Ukrainian Refugee And Advocate Natalia Kholodenko Joins Gloria Gaynor To Sing ‘I Will Survive’

Ukrainian psychologist, refugee, and activist Natalia Kholodenko spent a powerful and emotional day with legendary singer Gloria Gaynor on Tuesday.

The meeting was part of Kholodenkos mission to uplift and empower women affected by the war in Ukraine. She fled Ukraine with her two small children at the start of the war, now resides in France. Each month, she travels to the United States to organize and participate in events aimed at raising funds and awareness. Proceeds from these efforts are donated to Nova Ukraine, a leading U.S.-based nonprofit supporting humanitarian aid for those affected by the war.

In a heartfelt show of solidarity, Gaynor opened her home to Kholodenko for a day filled with conversation, cooking, and music. The two women sang Gaynors iconic anthem “I Will Survive” together — in both English and Ukrainian — creating a deeply symbolic moment meant to inspire strength and resilience among women in Ukraine and across the diaspora.

“Gloria Gaynor and her iconic song have inspired millions of women to pick themselves up and start again,” Kholodenko said. “It is my hope that by highlighting this song, the women of Ukraine and the diaspora will sing and find hope knowing that generations of women have found power by singing it.”

The visit also featured a cultural exchange in the kitchen: Kholodenko prepared a traditional Ukrainian dessert, while Gaynor cooked her signature dish, Chicken à la Gaynor.

“Spending the day with the legendary Gloria Gaynor in her home was such a reaffirming conversation about love, peace, faith and survival,” Kholodenko said.

Following their time together, Kholodenko continued her advocacy work by presenting “Laras Journey,” a play by Joanna Pickering about a Ukrainian refugee woman grappling with displacement in London. The performance marked another step in her growing international effort to raise awareness and provide psychological and financial support to Ukrainian women and children.

Kholodenko, who fled Ukraine with her two small children at the start of the war, now resides in France. Through her large social media following and self-funded travel, she has become a beacon of hope for millions.

In March, Kholodenko partnered with Kathy Sledge to sing “We Are Family” in both English and Ukrainian. That video quickly went viral, sparking a global wave of support as people around the world created mashups and shared their own renditions.

Kholodenko is on a mission to heal, empower, and uplift Ukrainian women and children through psychological support, connection, and hope. Her vision is a world where every woman, regardless of her circumstances, has the strength and resources to rebuild her life. With growing momentum and future events planned across the U.S., her message is only getting stronger.