In 2023, entrepreneur and Managing Director of CAR TRADE GROUP LLC (USA), Mykola Ruiev, joined the international judging panel for the CatalyX Champions Series Awards — a global initiative aimed at spotlighting industry leaders and innovators who are driving a real and meaningful impact.
This prestigious event was not just a milestone for its winners, but also for the expert jury tasked with evaluating hundreds of standout applications. The CatalyX Awards brought together visionaries from across the globe — entrepreneurs, tech pioneers, and champions of social progress — all united by one goal: building a better future through innovation.
What sets the CatalyX Champions Series apart is its focus on real-world results. Hundreds of ambitious founders submitted projects designed to transform their industries. Winners not only receive public recognition, but also gain access to investment opportunities and powerful professional networks to accelerate their impact.
2023 CatalyX Champions Series Award Winners
Lorraine Copes (Best Leader) – A strategic procurement manager with over 20 years of experience. Today, she is a mentor, author, and advocate for cultural diversity in business.
Mich Turner (Best Community Impact) – Entrepreneur and founder of Little Venice Cake Company, whose work blends culinary artistry with community engagement.
Yanina Shynhelska (Outstanding Contribution to Education & Mentorship) – A software quality engineer and educator leading free tech courses for communities affected by the war in Ukraine.
Thierry Ngutegure (Leader of Online Platforms) – Head of Data Insight at SALT Agency, Thierry develops scalable content-driven platform growth strategies powered by metrics.
Other candidates were also recognized for their outstanding achievements within innovation, leadership, and social responsibility.
A rigorous selection process
The judging process was led by a panel of respected figures in entrepreneurship, venture capital, tech innovation, and impact leadership.
This year’s jury included:
- Tanya Yankova (HealthTech VC Investor)
- Sebastian L. Johansson (Techleap)
- Mykyta Semeniak (Weiz Logistics)
- Lauren Sauerland (Concept Ventures)
- BaoY Van Cong (Target Global)
- Mykola Ruiev (CAR TRADE GROUP)
Speaking about his experience, Mykola Ruiev shared: “CatalyX is a platform that celebrates the depth and diversity of global talent. Being part of the jury allowed me to dive into cutting-edge innovation from around the world. We reviewed over 300 applications – it was both intense and inspiring. The competence level of each candidate was unbelievably high. Each of them brought something meaningful to the table, and the evaluation process required hours of deep analysis and debate”.
Ruiev emphasized the jury’s focus on long-term sustainability and market adaptability: “We were looking for resilience — the ability of projects to thrive amid turbulence. I paid close attention to strategic scalability, transparency, and agility. For example, Yanina Shynhelska impressed us with her rapid deployment of educational programs in a crisis context, while Thierry Ngutegure stood out for his smart use of data to power platform growth”.
Recognizing more than just talent
For Ruiev, the awards are not simply about honoring excellence, but about investing in future changemakers.
“These winners aren’t just skilled professionals — they’re catalysts for transformation. Lorraine Copes blends expertise with mentorship. Mich Turner combines business success with deep community impact. What CatalyX does is far more than recognition — it gives these leaders the tools and networks to scale their vision. I’m proud to have contributed to a process that empowers real-world change.”
A Platform that shapes the future
CatalyX Champions Series Awards is more than a competition — it’s an ecosystem. One that celebrates integrity, leadership, and innovation with a social mission.
Thanks to the insights and dedication of its international jury, the Awards continue to uplift leaders who are already making a global difference.
As Mykola Ruiev puts it: “The individuals we selected aren’t just promising — they’re already paving the way for others”.
