Who We Are
Bridging Reconstruction Needs with Real Skills
The Education Alliance for Ukraine (EAUA) is a US-based nonprofit working at the intersection of workforce development, digital construction, and institutional capacity building.
We connect education systems with real industry needs — ensuring that training leads directly to employment and long-term recovery.
- Workforce Development
- Digital Construction
- Capacity Building
Our Team
People Behind Ukraine’s Reconstruction Workforce
Our team brings together industry experts, educators, and program leaders working across Ukraine and globally to build the skilled workforce needed for reconstruction.
Tom Austin
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
With a background as a US Army Russia specialist, Tom has spent the majority of his career in the former Soviet Union. His extensive experience includes establishing and growing Caterpillar and Komatsu equipment dealerships in the region.
In 2022 and 2023 Tom served as Ukraine special projects director for the industrial technology company Trimble Inc. coordinating critical hardware and software aid to Ukrainian state agencies, educational institutions and to HALO Trust for humanitarian demining activities.
Tom is a graduate of the Defense Language Institute’s Russian program. Additionally, he holds an MBA in International Business from HEC Paris.
Bob Barrows
CIVIC LEADER, CATERPILLAR AND DEALER EXECUTIVE
Bob is active in a number of civic organizations. He retired after an extensive career at both Caterpillar Inc and Caterpillar dealers. From the dealer side, Bob led the teams establishing dealerships in Mongolia and Russia, and implementing the Cat Rental Store concept, which now includes over 1,700 locations world-wide.
Lea Ann McNabb
COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE
Lea Ann is a corporate communications professional who has spent over 28 years in the geospatial technology industry. Along with her extensive public company expertise, she has experience as part of the Trimble Sustainability Leadership Team and Trimble Foundation as an Executive Board Member and Committee Chair. Lea Ann is an editorial board member of an industry publication, consultant for a premiere marketing agency in Silicon Valley and a PR start up as well as an inventor with three patents. She has been active in Ukraine humanitarian aid for the past 18 months.
Owen Chamberlain, EdD
EDUCATION, IT AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE & CULTURE EXPERT
Owen has an extensive background in education, business and digital transformation. He has worked at the intersection of education and IT for over 15 years, leveraging his expertise to drive business results throughout times of change and growth.
Shawn Schulze
RETIRED ARMY OFFICER, GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE
Shawn has a long history of professional, government and public service. He is CEO of Red Cross, Texas Gulf Coast Region. Past positions include Deputy Director for the Southwest Region of AmeriCorps, National Civilian Community Corps, and 23-years of US Army service including several combat.
Ian Warner
INDUSTRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT EXPERT
Ian focuses on emerging technologies and implementations across educational institutions, key accounts, research and special projects. He advocates for the integration of technological advances and continuous education to help increase efficiency, safety, quality, equity and sustainability.
Dina Serebryanska
Program Manager, Ukraine
PhD in Economics with 15+ years of experience in finance, local economic development, and program management. Dina has worked with government institutions and international partners, leading large-scale educational initiatives and developing analytical strategies. Author of 30+ scientific publications.
Our Partners
A Trusted Network Supporting Ukraine’s Reconstruction
We collaborate with leading universities, global organizations, industry partners, and government institutions to design and deliver programs that meet Ukraine’s real reconstruction needs.
Our Foundation
From Urgent Need to Meaningful Action
We design and deliver job-ready programs that prepare people for immediate roles in reconstruction, while strengthening the long-term capacity of Ukrainian institutions and training ecosystems.
Mission
To develop a skilled workforce capable of rebuilding Ukraine through practical, job-ready training.
- Creating direct pathways from education to employment and long-term workforce growth.
Vision
A resilient Ukraine supported by strong institutions, modern skills, and sustainable economic growth.
- An ecosystem where education, industry, and policy work together at scale.
Values
Collaboration, inclusion, and real-world impact — delivering solutions that work on the ground.
- Creating direct pathways from education to employment and long-term workforce growth.
Our Impact
Creating Change That Truly Matters
In less than two years, EAUA has built a trusted network of partners and delivered programs that directly support Ukraine’s reconstruction workforce.
BLOOM cohorts delivered
University & VET partners
Curriculum hours developed
Flagship program hours
How We Work
A Practical Approach to Lasting Impact
We bring together global expertise and local partnerships to design programs that respond to real workforce needs and deliver measurable results.
Our approach is built on relevance, scalability, and long-term impact.
We align training programs with real market demand, working closely with industry partners to ensure graduates are prepared for reconstruction jobs.
We collaborate with Ukrainian universities, government institutions, and local organizations to deliver programs grounded in real community needs.
We design and implement programs that can grow across regions, building long-term workforce capacity and supporting nationwide recovery.
Our Model
From Planning to Implementation
We design and deliver job-ready programs that prepare people for immediate roles in reconstruction, while strengthening the long-term capacity of Ukrainian institutions and training ecosystems.
Identify Needs
We assess workforce gaps and align with national and local priorities.
01
Design & Collaborate
Programs are co-created with universities, industry, and partners.
02
Train & Deliver Impact
We implement practical training that leads to real employment outcomes.
03
What We Focus On
Creating Change That Truly Matters
In less than two years, EAUA has built a trusted network of partners and delivered programs that directly support Ukraine’s reconstruction workforce.
- Workforce Development
Preparing skilled professionals for reconstruction projects
- Digital Construction
Introducing modern tools, BIM, and digital workflows
- Education Systems
Strengthening universities and vocational institutions
- Community Impact
Supporting women, IDPs, veterans, and returning refugees
Get Involved
Interested in Supporting Ukraine’s Reconstruction?
Ukraine won’t rebuild itself. The country needs tens of thousands of skilled professionals, and EAUA is helping train the people who will restore infrastructure, communities, and opportunity across the country.