Faces of Resilience: Seven Lives, One War, with Danielle Leavitt

Beyond the headlines of territory and politics lies a deeper story of the war in Ukraine—one of ordinary people showing extraordinary courage in the face of unthinkable circumstances. Join us for a conversation with historian and author Danielle Leavitt about her powerful new book "By the Second Spring: Seven Lives and One Year of the War in Ukraine." The conversation will be facilitated by Dignity Aid board member Diana Brown.

Through vivid portraits of seven Ukrainians—an 18-year-old police cadet, a recycler and coffee shop owner near Kyiv, a woman defending her pig farm in occupied territory, a couple from Mariupol caught in bombardment, and others—Leavitt reveals the human heart of this conflict. We'll explore how war transforms daily life, the changing cultural landscape of Ukraine, and what these personal stories teach us about resilience, identity, and hope. As Foreign Affairs writes, Leavitt does this"with empathy, candor, and a cautious optimism for Ukraine’s future.”

Kirkus Reviews notes that this is "a vividly written, memorable series of profiles in courage and fierce resistance" that shows us "names and faces, personality and identity" behind the conflict. Our conversation aims to honor multiple perspectives while centering the voices of those living through this historic moment.

We will also share stories and updates of recent aid efforts from Dignity Aid International, from our village drop-offs to hospital visits, and of the amazing people we've been able to work and serve beside.

All ticket proceeds will go straight to Dignity Aid International. We ask for a suggested donation of at least $10 per ticket, but what you pay is up to you.

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Danielle Leavitt is a historian with a PhD in Ukrainian history from Harvard University. Her book "By the Second Spring: Seven Lives and One Year of the War in Ukraine" offers an intimate ethnographic look at how ordinary Ukrainians navigate life during wartime, challenging readers to see beyond stereotypes and recognize the full humanity of those affected by conflict.

Dignity Aid International is a US-registered non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to providing humanitarian aid with maximum dignity at minimum cost. We operate on the principle of equality for every recipient of aid and for every volunteer, employee, and partner. We strive to provide aid using volunteer labor wherever possible to maximize the effect of our many small private donors. And most importantly, we seek to respond to the most difficult challenges facing humanity with dignity and kindness.