UNWLA Centennial History Book Launch

The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) is proud to announce the launch of its landmark centennial history book, A Century of Commitment: The UNWLA Story (1925–2025), by Dr. Martha Kichorowska Kebalo. Generously sponsored by the Orest and Lidia Bilous Family Foundation, the book chronicles the UNWLA’s remarkable journey — from its founding in 1925 by visionary Ukrainian American women, through decades of advocacy, humanitarian aid, and cultural and educational initiatives, to its steadfast support for Ukraine in its most critical hour. Guests will gain unique insights into the inspiration, research, and challenges behind this historic work, along with stories that illuminate how UNWLA members — as both keepers of tradition and agents of change — have shaped the Ukrainian diaspora and made a lasting impact on American society. The program will include a reading by the author, a Q&A session, and a book signing. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments and have the opportunity to purchase the book on-site. Following the program, please join us for a short tour of The Ukrainian Museum’s new exhibition celebrating the UNWLA’s 100th Anniversary, The Wreath: A Century of Ukrainian Women Beyond the Ocean, led by the exhibition’s curator, Lilia Kudelia. This event is free of charge with your purchase of general adult admission to The Ukrainian Museum on Eventbrite. There is no Museum admission fee for Museum members, but members must register on Eventbrite as space is limited.

Meet the Author:

Martha Kichorowska Kebalo grew up in the Washington DC Ukrainian community, where UNWLA Branch 78 was an important influence in her formative years. Her interest in history, cultures, and languages led to study Anthropology at Vassar College and the University of Toronto. She has taught at the City University of New York where she also earned a doctorate from the CUNY Graduate Center. During the dissertation writing process, Martha Kebalo collaborated with Soiuz Ukrainok in Lviv, preparing an annotated catalogue to an exhibition of documents that chronicled the beginnings of the Western Ukrainian women’s movement. She subsequently cultivated cooperation with Ukrainian feminist academics, presenting papers, organizing panels and supporting colleagues working in gender studies. She explored the deep connections between the women’s movement in Ukraine and activism beyond Ukraine in the diaspora, especially that of the UNWLA. Through her membership in UNWLA, Martha became a representative to the United Nations, of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, founded by the UNWLA in 1948. In 2013 she accepted the position of WFUWO Main Representative to the UN Economic and Social Council.

Host or Publisher The Ukrainian Museum