Curiosity Over Credentials: Liliya Valihun on Education, Tech, and Humanitarian Innovation

Nomad Futurist kicks off 2026 with a powerful conversation led by co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence, highlighting Liliya Valihun, whose work sits at the intersection of education, technology, and humanitarian impact. In this episode, she shares how a personal calling to serve Ukrainian orphans evolved into a full ecosystem that uses tech skills to create dignity, opportunity, and national resilience in a time of war. Liliya is open about not coming from a tech background and how curiosity, not credentials, pulled her into data and infrastructure. Her mindset sets the tone for anyone wondering if they “belong” in technology: “I think it’s not about what you are inclined towards. It’s about your willingness to learn something new every day, be curious and just, you know, be open to anything new.” Liliya explains how witnessing both the potential of Ukrainian orphans and the effects of conflict inspired her and her husband to create a tangible solution. That solution became Hebron Academy, a comprehensive environment for disadvantaged youth: “We bought a big facility, we call it Stanford for Orphans…providing not only education, future and hope to disadvantaged youth orphans in Ukraine, but also room and board, life skills, physical support, mental health care.” She also speaks candidly about the human cost of war and the work needed to rebuild a nation beyond its infrastructure. For Liliya, trauma can become a source of resilience and strength: “The biggest need…is not just rebuilding and investing into structures… but in people, helping them with the trauma…that trauma is not their weakness, but it’s their strengths…redirecting the pain into power.” Liliya closes by highlighting that lasting change comes from service, community, and long-term relationships; not just technology or capital. Her story embodies the values at the heart of the Nomad Futurist Foundation: curiosity, courage, and compassion can turn even the darkest challenges into opportunities for innovation, growth, and meaningful impact. To learn more about Liliya Valihun, connect with her on LinkedIn.