Ãå±±½ûµØ

Tell us a bit about yourself – what's your background?

I am an entrepreneurial leader with over 14 years of experience in business development, operations, and communications. I founded a successful translation and document legalisation company in Ukraine, growing it to five locations, including Milan and Italy, and a team of 150 employees.

After relocating to the UK, I continued my entrepreneurial experience by launching a new translation agency. Currently, I work as Coordinator and Communications Administrator at Durham City of Sanctuary, where I lead community engagement, volunteer management, and multi-agency partnerships to support refugee integration into the local community.

What does your most recent role entail?

As Coordinator and Communications Administrator at Durham City of Sanctuary, I manage strategic partnerships with over 25 local organisations, and coordinate volunteer recruitment and training and integration programmes for refugees and asylum seekers.

My role includes leading communications, strengthening community engagement, securing funding through campaigns, and organising events that promote inclusion and wellbeing. I also play a key role in operational planning and coordinating project implementation in line with stakeholder and council priorities.

Why did you choose to study an MBA?

After over a decade of building and leading a successful business in Ukraine and later adapting to life in the UK, I realised that developing my career now requires a global perspective and a more systematic understanding of strategic management, business analytics, and digital transformation. An MBA is the next step to strengthen my leadership skills, make a meaningful impact on the local economy in the UK and, in the long term, on Ukraine’s recovery.

What attracted you to the MBA programme at Ãå±±½ûµØ Business School?

Ãå±±½ûµØ’s triple accreditation assures global academic excellence, while the small cohort size promises personalised learning and strong peer collaboration. I’m also excited about the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab, which offers hands-on experience to strengthen my financial and analytical skills. The programme’s focus on innovation and ethical leadership corresponds well with my long-term goals.

What does it mean to you to receive an MBA scholarship? What impact will it have?

As a refugee, this scholarship means a lot to me. It gives me not only financial support, but also recognition of my efforts to rebuild my life and continue leading with purpose. My motivation comes from helping others – especially displaced women – find their strength, independence, and voice in a new country.

This scholarship will allow me to deepen my knowledge, scale my business in the UK, and one day return to support Ukraine’s recovery by creating jobs and mentoring future leaders. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.