About Us
SUSTA is a Federation of Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American students in the United States
Our goal is to develop the Ukrainian student movement, advocate for Ukrainian-identifying students, and contribute to the growth of the Ukrainian-American community.
The organization's name is derived from its Ukrainian acronym СУСТА - Союз Українських Студентських Товариств Америки. This translates to the Federation of Ukrainian Student Societies in America. SUSTA was founded in April 1953 by 68 delegates representing 22 Ukrainian student clubs. They assembled for a congress at Columbia University and established SUSTA with its primary mission of creating a network of Ukrainian student clubs at American universities.
After going defunct in the late 2010s, SUSTA was reignited by a coalition of Ukrainian Student Organizations in response to russia's unprovoked, barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Together, we focus on:
- Developing a vibrant Ukrainian identity on American campuses
- Empowering and uniting Ukrainian-American students through support, advocacy, and dynamic intercollegiate initiatives
- Contributing to the growth of a strong Ukrainian American community in the United States
Our Structure and Governance
The Executive
Is elected by the SUSTA Congress. Executive Members with voting rights to manage SUSTA are the President, Vice President, and Regional Vice Presidents. The Executive team can create and hire Staff Members with no voting rights to aid elected members and lead projects.
The Constitution
Outlines the Federation's mission, goals, and structure. It also establishes the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Board, the Congress, and the Advisory Board. Only the Congress can amend the Constitution.
The Congress
Is the supreme legislative body of SUSTA. The Congress is composed of delegates appointed by the Student Organizations. These delegates participate in Congress assemblies to elect new Executives, amend the Constitution, decide on organizational goals, allocate budget, etc.
Board of Advisors
Advise and offer resources to the Executive and members of the Federation. Advisors commit to sustaining SUSTA’s legacy over the long term, even if the Executive and Congress become inactive.
Who nominates and elects the Executive?
How does SUSTA release public statements?
How can we propose changes to the Constitution?
Who participates in the Congress?
Can my student organization join SUSTA?
SUSTA Executive Goal for 2023-2024
Executive Team
President
Ex-Social Media Chair, SUSTA | Psychology Major, Northeastern University
![Sasha Nelson](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.super.so%2F8b0f5dbe-af49-45e8-a9cc-4c5862778bbf%2Fimages%2F0c820b8c-7960-47a3-9ae1-cf80ee4ff480.jpg&w=1080&q=90)
Board Relations Staff
President, UF Ukrainian Student Association | Microbiology Major, University of Florida
Outreach & Student Relations Staff
Volunteer & Finalist, Ukraine Global Scholars | History and Economics Major, Brown University
Technology Staff
Information Technology Major, Hogeschool van Amsterdam
Advocacy Chair
Ex-Lead, “Tufts For Ukraine” | Master’s of Tech & Policy, Tufts Univeristy
Vice President of West Region
Founder, Support Ukraine With Us 501(c)(3) | PhD Math, UC Berkeley
Vice President of East Region
President, NEU Ukrainian Club | Computer Engineering Major, Northeastern University
Advisory Board
SUSTA President 2017
SVP, Ukrainian American Coordinating Council | CEO & Co-Founder, BiohackingCongress & Unicorn Lab | Co-Founder, Ukrainian Hub
SUSTA Outreach Chair 22-23
Director of Operations & Financer, TeleHelp Ukraine | PhD Chemistry, Stanford University
SUSTA President 22-23
Director of Research, Telehelp Ukraine | Assistant Professor, George Mason University
Member Student Organizations
Tufts University
Northeastern University
Michigan State University
Syracuse University
University of Notre Dame
Stanford University
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Loyola University Chicago
Boston College
The Ohio State University
University of Washington
Hunter College