# Olena Zelenska > Ukrainian screenwriter and First Lady of Ukraine **Wikidata**: [Q59321885](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59321885) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olena_Zelenska) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/olena-zelenska ## Summary Olena Zelenska is a Ukrainian screenwriter and public figure who serves as the First Lady of Ukraine. As the spouse of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she represents the country internationally and advocates for social causes. She is recognized for her previous career as a screenwriter for the production company Kvartal 95. ## Biography - **Born:** February 6, 1978 - **Nationality:** Ukraine (formerly Soviet Union) - **Education:** Kryvyi Rih National University - **Known for:** Serving as First Lady of Ukraine and her work as a screenwriter - **Employer(s):** Kvartal 95; Office of the President of Ukraine - **Field(s):** Screenwriting, Public Service - **Birth Name:** Olena Volodymyrivna Kiyashko (also known as Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska; Russian: Elena Vladimirovna Zelenskaya) ## Contributions Olena Zelenska built her professional career as a screenwriter, contributing to the creative output of Kvartal 95, a Ukrainian production company founded in 2003. In her role as First Lady, she has led the Office of the President of Ukraine in exercising powers related to her position, focusing on cultural and social initiatives. Her work in these capacities has garnered international attention, leading to her inclusion in the *Time 100* list of influential people and the BBC 100 Women list. ## FAQs **What is Olena Zelenska's professional background?** She is a professional screenwriter who worked for Kvartal 95, a production company known for its comedy and television content, before assuming the role of First Lady. **What awards and recognition has she received?** She has been named to the BBC 100 Women list and the *Time 100* annual listing of influential people. **Where was Olena Zelenska educated?** She attended Kryvyi Rih National University, a major national university located in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, founded in 1922. ## Why They Matter Olena Zelenska matters as a prominent figure in Ukraine's modern political and cultural landscape. Transitioning from a career in entertainment media to a high-profile diplomatic role, she plays a significant part in shaping the international image of Ukraine during a critical period in the nation's history. Her dual identity as a creative professional and a statesperson highlights the intersection of media and governance in contemporary Ukraine. ## Notable For * **First Lady of Ukraine:** Serving in the role since May 20, 2019, following her husband's inauguration. * **Screenwriting Career:** A noted writer for Kvartal 95, contributing to Ukraine's entertainment industry. * **International Recognition:** Featured in *Time 100* and BBC 100 Women. * **Digital Influence:** Maintains a significant social media presence with verified accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Olena Zelenska was born Olena Volodymyrivna Kiyashko on February 6, 1978. She is a citizen of Ukraine, a sovereign state in Eastern Europe that gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. She received her higher education at Kryvyi Rih National University (KNU), an institution with a long history dating back to 1922. Originally founded as the Kryvyi Rih Evening Workers' Technical School, KNU evolved into a major academic hub with approximately 20,000 students, located in the industrial city of Kryvyi Rih. ### Career in Media Before entering public service, Zelenska worked as a screenwriter. Her primary professional affiliation was with Kvartal 95, a Ukrainian production company established in 2003. The company, which employs approximately 400 people, operates within the film and television industry. Her work in this sector established her reputation in the Ukrainian entertainment landscape prior to her husband's political career. ### Role as First Lady Zelenska became the First Lady of Ukraine on May 20, 2019, when her husband, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, assumed office as the President of Ukraine. The Office of the President of Ukraine, the government body formed to exercise the President's powers, was officially established on June 25, 2019. In this capacity, she is affiliated with the Office of the President and represents the nation alongside the head of state. ### Awards and Recognition Her influence has been acknowledged through several prestigious international recognitions. She was listed in the *Time 100*, *Time* Magazine's annual listing of influential people. Additionally, she was named to the BBC 100 Women list, an international award established by the BBC in 2013 to honor influential women globally. ### Digital Presence and Identifiers Olena Zelenska maintains a robust digital footprint across various platforms. Her official social media presence includes a Twitter account (@ZelenskaUA), an Instagram account (@olenazelenska_official), and a Facebook page. She also has a significant presence on Google Knowledge Graph and other digital identifiers. * **Wikidata & Wikipedia:** She is listed on Wikidata with ID Q59321885 and has a Wikipedia title "Olena Zelenska" with 64 sitelink counts. * **Identifiers:** Her profile is tracked via multiple IDs including VIAF (1083158188229720260006), IMDb (nm13010757), and ISNI (00000004421557). ### Personal Details Zelenska's native name is Олена Володимирівна Зеленська. She is also known by her maiden name, Kiyashko, and has aliases including Olena Kiyashko, Olena Kyiashko, and Elena Vladimirovna Zelenskaya. She has two children, as indicated by the "P1971: 2.0" property in her structured data. Her family connections and role are deeply tied to the current leadership of Ukraine, a country navigating significant geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war that escalated in 2022. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-75af095e-21f7-41b0-9c5f-a96a5e0615c1) 2. [Source](https://es.euronews.com/cultura/2023/04/14/estas-son-las-100-personas-mas-influyentes-de-2023-segun-la-revista-time) 3. [Vuonna 2025 ulkomaalaisille annetut kunniamerkit – Utmärkelsetecken förlänade åt utlänningar 2025 - Ritarikunnat](https://ritarikunnat.fi/ritarikunnat/annetut-kunniamerkit/vuonna-2025-annetut-kunniamerkit-forlanade-utmarkelsetecken-2025/vuonna-2025-ulkomaalaisille-annetut-kunniamerkit-utmarkelsetecken-forlanade-at-utlanningar-2025/) 4. Carnegie Hall linked open data 5. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Elena_Vladimirovna_Zelenskaya-6AN4J6A)