A gathering dedicated to community amid difficult times
On October 21, UNIT.City became the venue for the eleventh ELLE ACTIVE FORUM — an annual event presented by ELLE Ukraine, uniting proactive, mindful, and compassionate individuals. During periods of adversity and transformation, the forum serves as a platform where meaning, encouragement, and motivation flourish.
This year, the forum’s central subject is “Society in Times of Challenges.” The emphasis is placed on reconsidering principles and the quest for fresh perspectives, mind enhancement, artificial intelligence, and the contribution of women in shaping the future.
The event commenced with Dmytro Krasovsky , AI Integration Lead at the Netpeak marketing agency, delivering a presentation on “AI in Life and Career.”
The panel debate, centered on “Rethinking Values and Sense-Making”, featured the involvement of Lilia Litkovska — designer, originator and creative head of the Litkovska label, Tetyana Yalovchak — the first Ukrainian record setter to summit Everest along with the seven tallest peaks across seven continents, Ivan Tarn — a soldier from the ARTAN special ops detachment, Roman “Dobryak” Kolesnyk — a veteran of the Third Assault Brigade, and Natalia Hurina — Deputy Chair of the Board at Raiffeisen Bank. Lyudmila Barbir — presenter of the morning show “Breakfast with 1+1” aired on 1+1 Ukraine — served as the discussion’s moderator.
Andriy Spodin , a top brain coach, neuro expert, founder of Inten Academy, and originator of the methodology for boosting extraordinary potential, joined Lyudmila Spodin , a brain instructor, applied psychologist, Ph.D. in Pedagogical Sciences, associate professor, and botanical watercolor artist, to delve into strategies for training the brain to achieve rapid thought processes, amplified efficiency, and stable emotional equilibrium.
A presentation took place as an online interview. Sonya Zabuga , the main editor of ELLE Ukraine, talked with Elvira Paterson-Gavrylova , an enterpreneur and producer that gives life to world-class projects and is inspiration for women worldwide. Their focus was on Ukrainian movies in Hollywood, it’s future and recognition.
A genuine spectacle was delivered by Andriy Zdesenko , establisher and CEO of Biosphere Corporation, along with Marina Avdeeva , co-proprietor and president of the supervisory council for Arsenal Insurance. Their segment consisted of a candid exchange between a pair of distinguished business leaders, exploring their trajectories within the business realm, the influence of character, the hurdles inherent in leadership, and sources of inspiration.
To conclude the forum, guests were treated to a Public Talk hosted by ELLE’s main editor Sonya Zabuga with “Adult Girls” Masha Efrosinina and Olea Polyakova . Their discussion centered around the trials encountered by today’s women, attaining equilibrium, and recouping vitality.
Beauty partner IsaDora, alongside Brocard, arranged gifts for every guest and speaker participating in the forum. Additionally, at the brand’s booth, attendees had the opportunity to explore IsaDora’s range and receive makeup applications.
The floral arrangement was designed by our partner , Tea Rose , a family-owned business spanning three generations of women, dedicated to infusing their affection for flowers and aesthetic allure into every facet for over 30 years.
The culinary partner Parkovy Roof Kitchen provided refreshments, while Graff tea enriched the senses with its palette of flavors, also arranging gifts for the speakers. The atmosphere was enhanced by the French sparkling wine Mer de Glace – inspired by the grandeur of nature and a love for exploration. Avalon artesian water acted as the hydration sponsor.
Each contribution derived from ticket sales went to bolstering the Armed Forces of Ukraine, explicitly designated for securing FPV drones to benefit the 71st Jaeger Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force.
