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“A Passion for Unity That Saves Lives Daily: Her Voice brings together art, culture, and humanitarian action in support of Ukraine,” by Alla Rogers, Diplomatic Watch

Alla Rogers

By Alla Rogers, Diplomatic Watch, June 15, 2026

As I entered the event, the promise of art and sound emerged immediately. It felt like a late 60s happening, a lot to take in with all the senses; music, fashion, traditions, food and wines from Ukraine, flowers, moving images, merchandising booths, useful information about many ways of donating, QR codes displayed everywhere. Beyond the din and hum of a rapidly assembling crowd of enthusiastic people at a former WWII munitions factory that is now a dedicated art space, one simply asks, “Why am I here? Who are Ukrainians as a collective?

For everyone there, there was only one reason; Collective support, Unity, Solidarity, Shared Humanity. What can I offer by way of help and support? Is there any small thing that I can do to support and contribute to the relief of so many fellow human beingsexperiencing unimaginable hardships?

HER VOICE, is after all, part of the identity of this event as well as a tribute to the female organizers and leaders in today’s networks of charities in support of Ukraine. The metaphor of a bee hive comes to mind. A collective system that evolved for survival of the hive, but also for the planet itself.  A call to cooperate and do one’s part as a collective in an organized and purposeful way is imprinted in the DNA of the Ukrainian Diaspora in the USA and everywhere where Ukrainians have settled outside the national geographic boundaries of Ukraine.

In Ukraine itself it is a super power enabling Ukrainians to survive and even flourish in times of war and extreme privation. As a nation that recognizes other faiths on its territory and guarantees the freedom of worship in its Constitution, Ukraine’s Christian precepts of “Faith, Hope, Charity but the greatest is Love” is a way of life. Some of the loveliest Ukrainian female names have canonical origins: Vira (Faith), Nadiya (Hope) and Lyubov (Love). HER VOICE was seen and heard everywhere throughout the evening.

In the spirit of Ukraine’s generous traditions of hospitality, President of United Help Ukraine, Maryna Baydyuk, officially opened an event of multi media-immersion serving as a platform for self expression and witness of resilience, beauty and transformation.

Between 2014-2026, United Help Ukraine has raised over $89.7 million dollars, organized 255 events and organized 8 Ukraine Action Summits on Capitol Hill. $0.93 of each dollar raised goes directly to support UHA programs. This event supports UHU’s Smuha Family Resilience Project, which focuses on mental health, resilience and safe spaces for families in Ukraine, and helping families and children heal and rebuild.

Living in our own orbit as we do, and receiving information through screens rather than human contact, just remember the power of The Hive and the gifts that connectivity brings to each of us in good times and the support it provides to ourselves and others in challenging times. We are meant to share the very best of what it means to be human: Kindness, Compassion, Generosity, Patience, Hope Faith, all the human qualities  mankind shares and holds sacred.

“HER VOICE” thanks everyone who contributed to this event to make it a success. A solo voice can sing but two or more voices can create harmony.

Signing off for now.

Alla Rogers is a Contributor and Columnist for Diplomatic Watch, where she writes on culture, diplomacy, identity, and international engagement. Based in Washington, D.C., she is Director of Art and Cultural Impact Programs for the Global Peace Education Network and founder of the Alla Rogers Gallery. Her work has focused on cultural diplomacy, international exchanges, and the role of the arts in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding across borders