Yuliya Stefanyuk

Yuliya Stefanyuk is a humanitarian leader, strategist, and social entrepreneur based in Ukraine, currently serving as Response Director for World Central Kitchen’s operations in the country. Born in Lviv, she holds a degree in Sociology from the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Yuliya began her career in publishing and hospitality, serving as Commercial Director of The Old Lion Publishing House and later as Managing Partner of FEST Catering, Just Lviv It!, and Food Mission, part of the renowned Ukrainian creative holding !FEST. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, she has played a key role in food relief efforts, leading WCK’s mission as Country Director and Senior Advisor before stepping into her current role as Response Director in January 2025, where she oversees large-scale food assistance and emergency deployments across Ukraine. Beyond her work with WCK, Yuliya has served as Executive Director of the Ukrainian Foundation, a nonprofit established by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and is Co-Founder of the Hachiko Pet Foundation in the United States, which supports frontline animal shelters with food, medical care, sterilization, and adoption efforts. Deeply engaged in civic life, she has held leadership roles in organizations including AIESEC and the Ukrainian NGO “Free and Care.” Passionate about travel, food culture, and community building, Yuliya also supports youth and scout organizations in Ukraine. She is a proud mother of two and rescuer of her cat, Stefa, whom she brought back from the frontlines—a reflection of her enduring commitment to both people and animals in crisis.