Interviewer: Good day, Anna! Please tell us a little about yourself.
Anna Ivanenko (A.I.): Hello! My name is Anna Ivanenko. I work as a Project Manager and Team Lead at the European-Ukrainian Hub in Copenhagen. I’m originally from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, and I moved to Denmark in June 2022.
Interviewer: What were you doing before you moved to Denmark?
A.I.: The difference between my life in Ukraine and in Denmark is enormous—they are like two different worlds. In Ukraine, my career was always associated with working on foreign languages. I started as a university lecturer and then worked in a private school. Later, I became a content writer for an IT company, where I wrote over 5,000 articles in English. This allowed me to refine my language and analytical skills, which later helped me transition to a managerial position. There, I managed the translation of an online platform into six foreign languages—a project that required a lot of attention to detail and understanding of cultural differences. It was really cool to see the final result.
In 2012, I decided to try something new and joined an au pair program, spending two and a half years in Denmark. At that time, I couldn’t imagine that I would return here, especially under such dramatic circumstances. At the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion, I was working as a business analyst at a PR agency. This job gave me many valuable skills and experiences that later helped me adapt in Denmark.
Interviewer: How did you join the Hub team?
A.I.: When I arrived in Denmark, I had only a suitcase and my cat, whom I had rescued from a dumpster in Zaporizhzhia. Fortunately, I quickly found a job teaching English to Ukrainian refugees. Soon after, the Copenhagen Jobcenter offered me a position as a marketer at IVAEKST, which led to my involvement in the IVDK HUB project, and then to the European-Ukrainian Hub.
Interviewer: Tell us more about these projects.
A.I.: IVDK HUB was an online initiative supported by the EU Social Fund aimed at providing Ukrainian refugees with relevant soft and hard skills. I was involved not only in marketing but also public speaking and I frequently communicated to Ukrainian communities in various cities in Denmark. One of the most memorable moments was my speech at Rådhus København on January 9, 2023, in front of an audience of 500 people. I was invited for this task at the last minute and I had to translate English-speaking speakers without any preparation. It was challenging but interesting and it boosted my confidence.
The European-Ukrainian Hub was founded in August 2023 as a one-year initiative to support the Ukrainian community in Denmark. As Project Manager and Team Lead, I handle project management, coordinate events, and oversee the Hub’s daily operations. The venue has quickly become a rallying point for Ukrainians, hosting important events such as Independence Day celebrations, an Easter fair, art exhibitions, and meetings with politicians and the Ukrainian ambassador. The Hub has also become a platform for Ukrainian entrepreneurs seeking mentors among Danish businesspeople.
Interviewer: Tell us about the Hub team. Who does what?
A.I.: Our team has changed over time but has always consisted of ambitious Ukrainian professionals who strive to create high-quality content. We are always looking for speakers and trainers who can provide practical knowledge. Currently, our team includes Olena Plotnikova, who manages a youth project; Alla Shorina, responsible for organizing workshops and courses and collaborating with Ukrainian organizations; Yuliia Lazorenko, who also organizes workshops and manages the volunteer community; Veronika Rulli, who works with the state registration platform and communicates with course participants; and Maryna Bondarenko, who started as a volunteer helping us with Instagram and is now the Hub's space manager.
We also have two Danish colleagues—Andreas and Lone, who are responsible for communication with authorities and ensure the Hub’s activities comply with regulations.
Interviewer: Do you have any plans for the future?
A.I.: Looking back on my journey, I think I am very fortunate to participate in so many wonderful projects for Ukrainians in Denmark. I’m not sure what the future holds—it's difficult for me to make predictions or plans given today’s circumstances—but I believe that the experience I’ve gained, and the experience our event participants have gained, is a valuable contribution to the future.
