Richmond Youth Launch Ukrainian Radio Show

Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine founders share their story on Sacramento's Ethno FM Radio

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Leah Mordehai and Nellie Fouksman, founders of the youth-led media organization Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine (SV4U), were recently featured on the 'Good Evening, We are From Ukraine' radio show hosted by Ethno FM Radio in Sacramento. During the interview, they discussed how SV4U started from a personal need to amplify Ukrainian voices and preserve culture, and how it has grown into a platform that connects youth across the United States and internationally through journalism, podcasts, and education campaigns.

Why it matters

The interview highlights how young people are using media and storytelling to advocate for their communities and build understanding about Ukraine, especially in the face of limited representation in mainstream media and education. SV4U's work reflects the power of youth-led initiatives to shape the narratives around issues that directly impact them and their families.

The details

Mordehai and Fouksman, first-generation Ukrainian American students, founded SV4U in San Francisco to amplify Ukrainian voices, preserve culture, and make education about Ukraine accessible. During the radio interview, they talked about how the organization has grown into a space where students write, create, and lead through a newspaper, podcast, and education campaigns. They also discussed the personal connection they have to the work, as their family histories and identities as Ukrainian Americans drive their advocacy efforts.

  • The interview was recorded over winter break in 2026.
  • SV4U was founded by Mordehai and Fouksman in San Francisco.

The players

Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine (SV4U)

A youth-led media and advocacy organization founded in San Francisco by first-generation Ukrainian American students Leah Mordehai and Nellie Fouksman to amplify Ukrainian voices, preserve culture, and make education about Ukraine accessible through journalism, podcasts, and youth-led initiatives.

Leah Mordehai

Co-founder of Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine and a first-generation Ukrainian American student.

Nellie Fouksman

Co-founder of Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine and a first-generation Ukrainian American student.

Ethno FM Radio

A radio station in Sacramento, California that hosts the 'Good Evening, We are From Ukraine' program where Mordehai and Fouksman were interviewed.

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What they’re saying

“As students, we watched a war unfold that was shaping our families' histories, yet we rarely saw Ukraine represented in our classrooms or local media.”

— Leah Mordehai, Co-founder, Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine (richmondsunsetnews.com)

“When youth voices are amplified, communities listen. When stories are shared, empathy grows. And when empathy grows, action follows.”

— Nellie Fouksman, Co-founder, Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine (richmondsunsetnews.com)

What’s next

SV4U plans to return to Washington D.C. to continue national advocacy, expand their youth education programs, and organize a future service trip to Ukraine to support youth-led cultural and education initiatives.

The takeaway

Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine's work demonstrates the power of youth-led media and advocacy to amplify underrepresented voices, build understanding, and inspire action within local communities and on a national scale.