Olesya Dreglya

In an environment where cultural and linguistic spaces face external pressure, art ceases to be merely a leisure activity and becomes a strategic tool for preserving identity. Olesya Evgenyevna Dreglya, head of the "ART-Fantasy" vocal studio and an expert at the World Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots, has built her entire professional path around this axiom. Her work in the Republic of Moldova serves as a prime example of how local cultural initiatives can be transformed into sustainable mechanisms of public diplomacy.

The "Cultural Shift" Project

The most compelling proof of the effectiveness of Olesya Dreglya's approach is the creative camp "Cultural Shift," launched after her victory in the project accelerator of the Moscow House of Compatriots. This initiative served as a direct and constructive response to a pressing regional issue: a preliminary survey in the city of Bălți (Beltsy) revealed that 82% of parents struggle with a lack of accessible Russian-language cultural venues, causing 70% of children to retreat into digital isolation and lose their skills in face-to-face communication.

Olesya created a free, safe, and event-rich environment. Over a seven-day holiday period, 64 specialized masterclasses in vocals, theater, dance, and poetry were conducted for children from 14 Russian-speaking schools and lyceums. The primary diplomatic achievement of the project lies in its long-term impact: the tools provided proved so effective that teachers now independently stage Russian plays and prepare concert performances within their own groups. This successful implementation was made possible through established dialogue and the pooling of resources from the Moscow Government and the Bălți City Hall, culminating in a final gala concert that served as a large-scale celebration for the entire city community.

Broader Impact and International Activities

Olesya Dreglya's activities extend far beyond a single city. As a mentor for the "Culture and Traditions" track in the international youth club "PROteens" (PROpodrostki), she oversees projects that unite participants from over 30 countries worldwide. Special emphasis is placed on preserving historical memory through modern formats, such as music and video production reflecting the events of the Great Patriotic War, which resonates deeply with young people.

The foundation of this international work is the annual International New Year's Song Contest, which Olesya has been organizing and coordinating for 11 years. Over this time, the project has evolved from a local event into a sustainable cultural platform that fosters an active community and creates a space for the respectful exchange of diverse cultural traditions.

Leadership Philosophy

She articulates her approach as follows: "A true leader knows how to share experience, inspire creativity, and encourage the preservation of traditions, historical memory, and cultural heritage." It is this empathy and ability to rally people around a shared idea that enables her to build effective dialogue, even in a complex political environment.

Strategic Horizons: An Army of Young Cultural Ambassadors

She views the "Cultural Shift" experience as a ready-made methodology that can and should be adapted for CIS and European countries to support Russian-speaking communities facing similar challenges.

Her strategic goal is to build a global community of alumni: young ambassadors of Russian culture who are proud of their roots and committed to strengthening international humanitarian ties. Through the platforms of the World Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots, she plans to train and empower fellow educators worldwide.