Connect How did your love story begin?

Our love story began while I was a Peace Corps volunteer teaching ESL in Chongqing, China. I was a year into my service and a mutual friend invited us both out for music at a local club. I’m pretty sure I didn’t give him the time of day, but he asked me on a date a few weeks later. What really sealed the deal was when I had to teach at a campus an hour away from my apartment on my birthday and didn’t get home until 10pm thinking I’d spend my birthday alone, but there he was waiting with flowers.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

We have already had the privilege to travel to amazing places together - we lived in China, and have visited his home country of Ukraine, then Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, and most recently Egypt! But, still our favorite memory is probably when Andrii arrived in the U.S. in January 2020 when his visa was approved. Before, we didn’t know when we would see each other next, and his arrival meant we were finally together and able to start building a life - this was an irreplaceable feeling.

What would you do with $20,000?

We both have missions very near to our hearts including supporting our family, friends, and organizations through the full-scale war in Ukraine, volunteering at local art and science centers, and decreasing our carbon footprint. Fundamentally, our efforts aim to create a better, safer, and healthier world by inspiring and leading efforts that create real change for future generations. All children deserve to grow up to fulfill their dreams and we hope to help carve out those spaces.