Young Ukrainian Professionals Return Home to Implement Global Expertise. Ukrainians have more opportunities to fulfill their potential in Ukraine than abroad — this belief drives Iryna Volokha, one of the winners of the Create Ukraine program. The Create Ukraine team, in turn, is confident that their expertise is most needed at home.
Along with nine other young professionals, Iryna returned to Ukraine in the fall of 2024 to contribute to change and economic reforms.
Each winner brings unique international experience — studies at leading global universities, representing Ukraine’s interests on the international stage, internships at the European Parliament, and work at top companies in Austria, the UK, and Canada. While they had the opportunity to continue their careers abroad, they chose to bring the best global practices to Ukraine.
Working alongside the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the Create Ukraine participants focus on improving public services, enhancing government-business-citizen interaction, attracting foreign investment, developing post-war recovery projects, and organizing international conferences on Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The Create Ukraine program is initiated by the EU, Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and co-funded EU4Youth Programme managed by Central Project Management Agency. “Create Ukraine” project is implemented by the KSE Foundation.
More about the participants’ motivations below:
Anastasiia Bilanenko
Expert in International Finance & Strategy, Manager, Auditor
“I want to contribute to economic development. I believe that my professional experience and knowledge gained over ten years of working across different continents will help implement modern solutions and the best global practices for Ukraine’s recovery. #buildbackbetter”
Focus areas: Sustainable Recovery, Green Finance, Circular Economy
Iryna Volokha
Strategic Communications Expert, Editor
“For me, Ukraine is a land of limitless opportunities. Ukrainians have the greatest chance to realize their potential right here. I want to support my country, strengthen its economy, and build up my own state — not someone else’s.”
Focus areas: International Communications, Project Management, Strategy, Social Media
Oksana Havryliv
International Relations Specialist, Business Manager
“I never planned to live abroad. But I left to understand why Ukrainians associate everything European with being ‘better.’ I returned because I always saw my place in Ukraine. There is a huge shortage of qualified professionals with strong education and fluency in English — and even more so in German. I want to strengthen Ukraine from within. I am convinced that Ukraine is a country of opportunities.”
Focus areas: Investment Projects, Ukraine’s Recovery, International Agreements
Tetiana Haidym
Project Management & Consulting Specialist
“The first and most important reason is to help my country in a critical time. Everyone should contribute at their own level. During the war, the government has faced an overwhelming number of challenges. So I decided to apply my knowledge and skills to support the state.”
Focus areas: Recovery, International Partnerships, Ukraine Recovery Conference
Olena Dziubko
Project Manager, International Relations Specialist
“I studied at the University of Cambridge in the UK in a unique master’s program in Development Studies/Development Economics. My motivation to return is my desire to apply this knowledge in practice and contribute to Ukraine’s development.”
Focus areas: International Economic Cooperation, Trade & Export, Resilience