Culmen International has been recognized with the GovCon Program of the Year Award for its role supporting the reconstruction of an elementary school in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Delivered in partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the project reflects the realities of executing mission-driven work in complex environments, where operational constraints, security considerations, and limited resources must be addressed in real time.

The effort focused on restoring a functional learning environment for children in a region heavily impacted by ongoing conflict, while also supporting a workforce that challenged traditional expectations and expanded local capacity.

Operating in a Complex Environment

Ukraine’s education infrastructure has been significantly affected by the war. Damage to facilities, disruption to staffing, and limited access to materials have created immediate and long-term challenges for communities.

In Kharkiv, the requirement was clear: rebuild a school that could safely support students and staff while operating within a dynamic and uncertain environment.

Culmen supported UNOPS in advancing this effort, working within conditions that required constant coordination and adaptability. Supply chain disruptions, transportation limitations, and proximity to active conflict zones introduced additional layers of complexity that shaped how the project was executed.

This was not a linear rebuild. It required coordinated problem-solving, flexibility in sourcing materials, and an operational approach that could adjust as conditions evolved.

Workforce Adaptation and Execution

A defining element of the project was the construction team itself.

The workforce—an all-female group of Ukrainian workers—entered the project with limited prior construction experience. In response to immediate needs, they assumed roles that required learning new technical skills while contributing directly to the rebuild effort.

Over the course of the project, the team developed capabilities in construction trades and executed work under challenging conditions. Their approach reflected both adaptability and commitment to delivering a functional outcome for their community.

The team referred to themselves as the “Barbie Crew,” a name that became associated with their work and the broader significance of their contribution.

Enabling Execution Through Operational Support

Culmen’s role in the project centered on enabling execution.

Working in coordination with UNOPS and local stakeholders, the team provided operational and logistical support necessary to maintain progress. This included addressing material shortages, identifying procurement pathways, and supporting the delivery of critical equipment.

Led by Project Lead Brian McCracken and supported by Program Director Susan Meier, Culmen personnel worked directly alongside the construction team to navigate challenges as they arose. This included sourcing essential materials and securing generators to ensure the facility could operate reliably.

The project required a hands-on approach, balancing planning with real-time adjustments to maintain momentum in an environment where delays could have significant downstream impacts.

Recognition by the GovCon Community

The GovCon Program of the Year Award recognizes programs that demonstrate impact, execution, and measurable outcomes in complex environments.

Culmen’s work in Kharkiv was selected based on its contribution to restoring critical infrastructure and supporting community-level resilience under constrained conditions. The award was accepted on behalf of Culmen International by Louis Meier, Vice President of the Global Security, Intelligence & Logistics Division.

In his remarks, Meier emphasized the broader significance of the recognition:

“This recognition belongs not only to our team—it’s for the Ukrainian women who rebuilt a school in Kharkiv, near the front lines, during one of the most challenging times in their country’s history.”

A Practical Model for Partnership

This initiative highlights the value of coordinated partnerships in complex operational settings. The collaboration between UNOPS, local stakeholders, and Culmen combined:

• International program management and oversight

• Local workforce engagement and execution

• Operational and logistical support to sustain progress

This model enabled the project to move forward despite constraints that would typically delay or limit execution. It also reflects a broader approach to mission support—integrating expertise, resources, and local capability to achieve defined outcomes.

Culmen remains committed to advancing similar efforts globally, supporting missions that require practical solutions, coordinated execution, and the ability to operate where it matters most.