Nataliya P. Edelman
President
Nataliya P. Edelman was raised in Bucha, in the Kyiv region of Ukraine. As a young mother, she experienced the impact of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster firsthand. She was evacuated to Siberia with her eight-month-old son, while her husband was deployed to the disaster site as a “liquidator.” After returning to Ukraine, Nataliya built and successfully operated several businesses to support her family. In 1999, she immigrated to the United States, initially settling in Maine before relocating to New Mexico, where her son later served in the United States Air Force. Nataliya holds a Master’s degree in Television Production from the Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television. During her studies, she gained comprehensive experience across multiple aspects of film and television production. She is a director with pre- and post-production certification from Central New Mexico Community College and is the owner of Yonafilm Production, LLC. Nataliya is also a former producer with SKYDIVEFILM Production and served as a Casting Director on the project Fabiosa Bella. She was selected to represent her New Mexico school at several international cinema conferences. In addition to her work in film, Nataliya is a certified yoga instructor who actively teaches yoga, integrating wellness and mindfulness into her professional and community life. As the Founding President of the organization, Nataliya plays a key role in shaping its vision and mission. She is also the Co-Founder and Co-Producer of the Ukrainian Film Festival in New Mexico and has served as a film judge at the IISFF Independent International Short Film Festival in New York.
George Klapischak
Secretery
With a planning and policy background, George began his career in city government and consulting in the New York and New Jersey markets. He then transitioned his background into a two-decade career in the investment and insurance industry, eventually becoming CFO of UFA, an international fraternal life insurance company where he was also responsible for all property acquisitions and management, loans, securities purchases as well as portfolio management. George then began an entrepreneurial career that led him to startup and subsequently sell a number of international management, manufacturing, construction and marketing firms for the global export and import industry. George currently leads Roundstone Funding Corp. in the southwestern USA market. He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Rutgers University. His passion for finance, history and the performing arts/ film has led him to his additional role as treasurer of the New Mexico Film Foundation. George recently appeared on The Colt Show to discuss the future of New Mexico Film.
Mark Aspelin
Treasurer
Mark Aspelin is a project manager, conservation biologist, and writer based in the East Mountains outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He brings more than two decades of experience in program and project management across healthcare, international security, conservation, and information technology. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government organizations on complex initiatives requiring strong execution and financial oversight. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Science in Biology from Creighton University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Mark is the author of two books and numerous articles, as well as the creator of New Mexico Travel Guy, where he writes about places, landscapes, and wildlife in New Mexico, along with occasional trips across the Southwest and overseas. He has traveled to more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states, bringing a global perspective to his work and community involvement.
Hanna Levchuk
Vice President
Hanna Levchuk was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and grew up within traditional Ukrainian Christian culture, including its culinary heritage. She earned a degree in Restaurant Management and worked in leadership roles at well-known restaurants in Kyiv before transitioning into the cosmetology and beauty supply field. In 2022, as a result of the war in Ukraine, Anna relocated to the United States. She is actively involved in connecting Ukrainians across the U.S., promoting cultural events, and supporting community initiatives that celebrate Ukrainian heritage. Drawing from her personal experience, she also participates in humanitarian efforts and assists Ukrainian displaced persons as they adapt to life in the United States.
Daria Derebera
Vice President
Daria was born in Chernihiv Ukraine and raised in a Ukrainian family home where ancestral Ukrainian traditions and songs were respected and encouraged through the generations. During her student years, she was an active member of the noted “Druzhba” ensemble, traveling to perform and represent Ukraine in various international folk dance festivals in Italy, Poland, Spain, France and other countries. Daria graduated from Chernihiv State Institute of Law, Social Technologies & Labor (Ukraine) in 2009 with a Master of Law degree and followed that up in 2011 with earning a Masters in Finance Management from Kyiv National Economics University.
Larysa Castillo
Director
Larysa Castillo, was born in Boyarka, Kiyivsaka obl, Ukrain, on June 3rd 1970. Grew up in Mikolayiv, southern Ukrainian. Came from creative family of teachers in multiple generations, but chosen different career path and became a pediatrician after graduation of medical school in Zaporizhzha in 1997. Came to United States in 2002 and was an active member of Ukrainian community in NJ. In 2010 came to Albuquerque, NM and working as an RN atPresbyterian hospital. Raising 2 sons. Hobbies: cross stitching, crocheting and making traditional Ukrainian "motanka" dolls. Became a member of UANM in 2019.
Stephan Welhasch
Honorary Director
Poet, photographer, writer and publisher. Studied at the University of Manitoba, Masters' School of Social Work; Hunter College NYC and Rutgers University. Worked as a publisher for 17 years in NYC. During that time was CFO for 14 years and Vice- president for 4 years. Later worked in finance as an investment manager and financial advisor in the insurance industry. Also directed a mortgage company for numerous years. Currently resides in Santa Fe.
Stephanie Sydoriak
Honorary Director
Stephanie Sydoriak arrived in New Mexico from New England in 1948 as a young married 22 year old woman ready to start her new life here with husband Dr. Stephen Sydoriak, a fellow Ukrainian American who would go on to become a reknown scientist and researcher, first to liquify Helium 3 and then share in other inventions at the Los Alamos Labs. Before moving west, Stephanie studied physics at Northeastern and then attended Yale graduate school, but here in New Mexico she bore six children, translated German, Russian and French scientific papers, taught piano and in 2011 was named a Los Alamos living treasure. She also authored 2 books- the story of her family's history and journey from Ukraine to pre WWI America and afterward “An Ocean Between, 100% American, 100% Ukrainian” and “Inside Passage” a book of poetry. The Sydoriaks, first generation born in USA of Ukrainian immigrant parents who arrived in Boston in 1914, adjusted to American life but kept their Ukrainian language and traditions alive here in New Mexico right through today. Beginning in the 1950's with putting on public dance performances wearing traditional Ukrainian costumes and teaching pysanky Easter egg decorating classes to neighborhood children and adults alike, they lectured on Ukrainian history, arts and customs, Christmas and Easter religious observances, Ukrainian food for different seasons including the blessing of the traditional Easter baskets and many other fascinating exhibits in public libraries, senior centers, churches and schools in the area. Their backyard Ukrainian summertime picnics were well attended by others who were of Ukrainian ancestry or married to one. Stephanie continues her work today, sharing her extensive files and memories with us. We are very grateful for her wit, knowledge and dedication to keeping Ukrainian alive and well in New Mexico and we truly honor her special achievements in sharing them with those she met throughout the decades. See more of Steph Sydoriak's history here.