The project, initiated by the Ukrainska Pravda online media outlet in 2024, recognises one hundred outstanding Ukrainian women whose daily work brings Ukraine's victory closer. The jury chose the winners in eight nominations, including Defenders, Business, Culture, Education and Science, and more.
This year's award was dedicated to the fallen defender Iryna Tsybukh, who evacuated wounded soldiers from the hottest spots and tried to introduce a culture of remembrance in Ukrainian society.
Other 2025 laureates include singer Jerry Heil, head of the Azov patronage service Olena Tolkachova, philanthropist Aliona Hudkova and designer Elvira Hasanova.
Nadiia Sudak, the head of one of DTEK Energy's processing plants, is a leader with strong energy who has been heading the plant in Donetsk region for nine years. Despite the plant's proximity to the frontline, she has managed to retain the team of the plant, which concentrates coal for the country's energy sector.
Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, she has not only organised the smooth functioning of the plant, but also rallied the team to help the army. Nadiia also personally takes care of a separate military special unit - she helps with funds, shares her management experience and supports the team psychologically.
Despite the evacuation in 2022, most of the employees returned to the city and the company. For many people, Nadiia Sudak is a stronghold and a true example of resilience, for which she is called ‘a woman with an iron will and a steely character’.
Her leadership is not only about managing in times of war, but also about caring, faith in the team and the daily struggle for a strong and free Ukraine.
‘This recognition for me is an appreciation of the work of our entire concentrator team. We do our job honestly - we work, support each other and help the military. It is important for us to remain reliable and support the country in this difficult time. The war is changing the role of women - we are more often taking responsibility, making difficult decisions and supporting others. And this is where our strength lies. In mutual support, in sisterhood, in the ability to stand together and act where necessary. Ukrainian women today are about resilience, care and daily work for the future,’ says Nadiia Sudak.