The Faces Behind Ukraine Spectrum of Youth

Meet the Ukraine Spectrum of Youth Team

Lena Marianne Kruse

Founder and General Director of

Ukraine Spectrum of Youth

Greetings! My name is Lena Marianne Kruse, and I am a recent graduate from the Kaiser-Wilhelm- und Ratsgymnasium in Hanover, Germany. Since the age of four, I have passionately and competitively been playing the piano, and I was able to experience how powerful music can be in moving the world beyond the four walls of a practice room. Now, I wish to give something back to the community to leverage a larger impact. Learning about the struggles for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and youth in general affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war was something that moved me in a special way. That is why, with Ukraine Spectrum of Youth, I seek to not only raise awareness about numerous general inclusion-related issues that have more people's attention but also to support the spread of knowledge on the specific circumstances for Ukraine directly geared towards international youth, as our generation represents an untapped resource for impacting change.

Jan-Philip Buecker

Event Planning Director

I'm Jan-Philip Buecker - I recently finished my last year at the Kaiser-Wilhelm- und Ratsgymnasium in Hanover, Germany. Having joined several orchestras, ensembles and musical organizations with my trusted cello since I've been six years old has undeniably shaped me to be a socially engaged person. As a fellow classmate and musician it didn't take long for me to catch wind of Ukraine Spectrum of Youth! After learning about the positive impact music can have on our minds in a webinar hosted by our founder and with Iryna Sergiyenko as the guest speaker I got inspired to put my passion to help and organize to some use. Music has always been a language that transcends national, cultural and social borders being able to convey information that cannot be captured by words and it is for that reason that I feel the need to stay with our organization the Ukrain Spectrum of Youth.

Julia-Chiara Münther

Community Outreach Director

Hi! I am Julia-Chiara Münter, a recent graduate from the Kaiser-Wilhelm- und Ratsgymnasium in Hanover. I have always enjoyed helping other people and experiencing
the feeling of togetherness that results from it. I think it is important to support those in need, which is why I am overly excited to contribute by being a part of Ukraine Spectrum of
Youth. Since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, there have been non-stopping news and updates concerning the violence and suffering that is happening, making me feel
rather powerless, knowing I cannot do anything about it. However, Ukraine Spectrum of Youth enables us to take action and support the affected people. Therefore, I strongly
believe that we will be able to create a huge positive impact with our upcoming projects!

Stefanie Jiahe Liu

Design Director

Hello! My name is Stefanie Jiahe Liu, and I am a recent graduate of the Kaiser-Wilhelm and Ratsgymnasium in Hanover, Germany. Ever since I was a little child, I have always adored holding a paintbrush in my hand and creating. Recently, I won first place at the German art competition "Jugend Creativ" about the topic of solidarity, an undeniably important subject, especially looking at the Russian-Ukrainian war. Overcoming the challenges of refugees in Germany is honestly not something simple, which is why it is so important to spread awareness and support them in any way. Inspired by Lena Kruse, I was moved by the situation of Ukrainian youth fleeing from their home country and am determined to help and provide guidance. By showing hospitality to our Ukrainian peers, we can work to include them in our society to create togetherness in our lives.

Jamila-Cate Tran

Hey! My name is Jamila-Cate Tran, and I am currently an 18-year-old student at the Kaiser-Wilhelm- und Ratsgymnasium in Hanover, Germany. I love playing the violin and being part of our school orchestra. Music has always been a big part of my life and a way to connect with others.

When I heard about the experiences of Ukrainian students our age and met some of the new Ukrainian transfers at our school, I wanted to help them feel welcome. After hearing about Ukraine Spectrum of Youth from Lena Kruse and learning about their goals, I knew I wanted to join.

By being part of Ukraine Spectrum of Youth, I hope to use my passion for music and my desire to help others to make a positive impact on Ukrainian youth and help them feel integrated into our community.

Philipp Melk

Hello! My name is Philipp Melk, and I am a student at the Kaiser-Wilhelm- und Ratsgymnasium in Hannover, Germany. For over a decade, I have been passionately singing in the famous Hannover boys’ choir, participating in numerous concerts and experiencing firsthand the unifying power of music. My journey took a meaningful turn when I became close friends with a wonderful Ukrainian peer, through whom I witnessed the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees. This deep personal connection has inspired me to take action and support those in similar situations.

With "Ukraine Spectrum of Youth," I aim to leverage my passion for music to create a welcoming environment for young Ukrainian refugees arriving in Germany. Music transcends boundaries, and I believe it can play a vital role in easing their transition and fostering a sense of belonging. Together, we can make a positive impact and help these children feel at home in a new country.

Fabian Hübner

Hello! I am Fabian Hübner, an 18-year-old student at the Sophienschule in Hannover. I have been playing the violin since I was five and currently play in several orchestras and ensembles. I found out about USOY through Jan-Philip, who told me about the organization’s mission. I was immediately inspired by the idea of connecting cultures through music and generating support by organizing concerts for donations. To me, USOY offers the opportunity to meet other young, passionate musicians who share the same goal of helping people feel included in our society.