WHO WE ARE
We are ordinary people. Blessed with the opportunity to meet incredible people and be able to do some extraordinary things to help the Ukrainian people.
We’ve had countless prayers answered, and against all odds, have seen some miraculous things work out for good.
God willing, this will continue, as we continue our mission to help Ukrainian children, their defenders, and Ukraine’s fight for Peace and Independence.
OUR TEAM
Jonathan Pylypiv
Founder and Project ManagerJonathan Pylypiv is a Fox Valley, Wisconsin-based leader, Army veteran, veteran nonprofit professional, and founder of the Blue & Yellow Wisconsin. Born in Ukraine, he came to the United States in 1992 and is blessed to be a U.S. citizen. He served 12 + years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, including a 2006 deployment to the Middle East during the Global War on Terror.
He has supported Ukrainian and community efforts since 2014. Including previously leading nonprofit initiatives that raised over half a million dollars in aid in less than a year. A subject-matter expert in grassroots support, Jonathan has connected countless individuals and organizations with Ukraine, identified critical gaps, opportunities, and built key relationships.
Leveraging his military and nonprofit experience, problem-solving skills, he had developed distribution and wholesale supply channels, procuring high-quality medical aid, and navigated complex logistics to maximize efficiency, quality, and reach. Following the 2022 invasion, he rapidly mobilized local, state, national, and international partnerships to deliver sustained support.
His work includes driving thousands of miles, coordinating tens of thousands of pounds of supplies, and building systems that create lasting infrastructure for ongoing aid—remaining closely connected to his roots by bridging the gap between the U.S. and Ukraine through direct action and measurable impact.
Mara Pylypiv
Mara Pylypiv is a Milwaukee native who calls the Fox Valley home. She has spent nearly two decades working in marketing, specializing in SEO and data analysis, where she enjoys turning complex data into clear, actionable insights.
Outside of her professional work, Mara is a dedicated runner and a busy mom, often found on the sidelines of a soccer field or fitting in miles whenever she can. Since marrying her husband in 2010, she has built a strong connection to Ukraine and its people, which has shaped her perspective and deepened her sense of purpose.
Mara is actively involved in supporting Ukrainian relief efforts, helping organize supply drives and preparing shipments of essential goods bound for those in need. While she works behind the scenes, her contributions play a steady role in ensuring aid reaches its destination.
She also has a strong passion for holistic health and wellness, advocating for herself and others while navigating the complexities of the medical system. Her passion lies in helping others, especially children, and she is committed to supporting efforts that create stability, opportunity, and care for those who need it most.
Co-Founder and Marketing Manager
Barry Nelson is a Manitowoc native, U.S. Army veteran, real estate broker, and real estate professional. He took immediate action following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stepping into high-risk environments to help evacuate individuals from dangerous situations and deliver urgent medical and humanitarian aid across some of the most active areas of the country.
Barry and Jonathan Pylypiv first connected in early 2022 as the invasion unfolded and have since extensively collaborated on joint efforts supporting Ukraine. Through this work, Barry has been a firsthand witness to history, traveling countless miles throughout Ukraine and playing a direct role in ensuring that critical aid reaches those facing the most urgent conditions.
His efforts have included delivering essential medical supplies and humanitarian resources, and providing direct support to individuals and communities navigating the realities of war. Operating in complex and often unpredictable environments, Barry has demonstrated a commitment to action, reliability, and getting aid where it is needed most.
With a strong entrepreneurial background and problem-solving mindset, Barry brings adaptability and determination to every mission. His continued involvement reflects a deep commitment to supporting Ukrainian children, advancing humanitarian initiatives, and standing for Ukraine’s peace and independence.
Global Expeditor