Therapist with 20+ Years of Experience. Elena Grevtseva is a seasoned counseling therapist with over 20 years of experience in Ukraine. Fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and English, she brings a compassionate, cross-cultural perspective to her work, helping individuals navigate complex emotional and adaptation challenges. “I understand how challenging it can be to navigate life’s difficulties on your own, and I am here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re adjusting to a new country, managing family issues, or working through emotional struggles, I am here to provide the support and guidance you need.” Elena is committed to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and find peace on their journey.
Event Planning & Coordination Director
Svitlana is an enthusiastic leader with 15 years of experience in event planning and coordination. Her passion for helping people and creating meaningful, impactful events shines through in everything she does. With a deep commitment to making a positive difference, she brings energy, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to every project. Svitlana thrives in nonprofit environments, using her expertise to craft memorable experiences that contribute to building a brighter future for all.
Therapeutic Arts Program Coordinator & Creator of Motanka Classe
Gianna Arshulik is a compassionate and creative leader with a deep passion for helping others heal through the power of art. A Ukrainian teacher fluent in Ukrainian, Italian, and English, Gianna uses her unique background to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. After personally experiencing the therapeutic benefits of creating Motanka dolls, a traditional craft, she developed her own classes as a means of support and recovery for women and children affected by war. As the Coordinator of Therapeutic Arts Programs, Gianna leads workshops that help participants process trauma, relieve stress, and rediscover their strength. Her work offers a healing space where art becomes a bridge to hope and recovery.
Director of Program Development & Community Outreach
Mykhailo is a dedicated and passionate leader whose unwavering commitment to creating positive change drives the success of every program he oversees. As the Director of Program Development & Community Outreach, he ensures that each initiative runs smoothly and effectively, consistently adapting and evolving to meet the needs of those he serves. Known for his hands-on approach and creative problem-solving, Mykhailo is always the first to step in and make things happen, no matter the challenge. His philanthropic spirit fuels his passion for helping others, and he remains dedicated to leading his team with vision, consistency, and a heart for meaningful impact.
Resume & Career Development Specialist
Olga is a passionate and creative professional with a strong dedication to helping others succeed. Specializing in resume creation and job application writing, she thrives on empowering individuals to present their best selves to potential employers. With a deep love for people and a commitment to making a positive impact, Olga uses her skills to help individuals unlock their potential, driving change and opportunities in the world.
Self-Care & Empowerment Program Coordinator
Tryhubenko Yana is a passionate advocate for helping others rediscover their inner beauty and strength. As the coordinator of Self-Care & Empowerment Programs, she leads classes that guide newcomers in embracing self-love, self-awareness, and personal transformation. Her teachings focus on the importance of taking care of oneself from the inside out, empowering individuals to believe in their worth and become passionate, confident contributors to their communities. Through her classes, fosters a supportive environment where people not only develop a sense of self-worth but also strengthen the bonds that create a more compassionate, connected world.
Director of Education & ESL Programs
Natalia is a dedicated and passionate leader with a heart for helping others and transforming lives. As the Director of Education and ESL Programs, she is committed to providing children with the tools they need to succeed academically and socially. With a strong belief that anything is possible, Natalia inspires both students and colleagues alike to embrace learning as a pathway to growth. Her leadership in after-school programs and ESL education reflects her deep commitment to creating opportunities for all children to thrive and reach their full potential.
Yevheniia Natsevych & Client Care & Appointment Coordinator
Yevheniia Natsevych is a passionate and creative client care & appointment coordinator who thrives on helping others. With a heart for service and an eye for detail, she works closely with clients to schedule and coordinate vital appointments—whether for health, housing, or other essential services. Her enthusiasm and dedication create a welcoming space where clients feel supported every step of the way. Yevheniia is driven by the belief that everyone deserves guidance, care, and the chance to move forward with confidence. With hands-on experience in caregiving and medical coordination, she understands the importance of clear communication, empathy, and timely support—especially when it comes to navigating complex systems like insurance and healthcare
Meet the team
Founder of the Svetlana Foundation
Svetlana Moskvitch is the visionary founder of the Svetlana Foundation, driven by her deep empathy and personal understanding of the challenges newcomers face when transitioning to a new environment. With a passion for empowering individuals and fostering community growth, Svetlana established the foundation to provide comprehensive support, guidance, and resources for immigrants, refugees, and anyone starting over. Her belief in the power of personal transformation as a catalyst for societal change inspires the foundation’s work, helping individuals unlock their potential and contribute to a more inclusive and hopeful world.
Director & Consultant
Ukrainian, Russian, and English-speaking Expert | Counseling Therapist with 20+ Years of Experience. Elena Grevtseva is a seasoned counseling therapist with over 20 years of experience in Ukraine. Fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and English, she brings a compassionate, cross-cultural perspective to her work, helping individuals navigate complex emotional and adaptation challenges. “I understand how challenging it can be to navigate life’s difficulties on your own, and I am here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re adjusting to a new country, managing family issues, or working through emotional struggles, I am here to provide the support and guidance you need.” Elena is committed to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and find peace on their journey.
Event Planning & Coordination Director
Svitlana is an enthusiastic leader with 15 years of experience in event planning and coordination. Her passion for helping people and creating meaningful, impactful events shines through in everything she does. With a deep commitment to making a positive difference, she brings energy, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to every project. Svitlana thrives in nonprofit environments, using her expertise to craft memorable experiences that contribute to building a brighter future for all.
Therapeutic Arts Program Coordinator & Creator of Motanka Classe
Gianna Arshulik is a compassionate and creative leader with a deep passion for helping others heal through the power of art. A Ukrainian teacher fluent in Ukrainian, Italian, and English, Gianna uses her unique background to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. After personally experiencing the therapeutic benefits of creating Motanka dolls, a traditional craft, she developed her own classes as a means of support and recovery for women and children affected by war. As the Coordinator of Therapeutic Arts Programs, Gianna leads workshops that help participants process trauma, relieve stress, and rediscover their strength. Her work offers a healing space where art becomes a bridge to hope and recovery.
Director of Program Development & Community Outreach
Mykhailo is a dedicated and passionate leader whose unwavering commitment to creating positive change drives the success of every program he oversees. As the Director of Program Development & Community Outreach, he ensures that each initiative runs smoothly and effectively, consistently adapting and evolving to meet the needs of those he serves. Known for his hands-on approach and creative problem-solving, Mykhailo is always the first to step in and make things happen, no matter the challenge. His philanthropic spirit fuels his passion for helping others, and he remains dedicated to leading his team with vision, consistency, and a heart for meaningful impact.
Resume & Career Development Specialist
Olga is a passionate and creative professional with a strong dedication to helping others succeed. Specializing in resume creation and job application writing, she thrives on empowering individuals to present their best selves to potential employers. With a deep love for people and a commitment to making a positive impact, Olga uses her skills to help individuals unlock their potential, driving change and opportunities in the world.
Self-Care & Empowerment Program Coordinator
Tryhubenko Yana is a passionate advocate for helping others rediscover their inner beauty and strength. As the coordinator of Self-Care & Empowerment Programs, she leads classes that guide newcomers in embracing self-love, self-awareness, and personal transformation. Her teachings focus on the importance of taking care of oneself from the inside out, empowering individuals to believe in their worth and become passionate, confident contributors to their communities. Through her classes, fosters a supportive environment where people not only develop a sense of self-worth but also strengthen the bonds that create a more compassionate, connected world.
Director of Education & ESL Programs
Natalia is a dedicated and passionate leader with a heart for helping others and transforming lives. As the Director of Education and ESL Programs, she is committed to providing children with the tools they need to succeed academically and socially. With a strong belief that anything is possible, Natalia inspires both students and colleagues alike to embrace learning as a pathway to growth. Her leadership in after-school programs and ESL education reflects her deep commitment to creating opportunities for all children to thrive and reach their full potential.
Yevheniia Natsevych & Client Care & Appointment Coordinator
Yevheniia Natsevych is a passionate and creative client care & appointment coordinator who thrives on helping others. With a heart for service and an eye for detail, she works closely with clients to schedule and coordinate vital appointments—whether for health, housing, or other essential services. Her enthusiasm and dedication create a welcoming space where clients feel supported every step of the way. Yevheniia is driven by the belief that everyone deserves guidance, care, and the chance to move forward with confidence. With hands-on experience in caregiving and medical coordination, she understands the importance of clear communication, empathy, and timely support—especially when it comes to navigating complex systems like insurance and healthcare
