Maria is the coordinator of the FemSMS Ukraine project at Footage Foundation. Originally from Ukraine, she was forced to leave her country when the war began in February 2022 and start over in a new reality. With 15 years of experience in editorial work, she has always been passionate about finding, verifying, and sharing critical information with those who need it most.

After arriving in the United States through a refugee program, Maria immediately used her skills to help Ukrainians like herself navigate their new circumstances. She spent several months providing vital resources and support before moving to France, where she joined a UNICEF-backed initiative developing an informational platform for displaced Ukrainians.
During this time, she connected with the Footage Foundation and its FemSMS Ukraine project, which supports Ukrainian women affected by war. She quickly became part of the team, drawn to Footage’s mission and values, which deeply align with her own.

For Maria, FemSMS is more than a project—it’s a lifeline. As a Ukrainian forced to leave behind her home, family, and entire life, she knows firsthand the emotional and psychological toll of displacement. That’s why she is deeply committed to ensuring that as many Ukrainian women as possible feel supported during these challenging times.