BARBARA CROSSMAN

Barbara Crossman has worked in the business and professional development world and has been actively engaged in supporting the nonprofit and SME sector since 1996, including her work in Egypt (1996-1997), South Sudan (2003-2010), and Haiti (2011-2013). She’s been living in Chisinau, Moldova for 8 years, teaching business communications in the local Christian university, teaching business development, business ethics, and nonprofit conflict resolution both in Moldova and in Odessa, Ukraine. Her educational background centers on community development and teaching, and her volunteer work with PeerServants.org involves her passion to use business to transform communities. In Moldova she has been involved in the projects led by mad-aid.org.uk to refurbinsh and repurpose unused buildings as rehab centers for disabled individuals. Barbara has been concerned about the medium to long-term challenges for IDPs in Ukraine, and she finds the mission of Project Nadiya to be vital in providing impactful solutions.

“I truly believe in the difference between what Project Nadiya is looking to achieve and what the "big guys" will do down the road. I firmly believe that the smaller projects create more long-term positive effects, which is why I am excited to be on the advisory board of Project Nadiya.”
- Barbara Crossman

BETH SPONG

Beth Spong, CEO of Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Company – brings a lifetime of entrepreneurship, mission-driven consulting, and nonprofit leadership to her current role. The Massachusetts based fair trade social impact enterprise uses specialty coffee as a vehicle for positive change in the coffeelands of Asia, Africa and the Americas. Since 2007, Beth has been a Principal at Rainmaker– a leading nonprofit consulting firm.  Beth is a highly regarded leader in the nonprofit and social impact domains in roles that include founder, development director, chief operating officer, executive director, leadership coach, and consultant. She has been central to increasing the regional and national profiles of several organizations and to significantly expanding revenue and impact. Beth believes nonprofit excellence is one important key to changing the world for the better.

VOLODYMYR STAROSTA

Volodymyr Starosta is a Ukraine-based international business consultant with 29 years of experience. His expertise lies in both managing and advising businesses across various sectors such as finance, production, construction, and trade, with a focus on optimizing organizational development and boosting revenue. Additionally, Volodymyr is the former President, and presently serves as a member, of the Rotary Club Uzhhorod-Skala in Ukraine. As the head of the Club’s Commission on International Cooperation, he has spearheaded numerous charitable projects, including coordination of humanitarian aid deliveries from the USA and EU countries, and subsequent distribution throughout Ukraine. Volodymyr believes that businesses must give back to their community through charitable causes for these communities to thrive. He also believes that transparency of operations and openness to innovative approaches – both in the corporate and the non-profit worlds - are a way forward for Ukraine in ensuring its successful recovery process and further development.

MAYA TKACHENKO COGGESHALL-BURR

Maya Tkachenko Coggeshall-Burr is a student volunteer who has been a key contributor to Project Nadiya since its inception. She played a crucial role in developing and promoting the initial crowdfunding campaign, which laid the foundation for establishing this non-profit organization. Maya designed our logo and other brand elements for our website and social media. She continues her involvement offering valuable insights and support with our website design, promotional materials, videos, and social media presence. In addition to her contributions to Project Nadiya, Maya is actively involved in other global initiatives that focus on creating social impact through visual art. She believes that meaningful change is driven by grassroots efforts, education, and collaboration with local communities.