Spotlighting a Mini-Grant Winner: Meet Svitlana Gerasimova

Ukrainian entrepreneur Svitlana Gerasimova—a Project Kesher Ukraine Women’s Opportunity Fund grantee—has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination in rebuilding her business. In 2018, she launched HALATMD, a medical clothing brand, before the war forced her to relocate from Kharkiv to the Kyiv region, leaving behind her employees, suppliers and production facilities.  

Since that time, Svitlana has not only restored her operations but taken her business to new heights, creating new, innovative, breathable fabrics tailored for healthcare professionals, and introducing custom designs that combine functionality with style.

In 2024, Svitlana’s determination was recognized when she not only received a grant from Project Kesher, but also won the Brovary UWE HUB competition for Ukrainian craft producers. Her brand now serves as a supplier to private clinics and large pharmacy chains, with plans to expand internationally.

“Doctors spend long hours in their uniforms—8 to 24-hour shifts. With HALATMD, we ensure they feel comfortable, professional and confident,” Svitlana shares. 

Svitlana’s inspiring journey highlights the resilience of Ukrainian entrepreneurs and the transformative impact of programs like PKU’s Women’s Opportunity Fund. As HALATMD continues to grow, it serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of perseverance.