Iryna Dubenko Lipp moved to Park City from Kyiv in 2021 with her American husband, planning to return to Ukraine in a couple of years. Russia's invasion in February 2022 ended that plan and left her parents trapped in the capital.

Now Lipp has channeled that grief into something tangible. In May, the Ukrainian National Women's League of America granted membership to Branch 149, the organization's first chapter in Utah. Lipp founded and leads the branch, which aims to connect Ukrainian Americans and allies through cultural events, fundraising and advocacy.

"I was telling my mom and dad they needed to leave Ukraine," Lipp told the Park Record. "But they told me they wouldn't leave until it became really dangerous. Unfortunately, once it became dangerous, it was too late. All the roads were blocked with cars, all the train stations were packed, and they were stuck."

Her parents remain in Kyiv. Her uncle, 59, was drafted into the Ukrainian military, where the conscription age limit is 60. Extended family members have already been killed in the war.

A Delaware fundraiser sparked a Utah chapter

Lipp's path to organizing started with a social media connection to a Ukrainian advocate who invited her to help with a fundraiser in Delaware. That event, held at a bar with a silent auction of Ukrainian paintings and tip donations, raised more than $8,000, enough to pay for an evacuation vehicle for relief medics in Ukraine.

The experience convinced Lipp she could do similar work from Utah. She applied to charter a state branch of the UNWLA, a national organization founded in 1925 that has raised more than $20 million in humanitarian aid since Russia's 2022 invasion.

What Branch 149 is doing

The branch held a free public event on July 23 at the Utah State Capitol's North Conference Center. Lipp is also planning a screening of a Ukrainian documentary, though a date and venue have not yet been announced.

Branch 149's goals mirror the national organization's mission: hosting cultural events, fundraising for humanitarian aid and encouraging residents to advocate for Ukraine-related legislation with their congressional representatives.

Lipp, who earned a degree as an English translator in Ukraine after honing her skills reading the Harry Potter series, said she wants the branch to build community among Ukrainian Americans who feel isolated. She described many in the local Ukrainian community as craving connection and eager to make new friends.

How to get involved

Residents can follow Branch 149 on Facebook and Instagram at @unwla_branch_149. The branch also accepts donations. Lipp encourages allies to contact their U.S. House and Senate representatives about Ukraine-related legislation.

Upcoming events

No confirmed Branch 149 events have been announced with specific dates. Lipp said the documentary screening is in the works. Residents can check the branch's social media pages for updates as events are scheduled.