Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Doan.
Hi Maria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Maria Doan, and my journey into advocacy really began in a moment of crisis that reshaped my sense of purpose.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I remember feeling shocked and almost paralyzed at first. But that feeling quickly turned into action. I began volunteering with local efforts like Stand with Ukraine Minnesota and UACC helping organize community support and coordinate shipments of critical medical supplies to those affected by the war.
What started as an immediate response grew into a deeper, long-term commitment to advocacy. I became more involved in the Ukrainian-American community here in Minnesota, eventually serving as President of Branch 148 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. In that role, I’ve focused on connecting grassroots community efforts with broader policy advocacy—making sure that our voices are heard not just locally, but nationally.
A defining moment in my journey was participating in Ukrainian Summit in Washington, D.C. Being there reinforced the power of unity—seeing Ukrainians, Ukrainian Americans, and allies come together with a shared purpose rooted in justice, democracy, and human dignity. It showed me that advocacy isn’t just about policy; it’s about relationships, shared values, and sustained engagement.
Through this work, I’ve also focused on building bridges beyond our local community. One of my goals has been strengthening international partnerships, particularly between Minnesota and Ukraine’s Chernihiv region, building on cooperation agreements and fostering long-term collaboration.
Today, my work sits at the intersection of community organizing, humanitarian support, and policy advocacy. I continue to be motivated by the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the strength of our community here in Minnesota.
This journey is ongoing—but at its core, it’s about turning compassion into action, and making sure that even from far away, we can have a meaningful impact.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, most definitely not a smooth sailing. There were moments of despair, burnt out and disillusionment but remembering why I wanted to do this work in the first place has helped me to keep going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I serve as the president of the Minnesota branch of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, where my work focuses on advocacy, community organizing, and humanitarian support for Ukraine. I also serve as a state and delegation leader with the American Coalition for Ukraine, helping coordinate advocacy efforts and engagement with policymakers at both the state and federal levels.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, much of my time has been dedicated to raising awareness and helping mobilize Minnesotans to support Ukraine in meaningful and sustained ways. A significant part of that work has been focused on bringing visibility to the issue of abducted Ukrainian children—something that is both urgent and deeply personal. Through initiatives like UNWLA’s “Children Praying for Children” events, as well as helping organize a special press conference with Senator Klobuchar, we’ve worked to create moments that are not only informative, but truly human and impossible to ignore.
At the heart of what I do is building bridges—between communities here in Minnesota and those directly affected by the war, and around shared human values that transcend borders and continents. I try to bring people together—whether that’s connecting community members, working with elected officials, or helping amplify voices that need to be heard. If I’m known for anything, I hope it’s for showing up consistently and helping turn concern into action.
What I’m most proud of is the way our community has come together. Whether it’s organizing advocacy efforts, standing in solidarity, or creating space for people to engage and care, there’s a real sense of purpose behind it. Being part of that—and helping move things forward, even in small ways—means a lot to me.
What sets me apart, I think, is that this work is deeply personal. It’s not abstract—it’s about people, identity, and responsibility. I approach it with both urgency and heart, and try to lead in a way that is collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in real relationships.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly, the biggest resource for me has been community. So much of this work is emotionally heavy, and staying connected to people who are thoughtful, compassionate, and action-oriented makes all the difference.
I also draw a lot of inspiration from history, journalism, and voices that help keep the human side of global events in focus. Writers like Timothy Snyder and Anne Applebaum have been especially impactful in helping me understand the broader historical and political context, while voices like Oleksandra Matviychuk’s remind me of the urgency of human rights work and the responsibility we all share.
In terms of day-to-day tools, I rely on simple things that help me stay organized and connected—shared documents, group chats, and platforms that make collaboration easier across communities and time zones. Advocacy is really a collective effort, so communication and relationship-building are at the center of everything.
More than anything, I try to stay grounded in conversations with people directly affected by the war. That perspective keeps me focused on what truly matters and reminds me that even small acts of advocacy and solidarity can have a real impact
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unwla.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.digtiar/
- Twitter: https://x.com/doan_maria
- Other: https://youtu.be/vCQSeTkQvK4?si=xHfvcvDCSaz0u4-Q
