Roman Zhukov was born in Magadan, Russia, to a family with a military and medical background. In 1994, they moved to Ukraine, where he went through primary school. Roman went to a tech school for computer security and networking. By age 14, he was already working in the tech industry, first working as an apprentice at Marlin, and then by age 17, going on to co-own his own networking company. This networking company worked with government officials to speed up dial-up times by connecting the local neighborhood residencies into a single network, allowing them to deliver internet through a centralized hub instead of dial-up.
In August 2004, Roman moved to the United States at age 18, specifically to New Philadelphia, Ohio. He attended Cuyahoga Community College in Parma, Ohio, where he studied Photography and Web Design. Throughout his education, with limited English, Roman worked tirelessly at any job he could get.
In 2007, he moved to Panama City Beach, Florida, with his wife, where he became interested in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry. He started working kitchen prep, then moved up to Sous Chef, then ultimately moved up to Head Chef. Roman went on to work the industry’s business side, working in nightlife, doing marketing, and continuing with his passion for photography. He later went on to become a manager and then ultimately opened up his restaurant.
In 2015, Roman moved to the City of Philadelphia with his wife and son. They instantly fell in love with the city’s history and culture. Using his management background and desire to learn new things, Roman began working in Real Estate Management, PHA, Section 8, and related fields.
Working in Real Estate, Roman could advise people on housing issues. He is constantly engaged in helping people. From helping people find jobs, translating, or even giving a ride to someone in need, it’s just a part of his core. No favor is too small.
Roman has come to a point where he only wants to dedicate his time to increasing the quality of life for those who need help. As such, Roman founded NE Phila Connected, seeing that this could grow into much more than just a regular Town Watch. Roman knows how hard it is for a first-generation immigrant to get answers to a question you don’t know how to ask. Roman saw this organization as an opportunity to help connect such people and others to resources, engage and unite the community and help us all get back to basics, neighbors helping neighbors, which in turn, helps the community.
Since founding NE Phila Connected Town Watch and helping expand to the great community outreach program it has begun, Roman has become a staple in the community. When neighbors come to Roman with problems, he finds solutions. Roman is a true leader who connected communities that otherwise would have never engaged with one another. He has brought resources to Far Northeast Philadelphia. He has brought life, community, and connection that has been missing for decades. People have seen what Roman can do without a title and have encouraged him to run for office. Northeast Philadelphia needs Roman.
Roman lives in the Somerton section of Far Northeast Philadelphia with his wife, Olekandra. They have one child.