Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska (née Kyiashko; born 6 February 1978) is a Ukrainian screenwriter who has been First Lady of Ukraine since 2019, as the wife of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenska was named by Time as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2023.
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Early life and career
Olena Kyiashko was born on 6 February 1978 in Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian SSR. She studied at Kryvyi Rih Gymnasium No. 95, where she met her future husband, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In 2000, she graduated from Kryvyi Rih Technical University, majoring in Urban and Construction Management, receiving a specialist diploma. She also graduated from a music school with a piano class.
In 2003, she and Zelenskyy married. Olena and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are the parents of two children: daughter Oleksandra (born on 15 July 2004) and son Kyrylo (born on 21 January 2013). The family has several pets: two dogs, a cat, a parrot, and a guinea pig. Zelenska enjoys sports, likes to read and is a fan of cinematography. The family lives in Kyiv.
Professional activity
Olena Zelenska has been a scriptwriter for Kvartal 95 since its foundation.
First Lady of Ukraine (2019–present)
Social initiatives before the full-scale Russian invasion
The social activities of the First Lady of Ukraine before the war had three main directions: the health of future generations, equal opportunities and cultural diplomacy.
Olena Zelenska initiated such projects as the improvement of the school food system and the development of the National Strategy for a safe school environment, the fight against domestic and gender based violence, the barrier-free environment, and the introduction of audio guides in Ukrainian museums around the world.
On 3 December 2020, the President signed the Decree "On ensuring the creation of a barrier-free space in Ukraine". At the initiative of the First Lady, the National Barrier-Free Strategy—standards of equal opportunities for all population groups—was adopted, as well as the Action Plan for overcoming barriers—a road map for each department—was developed.
On 13 January 2020, she became a member of the Development Council of the Mystetskyi Arsenal National Art and Culture Museum Complex.
On 11 September 2020, at the initiative of the President's wife, Ukraine joined the Biarritz Partnership, undertaking commitments in the areas of gender equality and the development of barrier-free public space.
In 2021, a large-scale reform of school meals took place. A new full-fledged 4-week menu was presented, the modernization of food storage facilities began, and the behavioral communication campaign of UNICEF in Ukraine on healthy nutrition for children and parents was launched.
As part of the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine, more than 50 audio guides in the Ukrainian language have already been launched in the best cultural institutions in more than 30 countries. The project started in 2020.
On 23 August 2021, the First Kyiv Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen took place in Kyiv at the initiative of Olena Zelenska. Eleven first ladies from different countries joined the event. The main topic of discussion was the post-COVID reality. At the end of the event, the participants approved a joint declaration.
Activities since the full-scale Russian invasion
After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zelenska was described as Russia's target number two. In mid-March, she was in Ukraine at an undisclosed location. She released a statement highlighting the names of children killed during the invasion. During the war, her efforts have focused on humanitarian aid, especially the evacuation of children with disabilities through Poland and the importing of incubators to hospitals in warzone areas. Zelenska made her first public appearance since the start of the invasion in a 8 May 2022 meeting with Jill Biden in Uzhhorod. Biden's trip to Ukraine, which coincided with Mother's Day as celebrated in the US and in Ukraine, was not publicly disclosed in advance.
At the initiative of the First Lady, projects in the field of medicine are being developed: evacuation of children with severe cancer diseases abroad with further treatment there, the search for equipment for children's hospitals, in particular, incubators for newborns.
In the humanitarian sphere, Olena Zelenska takes care of sending orphans for a long-term stay abroad. The First Lady also oversees humanitarian aid to family-type orphanages, large families, and elderly people who have remained and live in the liberated territories to reinforce the connection with the Homeland for forcibly displaced people, the First Lady initiated the project "Books without borders" in 2022. 260,000 books in Ukrainian were printed for children who left their homes due to Russian aggression and found shelter in 20 countries.
The project "Ukrainian bookshelf" is being carried out under the patronage of the First Lady. It provides for the distribution of Ukrainian literature and its translations in the world's leading libraries. More than 20 countries have already joined the initiative.
In the "Barrier-Free Handbook" launched by the First Lady, a new section has been created with wartime tips and instructions for families with disabilities, the elderly and their loved ones, and people with disabilities.
In May 2022, Olena Zelenska initiated the creation of the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. The program is designed to help Ukrainians overcome the consequences of the traumatic events of the war.
Olena Zelenska Foundation
On 22 September 2022, Olena Zelenska presented her foundation at a charity evening in New York City during the 77th UN General Assembly.
The Foundation's primary goal is to restore Ukraine's human capital so that every Ukrainian feels physically and mentally healthy, protected, and able to exercise their right to education, work, and build a future in Ukraine.
The Foundation has three key directions: medicine, education and humanitarian aid. Within these areas, it will provide targeted assistance, invest in reconstructing preschool and school education institutions, polyclinics, and outpatient clinics, and provide grants for training and scientific developments. The Foundation sees foreign businesses and other international foundations as its key partners and donors.
Accolades
Zelenska received ShEO Awards 2022 in the nomination "World Peace". The award was founded by Wprost, one of the most influential and oldest publications in Poland.
On 9 November 2022, Olena Zelenska was included in the ELLE 100 Women.
On 6 December 2022, the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Awards, presented annually by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security for exceptional leadership in recognizing the exceptional leadership in promoting women's rights and creating a more peaceful and secure world for all.
She was honored as one of the BBC 100 Women in December 2022.
In November 2023, Olena Zelenska is included in the list of the 25 most influential women in the world according to the Financial Times.