Anna Zaiachkivska - NYC/Ukraine

Anna Zaiachkivska, known professionally as Zaia, is a Ukrainian artist, actress, songwriter, humanitarian, and entrepreneur. Born in Ivano-Frankivsk in Western Ukraine, she earned a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, graduating with top honors and receiving recognition as one of the region’s leading students.

Zaia’s creative life has always moved alongside service. Long before international titles, she led youth initiatives through her local church community—writing and producing stage plays with spiritual and moral themes and bringing performances and donations to children’s shelters, correctional facilities, and retirement homes. In 2013, she was crowned Miss World Ukraine, using the platform to expand her charitable work, including partnerships that supported orphanages and shelters. That same year, she represented Ukraine at Miss World in Bali, placing in the Top 20 overall and earning 2nd place in the Talent category for her original song, “Moment of Glory.”

During Ukraine’s Maidan Revolution, Zaia showed up as a volunteer—working kitchens, supporting independent media, helping coordinate community programming, and assisting doctors in makeshift hospitals. Her commitment to dignity, courage, and collective responsibility continues to shape her voice and practice.

Now based in the United States, Zaia remains deeply engaged with Ukrainian cultural and humanitarian communities, including leadership roles connected to the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, the Ukrainian Museum in New York, and fundraising efforts for the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. She is the founder of Zaia Art House, has collaborated with galleries across New York and beyond, and has donated artwork to benefit causes ranging from humanitarian relief to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Her work is guided by a simple conviction: we must listen to those who are struggling—and respond with art, presence, and action.