When Iryna arrived in Spokane on December 31, 2022 at 10 p.m., in the quiet hours of New Year’s Eve, she wasn’t celebrating the start of a new year. She was stepping into an entirely new life.
Originally from Limon, Ukraine, Iryna had built an established career as an occupational engineer with a degree in power energy. But when conflict forced her family to evacuate eastern Ukraine, everything changed. Alongside her husband and their 2.5-year-old daughter, she left behind not just her home, but the professional identity she had worked so hard to build.
Starting over in a new country is never easy. For Iryna, those first months were especially challenging. Her family shared a small space with friends; seven people living in three rooms—while trying to find stability. At the same time, she enrolled her young daughter in an English-only daycare.
“We cried every day together,” Iryna recalls. “It was hard for both of us not understanding the language.”
Still, she pressed forward. Determined to adapt, Iryna enrolled in English classes at Spokane Community College and worked with a personal tutor from Ukraine. Step by step, she began building a foundation for her future.
About a year and a half ago, Iryna came across contact information for Kris and Ginny, who work with the Newcomer Career Navigation (NCN) program at World Relief Spokane. The program supports refugees in reestablishing careers—often helping them transition into new professional paths while honoring their skills and experience.
For Iryna, that support opened a door she hadn’t previously considered.
Because of health challenges in her family, she had developed an interest in the medical field. Though it was a significant shift from her engineering background, she embraced the possibility.
“If I can change my country,” she said, “why can’t I change my job?”
Her first attempt didn’t go as planned. Iryna applied to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program but was denied due to her English proficiency. For many, that kind of setback might have been the end of the road.
But this is where the village stepped in.
Gini helped Iryna find a phlebotomy program and encouraged her to apply. Together with Kris, they walked alongside her—helping her prepare for interviews and building her confidence along the way.
“I didn’t believe in myself,” Iryna shared. “But Gini and Kris were so kind, and they supported me. They gave me confidence that I can do it.”
Even once she was accepted, the challenges didn’t stop. The program ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while her daughter’s kindergarten schedule ended at 3 p.m. Once again, community made the difference. Friends stepped in to help with childcare, ensuring Iryna could attend her classes and pursue this new opportunity.
This is what it looks like to be surrounded by a village.
Iryna’s story is not just one of resilience—it’s one of connection. It’s a reminder that behind every new beginning is a network of people offering encouragement, practical support, and belief when it’s needed most.
Because no one starts over alone.
And sometimes, all it takes is someone to say, “You can do this,” to change everything.