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Veronica TsepkaloBelarusian IT manager and political activist
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Veronika Tsepkalo: A Biography
- Career
- Political Activism
- Personal Tragedy and Advocacy
- Post-Election Activities
Veronika Tsepkalo: A Biography
Early Life and EducationVeronika Tsepkalo was born on September 7 in Mogilev, Belarus. Her mother, Yevgenia Shesterikova, was a nurse, and her sister, Natalia Leonuk, is an art historian. Her grandfather, Pyotr Shesterikov, was a renowned Belarusian writer.
In 1998, Veronika graduated from the Faculty of International Relations of Belarusian State University with a degree in International Relations. She continued her education at the Higher School of Management and Business of Belarusian State Economic University from 2004-2006. In 2008, she studied at the National Institute of Small and Medium Enterprises in Hyderabad, India.
Career
Veronika Tsepkalo is a successful IT manager who works as a business development manager for Microsoft, responsible for 12 CIS countries.
Political Activism
Veronika's political journey began when her husband, Valery Tsepkalo, announced his candidacy for the 2020 Belarusian presidential election. She actively supported Valery's campaign, accompanying him on his travels and providing unwavering encouragement.
However, on July 14, 2020, Valery's presidential registration was denied. In response, the opposition candidates—Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, Valery Tsepkalo, and Viktor Babariko—joined forces to form a united headquarters. Veronika represented her husband's team at Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's campaign rallies, while Valery was forced to leave the country with their children.
Throughout the campaign, Veronika faced intense pressure from the authorities. Officials collected information about her children's school, and her sister, Natalia Leonuk, was summoned to testify against Valery Tsepkalo.
Personal Tragedy and Advocacy
On July 30, 2020, at a rally in Minsk, Veronika spoke out about her family's personal tragedy. She revealed that her mother had been unjustly accused in a criminal case and was now in critical condition. Her speech resonated deeply with many Belarusians who had also experienced injustice and oppression.
Post-Election Activities
After the rigged presidential election, Veronika continued to advocate for democracy and human rights. She joined the Coordination Council, a body established by the opposition to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power. However, she was forced to leave Belarus in September 2020 due to threats and intimidation.
Veronika Tsepkalo remains an active political figure, speaking out against the Lukashenko regime from exile. She is committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Belarus.
