David holds a PhD in disaster psychology and professional and executive leadership experience with non-government and government organizations. David has also had the privilege of supporting people and communities affected by wars and disasters around the world. This includes ten years with the United Nations in the Middle East and humanitarian missions around the world. The Grassroots Hero Foundation was borne after his experience in Ukraine, where he witnessed not only the immense suffering imposed by the war but also the incredible volunteerism and resiliency of the Ukrainian people.

Prior to coming to Canada, Taras studied at Lviv National Medical University and obtained a specialty in pathology. In Ukraine, Taras combined his medical practice with public work and served for two years as an executive director at the charitable organization Galician Hospital Fund and as a secretary of the Health Committee at the Civil Council of the Lviv Regional Administration. Taras is presently completing his doctorate degree in the Interdisciplinary Oncology Program at the University of British Columbia. In addition to the Grassroots Hero Foundation, Taras serves as the sports coordinator at the BC Cancer Research Institute Graduate and Post Doctoral Society. He also volunteers at the telemedicine platform TeleHelp Ukraine as a medical translator and interpreter.

Nathan is an emergency management professional, currently working as Duty Officer at the Provincial Emergency Operations Center for Emergency Management Ontario. Nathan has also worked with organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. In addition to his emergency management experience, Nathan brings valuable non-profit board experience to the table, having served with organizations such as the Canadian Risk and Hazards Network (CRHnet). Nathan is currently completing his Honors Bachelor of Disaster and Emergency Management degree from York University

Svitlana is a Ukrainian national and presently living in Odesa. Svitlana comes with a wealth of life experiences. Svitlana has taught children in school, worked in health care as a laboratory technician as well as a make-up artist in the film industry. Since the war, Svitlana has worked in the humanitrian field and has been crictial to making the Greassroots Hero Foundation as success. Svitlana is committed to helping people in her country and supporting those most affected by the war. Svitlana is a strong believe that “small things make big changes”.

Ramona McVicker is a highly motivated and experienced professional with a diverse background in logistics, event production, non-profit, and emergency management. Ramona brings a wealth of non-profit experience to organization which includes serving as the Executive Director of a national disaster risk reduction organization. Ramona’s passion for communications is matched by her humanitarian spirit and deep desire to bring hope to those who are suffering from circumstances beyond their control. Ramona firmly believes that non-profit entities play a critical role in bridging the gap and providing essential assistance to those who need it the most.