4 February 2025
Olesia Kvitka: “The program has strengthened my belief that I can be a catalyst for meaningful change”
Olesia Kvitka, Professional Integration HUB 2.0 Program Participant (C/O Vienna Magazine)
Intro
- Age: 36 years old
- City in Ukraine where you lived before the full-scale invasion (forced relocation): Dnipro
- Specialization: Multimedia Artist, Creative Producer
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Before the full-scale invasion, I built a career in fashion communications and the creative industries, accumulating over a decade of experience. I worked as Editor-in-Chief, headed a creative department, and spent four years as Content and Social Media Manager for the Ukrainian designer brand Nadya Dzyak. Each role combined strategy and creativity, allowing me to shape narratives and bring brands to life.
I had always dreamed of working in the creative industries, which led me to study advertising and PR at Dnipro National University. Entering the fashion industry felt natural, I was drawn to its diversity and the opportunity to constantly innovate. While the journey was intense and occasionally marked by burnout, it was also structured and rewarding. I knew where I was headed and worked toward clear goals.
FORCED EMIGRATION
The full-scale invasion caught my family in Dnipro. The day russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant became a point of no return for us. The next day, my son and I boarded a train packed with women and children. It was a journey filled with fear and uncertainty; the corridors and vestibules were crowded with people sleeping on the floor. I had no idea where we were going or what awaited us.
Our first stop was Poland, where a kind Polish family hosted us for two weeks. From there, I prioritized finding a country where I could secure a job to support my child. Austria became our destination thanks to a close friend who invited me to join her, offering support and companionship as we sought stability.
LIFE IN AUSTRIA
Housing was one of our biggest challenges. Landlords were hesitant to rent to refugees, and after months of searching, we finally secured an apartment. However, I quickly realized that to afford the rent and cover our bills, I needed to work tirelessly.
I sent out countless CVs but faced rejection after rejection, as the Austrian fashion industry differs greatly from Ukraine’s. I eventually found freelance projects in social media and content production, some fashion-related, others not. To work legally, I registered my own business in 2022. During this time, my values and skills underwent a transformation. The achievements I once prided myself on seemed to lose their significance. I began dedicating more and more time to art and cultural projects, and started to grow in this new direction. In 2023 my works were exhibited internationally, and also supported by the Austrian Ministry of Culture.
During my emigration, art has been my sanctuary, allowing me to express my emotions and find purpose. Equally important are the inspiring people I’ve met: creative, intellectual individuals from both Ukraine and abroad. The Professional HUB Program has introduced me to like-minded peers and mentors who continue to inspire and support me.
Looking back, I would tell myself at the start of my journey in Austria to focus on myself and my integration. Developing a clear plan, sticking to it, and not giving up would be key. The most important step is learning German, as it is the foundation for everything else.
Professional Integration HUB
I learned about the program through the Office Ukraine. From the beginning, I felt I had found my people; individuals who value growth, innovation, and meaningful change.
In comparing the situation in my field in Ukraine with Austria, one notable difference is that Austria’s creative industries are more open to younger professionals and less constrained by age-related stereotypes. While older individuals remain active and engaged, younger people are often given leadership roles if they demonstrate aptitude and ambition. This inclusivity is truly inspiring and stands in contrast to the situation in Ukraine.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from my internship is that cultural and social projects can be professional, impactful, and well-structured. My experience at C/O Vienna Magazine showed me how cultural organizations can achieve significant results through strategic vision and strong organization.
The importance of cooperation and collaboration was a profound insight for me. A training session on EU grants by Svitlana Oliynyk demonstrated how shared values and teamwork could drive meaningful change.
I’ve found like-minded individuals through the program. I’ve met extraordinary people with whom I can create projects, share inspiration, and engage in meaningful conversations. These connections go beyond professional alignment; they are grounded in shared values and transformative experiences.
Based on my personal path, here are five key tips for Ukrainians in Austria to fulfill themselves in their professional field:
- Be proactive, take initiative in seeking opportunities.
- Learn German, as it is essential for communication and integration.
- Stay open to new experiences, as they can lead to valuable growth.
- Represent Ukraine with pride, sharing its culture and values.
- Finally, focus on collaboration and shared values, as working together with others fosters success and personal fulfillment.
The program has strengthened my belief that I can be a catalyst for meaningful change. It restored my confidence and connected me with talented, like-minded individuals who share my vision.
PLANS AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM
I see my mission as showcasing Ukraine’s incredible talents in culture, science, and art. Cultural diplomacy should focus on fostering empathy and collaboration, highlighting shared values rather than seeking pity. I also envision projects that unite different countries, positioning Ukraine as an integral part of the European community.
Ukraine should prioritize its intellectual and creative professionals by offering fair salaries, international exchange opportunities, and platforms to apply global knowledge locally. Supporting these fields is essential for long-term development, and adopting this approach from the organization where I interned would be beneficial for Ukraine’s growth.
I dream of creating a global platform that unites creative professionals, institutions, and brands to develop groundbreaking transmedia projects. This initiative would highlight the power of collaboration and showcase Ukrainians as catalysts for change, demonstrating how freedom and creativity can overcome any obstacle.
Photos: Valerie Loudon