ABOUT
In April 2025, I had the honor of speaking to the Young Professionals Group for Project CURE in Denver, where I was asked the importance of giving-and, more crucially, taking action. My journey to this point began with a lifelong passion for travel, which deepened through my time living and working in Russia in 2014 just across the border from Ukraine. When Russia invaded Ukraine, that personal connection ignited a strong compulsion to get involved.
Attending a talk by a doctor who volunteered his medical skills in Ukrainian children's hospitals further fueled my resolve, though I lacked similar expertise. Determined to help, I reached out to large organizations for in-country volunteer opportunities, only to find none available to me. Undeterred, I took a bold step in faith to move forward, traveling alone with guidance from a family I had just met, who provided a contact in Kryvyi Rih.There, I spent two weeks assisting at a refugee center and joined a medical team to deliver aid to frontline villages along the River Dnipre in Kherson Oblast. My journey continued as a local guide took me into the war-ravaged city of Kherson, where I visited hospitals, met with city officials, regional government representatives, and Ukrainian military command personnel. These experiences exposed me to the devastating impact of war on infrastructure and people, solidifying my desire to do more.
This conviction gave birth to The Serviam Initiative, a mission born from the belief that showing up-however imperfectly-can make a difference. During my speech, I shared specific encounters that embody the richness of taking action. I recounted meeting a Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as bombs exploded just outside our building, his steady leadership a stark contrast to the chaos beyond the walls. At the children's hospital in Kherson, the Director showed me a wing recently targeted by a rocket, where children had been injured. As a new barrage of rocket fire began, her calm resolve to continue our meeting left an indelible mark on me. In a small village, an elderly man, tears in his eyes, thanked me for America's help and my presence in his community. Another poignant moment came when an elderly woman clutched my arm, sharing the horrible experiences she and other women endured during the occupation-her story a testament to resilience amid suffering. These intimate interactions highlighted the true essence of humanitarian effort: standing beside people in their hour of greatest need.
A friend, Serge, offered wisdom that still guides me: I should not feel ashamed for not being able to do more, but rather take pride in coming to their country to do what I could. That sentiment, echoed by the gratitude of those I met, fuels my ongoing commitment. The Serviam Initiative is my response to these experiences-a call to action for myself and others to serve, support, and uplift those caught in crisis. Join us in this mission, and together, we can make a meaningful impact.
Mission & Goals
Our Mission- To ensure compassionate, hands-on aid by delivering first aid, trauma kits, and medical supplies to the frontlines of conflict zones and natural disaster areas, offering direct support to those in crisis-embodying the spirit of Serviam, our pledge to serve.
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Our Vision- To create a world where communities ravaged by conflict and disaster receive timely, compassionate aid, building a network of support that spans borders-from Ukraine to Armenia, Israel, and beyond-culminating in a sustainable humanitarian hub that empowers resilience and hope for generations to come.
Getting Started: My first step is to launch The Serviam Initiative, turning my personal commitment into a structured effort to aid those in need. This beginning phase is about building momentum, securing initial support, and laying the groundwork for meaningful impact inspired by the resilience I witnessed in Ukraine.
Expanding in Ukraine: Building on my experiences, I aim to strengthen relationships in Ukraine by delivering more first aid, trauma kits, and medical supplies to communities still reeling from conflict. Returning to areas like Kherson Oblast will allow me to continue serving where I first felt the call to action, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most.
Assessing Needs in Armenia: Looking ahead, I plan to conduct needs assessments in Armenia to understand how The Serviam Initiative can address emerging crises. This exploratory step will guide our efforts to bring compassionate aid to new regions, adapting to the unique challenges faced by affected populations.
Supporting Israel and Beyond: I envision delivering supplies to emergency services in Israel and exploring other conflict or disaster-affected areas. This goal reflects my desire to extend Serviam's reach, responding to urgent needs with hands-on support wherever the call arises.
Future Vision - Humanitarian Depot in Turkey: As a stretch goal, I dream of leasing a warehouse in Turkey to create a humanitarian resource depot. Equipped with a Toyota Hilux for transport and a WaterStep water purification cart, this base would enhance our ability to deliver supplies across a wider region. This vision promises a sustainable future, enabling direct, impactful aid to countless communities in crisis.
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