Rising From Crisis: How Tetiana Kotelnykova Is Transforming Ukrainian Youth Through Education And Hope

Born in Horlivka, Donetsk Oblast, Tetiana Kotelnykova’s life trajectory was forever altered when war forced her to flee her hometown not once, but twice. Rather than letting adversity define her path, this Yale University graduate student transformed her experience into a beacon of hope for young Ukrainians affected by conflict. As the co-founder of Brave Generation, a New York-based nonprofit organization, Kotelnykova has orchestrated remarkable change, building a 487-member network of Ukrainian students and facilitating over $5.1 million in educational scholarships. Her academic pursuits in European and Russian Studies at Yale, combined with her role as a research assistant at the Wilson Center, bring valuable depth to her humanitarian mission.

In an exclusive interview with Entrepreneur Loop, Kotelnykova shares her compelling journey from displacement to empowerment, revealing the challenges and triumphs of building a mission-driven organization during times of crisis. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person’s vision can have on hundreds of lives.

Please provide a brief introduction of yourself and your professional background.

I am Tetiana Kotelnykova, co-founder of Brave Generation, a New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young Ukrainians affected by war through education abroad, mental health support services, and leadership opportunities. I was born and raised in Horlivka in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, but was forced to leave my hometown twice, in 2014 and 2022 due to the war. It was then that I decided to launch a mentorship program for Ukrainian youth called MentorUkraine and after its success co-founded Brave Generation. Since then, Brave Generation has helped a 487-member network of Ukrainian students and facilitated $5.1 million in scholarships awarded to Ukrainian students. I am also a Yale University graduate student specialising in European and Russian Studies and a research assistant at the Wilson Center.

What have been some of the toughest decisions you’ve had to make as a founder?

Any that stand out as pivotal?

One of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make is choosing who to help when there are not enough resources to support everyone who applies to Brave Generation. Some people say that, over time, you get used to it and build a shield, but for me, every person is unique. I form connections, and each case affects me deeply—it never gets easier.

Another challenge is securing additional resources to expand our capacity, so we don’t have to say ‘no’ as often to any applicants. Finding sustainable solutions to help more people is always at the forefront of my work.

What advice would you give to aspiring changemakers who want to start a mission-based organization?

For anyone who is planning to start out, the first step will be to identify an essential need in the society and take steps towards it. Something I did in response to the war in Ukraine was leveraging my existing strengths and network. This is important to gain resources and credibility. My association with Yale University really helped me here. The key focus of the mission should be on creating measurable impact while building a strong, adaptable team capable of navigating complex situations. Depending on the goal of the organization, one should prioritise investing in the future of the people in need through constant support and holistic development. Most importantly, be prepared to learn and adapt quickly, in every situation.

What were some of the biggest initial challenges you faced in getting your non-profit organization off the ground? How did you overcome them?

I have faced a significant share of challenges in getting Brave Generation off the ground.

It started with securing funding from the right resources in a crisis situation where my network really came into play. I constantly presented a compelling case for aid that helped me establish trust and credibility. Second, navigating the complexities of a war zone required a lot of flexibility and strong partnerships. I looked at collaborating with professionals and efficiently utilizing resources for mental health support. Building a network of students and volunteers took a fair amount of time, especially doing that during a crisis. Here, I utilized social media and word-of-mouth. Finally, it was difficult to find a way around placing students at foreign universities and for that, I consistently worked on building strong relationships and created effective systems for long-term success.

What are the most important skills someone needs to be a successful social entrepreneur, in your opinion?

I would say, adaptability is the most important. As a social entrepreneur, one has to constantly adjust to new conditions, challenges and environments over time. It also means to continuously learn and evolve. Flexibility also goes hand in hand, as that’s how one can modify their strategy on short notice while quickly supporting those in need.

What does a typical day or week look like for you? How do you manage work-life balance?

To be honest, I’m not great at managing work-life balance—especially in these turbulent times. This question doesn’t really apply to me right now because, for me, work is life as others’ future depends on it. I’ve never learned how to turn off my phone. My deepest value and mission are to help others and be useful, so my work and life are completely intertwined.

But, I have also realized that I have to give importance to certain practices in my daily life for the success of the cause. That being said, meditation and self-reflection are a must as they help me stay grounded and connect with my deeper self. I usually start my morning by writing down my thoughts on paper. I am also working on a book. During the day, I attend classes at Yale and work as a teaching fellow for a course on War and Technology in the Political Science department. In between, and often late into the evenings and weekends, I continue my work, balancing my studies with my mission to support others.

What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about being a social entrepreneur?

The journey of bringing a social cause to life has been both rewarding and challenging. At Brave Generation, we want to transform the experience of young people, the survivors of war into something fruitful. The most rewarding thing for me is seeing how our initiative is making a real difference in people’s lives especially during the most heart-wrenching situations. When I see someone’s life taking a complete turn for the better, which is nothing close to what they imagined, I suppose that is one of the most fulfilling moments.

As a social entrepreneur, it’s tough to see the effect of political decisions impact lives of people, often with devastating consequences. The most challenging part of it all is communicating with those affected by the war, feeling their pain, all the while witnessing how governments either act too slowly or fail to act at all.

What are some future goals or plans you have for your organization in the next few years?

In the coming years, we want to ensure the long term sustainability of our mission. For this, I am working towards building a strong, resilient organization that can navigate unpredictable circumstances. We continue to develop comprehensive programs to support young Ukrainian leaders, lending them access to education. This would also include experience in fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and governance within the U.S and EU. This is to empower these students and motivate them to return to Ukraine as catalysts for innovation and reform. ‘Making a difference’ stems from giving love and understanding and we will continue to do this through empathy and offering meaningful support through both large-scale programs and simple acts of presence and kindness. At Brave Generation, we aim to equip young Ukrainians with consistent support of all kinds and growth opportunities, ensuring our organization can continue to empower positive change, regardless of external uncertainties.

As Brave Generation continues to evolve under Kotelnykova’s leadership, her unwavering commitment to empowering Ukrainian youth remains steadfast. Through comprehensive educational programs, mental health support, and leadership opportunities, she is not just providing immediate aid but building a foundation for Ukraine’s future leaders. In a world where social entrepreneurship often grapples with sustainability, Kotelnykova’s approach demonstrates how personal experience, academic expertise, and passionate dedication can create lasting positive change, one student at a time.