HOST JACKIE TANTILLO -The Iron Will Of Ukrainian Women with Guest Anya Tomko

The details of the 2022 Ukraine/Russia conflict change minute by minute and hour by hour.  What's difficult for  my guest and her 80 year old mother,  Mariyka, to understand is how shocking this event is. Here we are in the 21st century, and Ukraine is under attack.  Certainly not plausible, but clearly possible. What makes this all the more difficult is the fact that Anya and her mom have many relatives still in the Ukraine today.  They've set up group chats on their phones to make sure that they can all stay in touch with updates regarding their safety and where-a-bouts.

The rich Ukrainian culture has played a significant role in my guest's life.  She attended the Ukrainian Cultural Center of NJ in Whippany, as a child growing up. She and her sibling, studied the language, traditions, history, etc. Anya also raised her own children  with the same ideation that their Ukrainian culture was very important and they too had to learn and understand the significance  of these traditions.  

In 1949, Mariyka's  family was sponsored by a German family and they were able to move to the US. However,  they moved to Wisconsin.  They often felt isolated. There was no family close by, yet they held on to their values, language and traditions. It was vital that they remember all that they had been through and because of their beliefs and strength they survived.

On the contrary, Anya's father, as a child moved directly to the lower east side of Manhattan with his family and were immersed in a rich Ukrainian culture 24/7. They had full support from their neighbors and community which helped them overcome their longing for their homeland.

The same patriotism  still exists today as it did long ago, when both mom and dad arrived in the United States and held utmost respect and longing for Ukraine. That's why Anya says of her relatives still in Ukraine today, "they are scared but there is not a single doubt in their minds that they need to stay. They love their country and they will fight to defend it."  They large family photo is from a 2011 trip to Ukraine with her mother and children to visit part of their immediate family still living there.

After working decades in Corporate America, at JP Morgan, Anya now works at a benchmarking organization helping businesses grow at The Learning Forum. Currently, she is on the Board of Directors for the Ukrainian Cultural Center as well  as fulfilling her role as Administrative Director at the School of Ukrainian Studies.

The Ukrainian American Cultural Center just outside Morristown, NJ  (https://uaccnj.org/)

is accepting donations for their humanitarian drive to send much needed supplies to Ukraine. You can find the full list of goods, including nonperishable food, clothing, blankets, warm clothing, etc at the link above.

 Anya ended this episode with a phrase that Ukrainian's are repeatedly using "Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes."

Thank you for listening and thank you for contributing to aid the Ukrainians.

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers and the roles they play in our lives. And my guests answer the question, 'are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother'? You'll be amazed at what the responses are.

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal relationships with their mother.

Some of my guests include Baritone Singer Christopheren Nomura, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Tim Wacker, Activist Kim Miller, Freighter Sea Captain Terry Viscount, Film Production Manager Peg Robinson, Professor of Writing Montclair State University Dr. Bridget Brown, Tammy Steckler, attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter Mark Heingartner, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Maryellen Valyo Cole and Roger Evens, Property Manager in New Jersey and so many more talented and insightful women and men.

I've worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. I've interviewed so many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.

A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created my logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".

Check out my website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/

Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo

Find audio versions of the podcast here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

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Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

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