At Dancing Stars for Humanity, founded by passionate philanthropists Jake and Petra Mazhar, we believe that the rhythm of dance can transform lives and foster a more humane world. As successful entrepreneurs, Jake and Petra have devoted their time, energy, and resources to championing human rights, uplifting underprivileged children, and promoting healthy living—principles that guide every initiative we undertake.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to always do the right thing.
We understand that true success lies not just in business achievements, but in the positive impact we can make in the lives of others. Through our programs, we support sports and encourage a vibrant, active lifestyle, with a particular focus on the art of ballroom dancing.
Join us as we dance together toward a brighter future, where every step brings us closer to healing, empowerment, and social justice. Together, we can create a world where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for supporting Dancing Stars for Humanity—where passion meets purpose.
None of our board members will ever receive any financial compensation from the funds we collect, ensuring that every dollar goes directly to the causes we support.
We are unwavering in our commitment to making a profound difference in the world. Our mission is rooted in the principles of humanity, human rights, love, care, integrity, loyalty, and honesty. We believe in doing the right thing, always. As we grow, our mission expands to include not only empowering people but also saving animals, protecting our planet, and fostering a culture of integrity and responsibility
Boryana Todoroff’s passion for ballroom dance was sparked by chance in 2012, when both her daughters became one of the first students at the Volga Dance Academy in Atlanta founded by Katrina Volgina. As the team grew at an astonishing pace, Boryana stepped in to manage the administrative side, and together with Katrina, built one of the largest and most successful ballroom dance teams in the United States. Boryana played a pivotal role in procuring and developing the Volga Dance Academy’s state-of-the-art training facility, which launched in 2018.
Committed to making ballroom dance accessible to all, Boryana serves on the board of the Volga Youth Non-Profit, dedicated to making sure every young person has the chance to experience the joy of dance. In addition, as a member of the organizing team for the Volga Cup, Presidential Cup and Atlanta DanceSport Cup, she helps bring the excitement of competitive dance to the community. But Boryana’s impact doesn’t stop at the dance floor. A highly successful licensed commercial and residential Realtor in the Atlanta area, she has consistently been recognized as her company’s top-selling agent year after year.
Whether she’s helping families find their dream home or investment properties or nurturing the next generation of dancers, Boryana is a true leader and a force for good in her community.
Terri Lyndall is a partner at Galloway & Lyndall, LLP, specializing in regulated utilities and governmental relations. Previously, she served as a law clerk to Judge Don A. Langham, a staff attorney for the Consumers’ Utility Counsel, and Executive Secretary of the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Her work included representing consumer interests in rate cases and regulatory issues, and arguing before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In private practice, she focused on the deregulated natural gas market following Georgia’s deregulation. Lyndall was appointed to the Georgia Supreme Court’s Blue Ribbon Commission on the Judiciary and the Commission on Children, Marriage, and Family Law. She was named a Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine in 2009.
Hanna Karttunen is one of the most meritorious dancers of her generation, a world famous performer, choreographer, dance adjudicator, teacher and lecturer working globally in the highest echelons of the world of dance.
Hanna started her career as a professional dancer at an uncommonly young age and rose to the most sought after performers of the world of dance not only in one style of dance but two.
During her professional career in dance, Hanna became a champion of most every prestigious title that the world of International Latin Dance has to offer, such as the US Open, Asian Open, World Masters, World Cup among others. After being ranked number one professional Latin dancer in the world for three consecutive years Hanna moved on to another form of dance, Theatre Arts. She became three-time undefeated Theatre Arts World Champion and won British Open Dance Festival three years consequently.
Winning every competition she entered in Theatre Arts, Hanna decided to retire from her competitive dance career.
Hanna has performed in 46 countries in International Dance Festivals and Events, Theatres, Arenas, TV shows and Conferences including special guest performance for HRH Prince Albert of Monaco, for the members of the International Olympic Committee, Prince Mikasa of Japan and for the World Media Conference.
Among mainstream TV audiences Hanna became famous for being a member of the original cast of the first season ever broadcasted of the BBC hit show “Strictly Come Dancing” (Dancing With The Stars) in 2004 and has since appeared as a special guest performer in several TV-productions globally such as “Dancing with the Stars”, ‘’So You Think You Can Dance’’ and ‘’Super Dancer Born Tonight’’
Hanna has spent her entire life in dance, and her passion is to share experiences through it. Due to her reputation and experience in the field of dance, Hanna has received multiple official awards and recognitions of excellence by international dance, culture and art administrations, as well as for her extensive charity work and contribution to several charity organizations worldwide.
Considering her long standing commitment to charity work and her ties with the Ukrainian dancing community dating back to the 1990’s, it is no wonder that after Russia launched its full-fledged war and attacked Ukraine in February 2022, Hanna sprung to action. She used her contacts in the dance world to raise funds for supplies needed in Ukraine and personally drove one of the two cars full of medicines, infant formula, wheelchairs, crutches, hospital necessities and other needed supplies to those in need in Ukraine.
Since the first aid run in March 2022, she has further developed her contacts both in Ukraine and around the world and has been able not only to help by gathering the funds and purchasing the needed supplies and delivering them personally to her Ukrainian counterparts, but also arranging and participating in charity events in Ukraine. In these events Hanna contributes the fees from her workshops, lessons and lectures in full for the frontline troops, orphanages and other humanitarian causes in Ukraine.
These visits, 13 and counting, have taken Hanna to Lviv, Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and Yuzhnoukrainsk where she has taught lessons and given lectures in dance studios and stadiums. During air raids or explosions, dance lessons continue in bomb shelters.
In May 2024, in Kharkiv, there were huge explosions one block away from the dance studio Hanna was teaching. In such case there is a strict order of looking for safety, children run first and adults follow. The time in shelter is very emotional and mostly keeping up good spirits, even humor to avoid fear. Hanna continued her lessons in shelter in the center of Kharkiv until it was safe again to return to the studio. After another 45 minutes at the studio the sound of another explosion happened and everyone ran down to the shelter again. After clearance of the second explosion, dancers aged 11-40, and many of their parents and coaches in the shelter insisted for the long awaited lecture to be held. This lecture will remain always in Hanna’s heart. Not only for the value of knowledge shared and feeling emotionally united, but moreover for realizing the importance for the children of Ukraine to feel the support, love and understanding of their situation.
These experiences gathered in the time spent in the country have only solidified her understanding of the importance of supporting Ukraine in her time of need.
”Dance is an eternal fire burning within”
Gaston Mazhar is the driving force behind the technological backbone of Dancing Stars for Humanity. With over 10 years of experience in the IT industry, Gaston combines his deep technical knowledge with a passion for humanitarian work. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he has honed his skills in various high-pressure environments, ensuring that every digital aspect of the charity runs smoothly.
Gaston is not just a tech expert but a visionary who understands the critical role technology plays in advancing the charity’s mission. His work ensures that the organization’s platforms are not only efficient and secure but also accessible to a global audience. Gaston’s dedication to innovation and his unwavering commitment to the charity’s goals make him an invaluable asset to the team.
In his spare time, Gaston is a fervent advocate for digital literacy and often volunteers to help communities enhance their tech skills, furthering his belief that technology should empower and uplift everyone.
Duane Rapson brings over three decades of robust experience in finance and operations to his role as Treasurer of our charity. As a dedicated financial professional, Duane is passionate about utilizing his extensive background to support our mission and help drive positive change in the community. Duane has served in a variety of finance roles over the course of his career, most recently serving as the Finance Partner at Turnpoint Services since February 2020. His professional journey began with auditing at KPMG, where he refined his financial expertise.
A graduate of the Baptist University of America with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Duane passed the CPA Exam in 1988. He resides in Atlanta, GA, with his wife Stacie. He has two daughters and two grandchildren. Duane is dedicated to leveraging his extensive knowledge to foster growth, promote financial stewardship, and support our charity’s crucial initiatives.
Sher Reene is excited to be part of the Dancing Stars committee, inspired by Jake and Petra’s initiative, passion, and commitment to humanitarian relief efforts, for a world so in need. She shares in their vision and dedication to the extraordinary success of Dancing Stars for Humanity.
Sher has been in leadership roles with several non-profit organizations and is a co-founder of Dancing Stars of Atlanta. With a love of ballroom dance and a desire to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, they launched the very first Dancing Stars of Atlanta in 2009. The gala has been a huge success over the past 14 years, raising approximately $1M every year for the Alzheimer’s Association. Similarly, she envisions the success and tremendous growth potential of Dancing Stars for Humanity.
Sher brings many years of management, organization, and executive committee experience to our committee and will also oversee a team of friendly volunteers providing hospitality and guidance at the gala.
Sher was born in Chicago and graduated with a business degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign. Her career with IBM brought her to Atlanta 40 years ago. She enjoys travel, fitness, and family with her husband Jeff, their wonderful children and spouses, and six delightful grandchildren.
Nancy Senner is a renowned World 9-Dance champion, dance instructor, adjudicator and competition organizer, celebrated for her profound contributions to the dance community.
With extensive experience in managing dance competitions, she ensures seamless event operations, oversees logistics, and coordinates effectively with participants. As a World 9-Dance champion, Nancy demonstrates exceptional talent across various dance styles, inspiring dancers of all ages through her role as a professional teacher.
Additionally, she serves as a judge, offering valuable feedback to support dancers’ development. Her dedication and achievements have established her as a respected and influential figure in the competitive dance world, enhancing the experience for both dancers and event participants.
Katrina Volgina serves as the President of Dancesport for the American DanceSport Federation “ADF” (CSIT) and is an International Judge WDSF “A” License, as well as a National Judge A+, B+, C+, and D+ for USA Dance. She is the owner of VCDC and the Head Coach and CEO of Volga Dance Academy. Katrina has an impressive 20 years of competitive dancing experience in Russia, where she represented her country at various international events, including the 1998 Olympic Asian Games.
Her teaching career spans across the globe, having instructed both children and adults in countries such as Korea, China, Macau, and Hong Kong. In 2007, she established the Volga Dance Academy in the United States, which has become the leading competitive dance program for children in the United States.
By integrating fitness, gymnastics, and dance into her curriculum, Katrina has nurtured some of the Nation’s top junior, adult, and pro/am dancers.
Boryana Todoroff’s passion for ballroom dance was sparked by chance in 2012, when both her daughters became one of the first students at the Volga Dance Academy in Atlanta founded by Katrina Volgina. As the team grew at an astonishing pace, Boryana stepped in to manage the administrative side, and together with Katrina, built one of the largest and most successful ballroom dance teams in the United States. Boryana played a pivotal role in procuring and developing the Volga Dance Academy’s state-of-the-art training facility, which launched in 2018.
Committed to making ballroom dance accessible to all, Boryana serves on the board of the Volga Youth Non-Profit, dedicated to making sure every young person has the chance to experience the joy of dance. In addition, as a member of the organizing team for the Volga Cup, Presidential Cup and Atlanta DanceSport Cup, she helps bring the excitement of competitive dance to the community. But Boryana’s impact doesn’t stop at the dance floor. A highly successful licensed commercial and residential Realtor in the Atlanta area, she has consistently been recognized as her company’s top-selling agent year after year.
Whether she’s helping families find their dream home or investment properties or nurturing the next generation of dancers, Boryana is a true leader and a force for good in her community.
Sher Reene is excited to be part of the Dancing Stars committee, inspired by Jake and Petra’s initiative, passion, and commitment to humanitarian relief efforts, for a world so in need. She shares in their vision and dedication to the extraordinary success of Dancing Stars for Humanity.
Sher has been in leadership roles with several non-profit organizations and is a co-founder of Dancing Stars of Atlanta. With a love of ballroom dance and a desire to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, they launched the very first Dancing Stars of Atlanta in 2009. The gala has been a huge success over the past 14 years, raising approximately $1M every year for the Alzheimer’s Association. Similarly, she envisions the success and tremendous growth potential of Dancing Stars for Humanity.
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