Matthew Kayser
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
In the midst of war, environmental crisis, and social upheaval, some individuals choose not to look away. For Ukrainian-born humanitarian and artist Angelina Usanova, action has become a way of life. From participating in international conferences and humanitarian missions to launching educational projects for children, she is now taking a new step – registering her own charitable foundation in the United States. In this exclusive interview, Angelina reflects on the ideas behind her new initiative and the global mission that fuels her work.
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Journalist: Angelina, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the big news – what inspired you to establish your own charitable foundation in the United States?
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Angelina Usanova: Thank you for having me – it’s truly an honor. The decision to create my foundation stems from a deep desire to address pressing social and environmental issues while empowering those who need it most. Having lived in both Ukraine and the U.S., I’ve seen firsthand how crises like natural disasters or poverty can disrupt lives. My foundation aims to bridge gaps – whether it’s supporting underprivileged children, restoring communities devastated by wildfires, or promoting sustainability. It’s about giving people tools, opportunities, and hope to build brighter futures.
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Journalist: That’s incredibly inspiring. Before founding this organization, you were already involved in several impactful projects across the U.S. Can you share some examples?
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Angelina Usanova: Absolutely. One project close to my heart was participating in the Clinton Global Initiative last September. It was an incredible opportunity to advocate for urgent action against war ecocide in Ukraine – a topic deeply tied to environmental justice.
Another meaningful experience was visiting Shriners Children’s Hospital in Honolulu. Spending time with young patients reminded me of the resilience and strength children possess despite their challenges.
In August 2024, I organized an initiative in Oceanside, where I combined storytelling and art to teach kids about environmental responsibility. Reading my book “My Home” and engaging them in creative activities showed how powerful education through creativity can be.
Around the same time, I joined forces with the Surfrider Foundation Maui Strong for a beach cleanup in Olowalu, Hawaii. Working alongside volunteers to protect Maui’s coastline reinforced the importance of collective action.
And finally, I spearheaded food donations to a local food bank in Los Angeles while supporting a nearby animal shelter. These efforts highlighted the interconnectedness of human and animal welfare – a theme central to my work.
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Journalist: Your dedication is truly remarkable. What are your plans for the foundation moving forward?
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Angelina Usanova: First and foremost, we will develop further the programs to support talented children who find themselves in difficult life circumstances. Simultaneously, we will launch a series of educational initiatives to foster an environmentally responsible generation.
Thus, our plans are not only to support children in their personal and professional development but also to make them part of a global movement to preserve our planet. We believe that unlocking children’s potential and caring for the Earth are interconnected goals, the implementation of which will lead to a better future for all of us.
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Journalist: You mentioned your books earlier. How do they align with your philanthropic vision?
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Angelina Usanova: My children’s books are designed to inspire young minds. They tackle themes like friendship, self-help, and environmental responsibility in ways that resonate with kids. Writing these stories allows me to connect emotionally with my audience and instill values that drive positive change. Currently, I’m working on an autobiography and a vegan recipe book, which I hope will further engage readers in conversations around health, ethics, and sustainability.
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Journalist: Finally, what message would you like to convey to government officials and readers interested in philanthropy?
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
Angelina Usanova: Collaboration is key. Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, or individual donor, every contribution matters. Together, we can create policies and programs that uplift marginalized communities, restore ecosystems, and nurture the next generation of leaders. Philanthropy isn’t just about giving – it’s about building bridges and fostering trust. I invite everyone to join me on this journey because when we unite our efforts, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Image Credit: Angelina Usanova’s Foundation
As Angelina prepares to launch her foundation in the USA and deepen her existing work, her focus remains on building practical solutions that address real needs. With a clear sense of purpose and a track record of meaningful action, she continues to pursue change not through image – but through impact.