Eastern European Success Alliance of America
Activity & Events
EESAA is organizing many events for the business community of the New York Tri-State area — from networking mixers and workshops to summits and cultural forums.
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Educational Events
Attendees
Educational Construction & Architecture Initiative — NYC Community Education
Olesya Smith created and led a large-scale educational initiative helping the Russian-speaking community navigate NYC construction, architecture, permitting, zoning, and compliance. The program simplified highly technical information for homeowners, investors, contractors, and small business owners. Topics spanned the NYC Department of Buildings, permit types, Certificate of Occupancy, ADA compliance, Landmark Preservation, energy codes, and construction risk management. Lectures were held in Manhattan in February and November 2025, each drawing approximately 40 attendees.
Large group of attendees at the NYC Construction & Architecture lecture
Olesya Smith addressing the audience at the November 2025 lecture
Full room of attendees at the NYC Construction & Architecture lecture
Olesya Smith presenting to a packed audience in Manhattan
Olesya Smith presenting her credentials and experience at MLS Architecture
Attendees
Beauty Salon Construction Regulations — Educational Initiative for Small Business Owners
On March 20, 2025, Olesya Smith presented a specialized lecture on the legal construction, permitting, and compliance requirements for beauty salons in NYC. The initiative helped beauty entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and navigate commercial construction legally and efficiently. Topics included DOB permitting, Certificate of Occupancy, ADA compliance, fire safety, zoning, and common violations — with practical guidance tailored to immigrant entrepreneurs and Russian-speaking small business owners entering the NYC beauty industry.
Olesya Smith presenting — Строительство и Ремонт в NYC для Новичков
Olesya Smith presenting the lecture materials on NYC construction regulations
Attendees
Business Strategy Lectures — Expansion Business Club
Michael Levdanski, Director of Strategy at EESAA, has delivered a series of business strategy lectures to local entrepreneurs through the Expansion Business Club. His sessions cover strategic planning, partnership engagement, business development, and operational efficiency — translating complex concepts into practical tools entrepreneurs can apply immediately. The lectures have attracted a diverse audience of business owners and professionals looking to sharpen their strategic thinking and build more resilient companies in the NYC market.
Michael Levdanski leading a business strategy session at the Expansion Business Club
Michael Levdanski engaging with attendees during the business lecture
Michael participates in various business panels and conferences
Attendees
Education in Civics and Political Activism
Michael Levdanski actively participates in civic and politically engaged initiatives across New York City, working to educate and empower the Eastern European community on issues that directly affect entrepreneurs and immigrants — from small business policy and economic development to immigration reform and civic rights. Through civic forums and community-driven discussions, Michael helps community members understand their rights, engage with local government, and make their voices heard. He believes political awareness is just as essential as any business strategy.
Michael Levdanski with Congressman Robert Menendez Jr.
Michael Levdanski meeting General David Petraeus, former CIA Director and four-star U.S. Army General
Michael Levdanski meeting the late Congressman William Pascrell
Attendees
Women's Empowering Picnic
A vibrant outdoor gathering where women came together to connect, inspire, and grow. Entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members shared meaningful conversations around personal development and financial empowerment. Discussions covered personal finance, budgeting, and financial independence, alongside practical business finance insights — cash flow, business credit, and long-term growth planning. The relaxed picnic setting made it a welcoming space for open dialogue, peer learning, and genuine connection.
Olesya & Svetlana at the Women's Empowering Picnic
Olesya with the owner of Lili Model — Brooklyn-based children's modeling school
Olesya's daughter — a proud little participant at the Women's Empowering Picnic
With local coffeeshop DNA — supporting women's initiatives at the picnic
Arina from WealthLab giving a talk on financial basics for women
Local women's business leaders at the picnic
Cultural Events
Attendees
New Year Business Ball 2025
An elegant New Year celebration held in December 2025, designed to introduce the EESAA business club concept to New York's post-Soviet bloc immigrant community, bringing together structured networking, educational programming, live entertainment, and social experiences in a formal ballroom setting. Guests enjoyed a beautiful holiday catered dinner, an open bar, and lively dancing — creating a warm and festive atmosphere that left everyone with lasting memories of the evening. Patrons of the ball also had an opportunity for meaningful business networking with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals from the community.
Event Organizers — Olesya Smith, Michael Levdanski, Ekaterina Iaschuk
Event Organizers — Ekaterina Iaschuk, Olesya Smith and Anna Kokhanets
The MC and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden)
Organizer Olesya and Slava, one of the volunteers
Organizer Olesya is giving a speech
Olesya, Lisa, gala performer, and her husband
Guests have fun on the Gala
Guests have fun on the Gala
Attendees
French Evening — Curated Dinner & Cultural Experience
An intimate cultural evening for 15 guests, featuring a piano concert at the French Embassy followed by a candlelit dinner at the iconic Carlyle Hotel. A refined and memorable experience blending French culture, fine dining, and elegant company.
Concert program — Claire-Marie Le Guay, Piano at the French Embassy
Pianist Claire-Marie Le Guay taking a bow at the French Embassy
EESAA guests at the French Embassy concert
Group photo outside the French Embassy
Candlelit dinner at the Carlyle Hotel
EESAA members at dinner
EESAA members after the French themed dinner
France in the 1600s — The Age of Absolute Power and Cultural Foundations
French Architecture in New York City
French Art Masterpieces in New York Museums
French Cuisine in New York — A Journey Through Time and Taste
French Cuisine in New York — The Story of Each Dish
France in the 1700s — The Age of Enlightenment, Luxury and Change
Attendees
New Year Holiday Market & Extravaganza
A festive New Year celebration bringing together immigrants from the post-Soviet bloc community in New York. An indoor extravaganza featuring a holiday market, cultural performances, and a warm community atmosphere — a joyful gathering of tradition, culture, and new beginnings.
Guests with Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) at the holiday market
Guests with performers at the photo booth
Live entertainment on stage at the Новогодний Bazaar
EESAA members enjoying the festivities
Guests at the New Year Holiday Market & Extravaganza
Guests with performers at the Новогодний Bazaar
EESAA members at the Новогодний Bazaar
Olesya Smith with a festive character at the holiday market
Enjoying the Paw Patrol children's show at the Bazaar
Olesya Smith with a guest in festive attire
Olesya Smith with a sponsor at the Новогодний Bazaar
EESAA members celebrating at the Holiday Market
Guests enjoying the New Year Holiday Market & Extravaganza
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