Turning Pain into Purpose: From Evacuating a Warzone to Building My Nonprofit

By Darja Bassut

At 17 years old, I found myself caught in the crossfire of conflict. As sirens wailed and fear gripped my heart, I had to flee Ukraine, where my family had been stationed due to my military background. My journey led me back to Hawaii, a place that had always been home to me. But returning under these circumstances, living in a hotel for 8 months and facing an uncertain future, made it feel unfamiliar. This experience tested my resilience and changed the course of my life in ways I never expected. 

For as long as I can remember, I have felt different. Growing up in a military family meant constantly adapting to new places, cultures, and environments. Every move brought new challenges, and I often struggled to define my identity. Moving to Hawaii at an early age was a turning point. It shaped my understanding of culture and belonging. As a member of an immigrant family with Hispanic and Lithuanian roots, I learned to embrace my diverse background and use it to advocate for inclusion. I realized that diversity is not a barrier but a strength. 
Leaving Ukraine due to war reinforced this belief. In the midst of uncertainty, I saw the power of community and the way people support each other during crises. Shared experiences create strong connections, and I wanted to foster that sense of unity. This realization led me to create Unity Across Borders, a nonprofit focused on cultural appreciation, diversity advocacy, and service. 

The idea for Unity Across Borders was born in a small hotel room where my family and I stayed after evacuating Ukraine. I remember sitting on the bed, overwhelmed by the desire to help but unsure where to start. That night, I launched my first fundraiser. I did not know what the outcome would be, but I knew I had to take action. The funds raised went to children affected by the crisis, and that moment became the foundation for what would later grow into a nonprofit organization. What began as uncertainty became the start of a mission to create meaningful change. 

My experiences have shown me the importance of unity in diversity. I have witnessed how cultural misunderstandings contribute to division, and I wanted to be part of the solution. Unity Across Borders started as a personal initiative to encourage cross-cultural appreciation, amplify diverse voices, and help individuals embrace differences. 

Through my nonprofit, I have introduced cultural competency education across two states and two continents, reaching more than 1,500 students. As a digital creator, I have shared stories and experiences that highlight cultural exchange, gaining over 2 million Pinterest views and 400,000 viral views across platforms. I have also raised approximately $4,000 to support global and national causes, reinforcing the importance of community connection. By collaborating with education professionals and engaging with diverse communities, I continue to expand my work and increase cross-cultural understanding.

As I continue my work, I plan to expand my initiatives, form new partnerships, and integrate my cultural curriculum into more schools. My goal is to make cultural education a fundamental part of learning and create opportunities for students to appreciate diversity. 

Challenges do not have to define us; they can shape us into something stronger. Adversity can either confine us to our struggles or propel us toward a greater purpose. Pain, though heavy, carries the potential to build something meaningful if we choose to transform it. For me, that transformation became Unity Across Borders, a mission born from hardship but fueled by hope. 

I share my story not just as a testament to resilience, but as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always an opportunity to create light. Often, the strength we seek is already within us, waiting to be ignited and shared with the world.

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Photo by Aloha Headshots, makeup by Face Art Beauty

Darja Bassut is the current Miss Oahu (HI). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.