Sergey Tokarev: SHE is SCIENCE Raises Above $40K to Participants of the Project

Sergey Tokarev

The city of Kyiv hosted a philanthropic educational project She is Science on June 10. The project was initiated by Sergey Tokarev, who is the founder of PAWA (a venture studio) and Roosh Tech. At the event, there was a charity auction and award ceremony for the top 12 contenders of the all-Ukrainian essay competition about female scientists.

The money raised at the auction was earmarked for the education of the finalists. Sergey Tokarev spoke on the framework of the project, its future aspirations, and the amount of funds raised at the event for the project.

She is Science, which began in February this year, was created by STEM is FEM, a humanitarian educational establishment. Its initial stage centered on making 12 portraits of accomplished female scientists in Ukraine. Martina Viazovska (mathematician), Natalia Atamas (ornithologist), and historical figures such as Kateryna Yushchenko (Programmer) and Olha Perevozchikova (Physicist) were heroines of this project. The artworks were created by Anna Ivaneko, Anna Sarvira, Olga Degtyaryova, Yevheniia Polosyna, and Sergiy Maidukov.

Sergey Tokarev emphasized the captivating quality of imageries over text. He said the project’s concept is to get the public familiar with female scientists and their efforts in advancing scientific progress.

The next phase was the essay competition about each of the heroines portrayed. It was for girls aged 14 to 21. The essay wasn’t limited to these heroines’ life story and achievements but the contestants’ opinions on them and what they motivate in them.

Sergey Tokarev said that they had been sent up to 561 works from Ukraine and even from abroad. He hopes that contestants who were not among the finalists won’t relent but continue with their endeavors.

The Ukrainian First Lady, Global Excitement, and $43k+ for Education

The project was finalized with an award night for the 12 finalists and the ultimate winner of the contest. Anastasia Suvorova from Kyiv won the contest with her work on Natalia Atamas. Her victory brought her an educational grant of $35,900 in any school across the globe. Most of the funds came from the auction at which most of the items were the portraits of the “She is Science” containing the authors’ autographs.

Other objects (jewelry and dresses of prominent brands) at the auction were provided by the project partners alongside brunches with celebrated restaurant owners. Displays of generosity from certain guests became delightful stunners of the evening event. Sergey Tokarev stated that the money raised would fund the education of the winner and other finalists.

Among VIPs at the event was the Ukrainian first lady, Olena Zelenska, who addressed Ukrainian youth activists on promoting gender equality and creating an all-embracing society. She noted that the nation is already steering in that direction.

The first lady emphasized that the word “star” shouldn’t be limited to athletes or entertainers but be also associated with prominent figures in science.

Other dignitaries at the event included diplomats from Denmark, France, and Sweden and representatives of the UN, NATO, and other prominent attendees.

Sergey Tokarev said that the She is Science project will not end at this phase. The ensuing phase will be exhibitions across Ukraine. Twelve paintings and essays fused into one display have already presented an interactive exhibition. He said that it could be visited in Kooperativ, Kyiv, till June 24. Mariupol, Zaporizhzhia, and Kryvyvi Rih are the next destinations for the exposition.

Afterward, any educational institution in Ukraine will be able to place an order for a copy of the exhibition for free.