Humanitarian Help Center Founder, Entrepreneur, Volunteer, Swimming Coach, Warsaw, Poland

What is there to say about a woman who comes up with an idea and then proceeds to open a massive neighbourhood clothing drive for displaced Ukrainians? It’s a busy intersection in Warsaw, the line of people outside (some waiting for three to four hours) is so long that the president of the World Bank, Mr. David Malpass, who happens to be nearby thinks it’s an NGO and comes in for a look-see. No, no, it is not an organization or a charity; it’s the result of sweat and tears of Ms. Svitlana Chystiakova.

Svitlana has been in Poland for several years and enjoyed leading several entrepreneurial ventures, she has also worked with children and even taught swimming. But as the Russian aggression on Ukraine commenced, Svitlana shifted gears. She brought both her parents to Poland and arranged for them to stay in her studio apartment (while she stays on her friends’ couches). Svitlana is using all her organizational skills, and probably all her savings, volunteering for her Humanitarian Center aka “The Aid Centre at 20 Puławska Street”. It is a place where refugees from Ukraine receive free support, information and help every day in the form of free clothes, shoes and baby essentials (toys, diapers, formula). These images will give you a glimpse into what a colossal effort this is, with over 200 volunteers, working in shifts.

The hope of the center is to continue “serving as a ‘bulletin board’ for those looking for and offering jobs, and for spreading information on other aid initiatives” and in the near future also to continue as an “information place for refugees, where they can be aided with employment, as well as offered psychological care and much more.” God’s speed, Ms. Chystiakova! Donation page for this noble effort can be found here: zrzutka.pl/centrum-pomocy-pulawska-20.

1. Name.

Svitlana Chystiakova.

2. Where is your hometown?

Zhytomyr, Ukraine.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I'm an economist by training. I also have much experience as a financial manager and an owner of a medium-sized private enterprise in Poland. Now I'm a small entrepreneur, babysitter, swimming teacher, volunteer. During the day I am involved in many things. Currently I spend my time managing the Humanitarian Help Center in Warsaw, keeping an eye on my business, spending time with children or dog walking.

4. What did you study in school?

I earned a PhD in Economics and Management from Kyiv National Economic University, Ukraine.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

I worked throughout my university years in Ukraine so upon graduation, I was already a proud owner of a small flat, held a good job and was full of life plans. For about 12 years I was a project manager in the financial sector in Ukraine. However, after the events of Maidan in Kyiv and the Donbass War of 2014, I moved to Poland. Here I started my own business. Between 2015 and 2019 I managed to open a large network of “boutique” barbershops in Poland. It was an unforgettable experience, which taught me a lot. It was a long road, full of successes and failures; I am immensely proud of this initiative. Just a few months before the COVID pandemic I sold my part of the barbershop business and downshifted. In the last two years I’ve participated in many different small projects together with babysitting, cooking and volunteering.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

My life now is absolutely different from what I imagined for myself. At that time of my life I never could dream about living abroad; Kiev was and remains my beloved city. After seven years in Warsaw I still miss it, especially now.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

The end of 2019, beginning of 2020 was the hardest period of my life: business sold, a hard divorce, pandemic; I felt lost and lonely. Thanks to my entering the volunteer movement during the pandemic I met a lovely person, who became a big part of my life, helped me survive the hardest time. For this I will always be grateful.

8. Advice for other women?

Always believe in yourself, no matter what!

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

I think that women are really strong in their mind and spirit. We can do a lot of good things for world transformation. No matter the gender, men and women should unite to bring about peace.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

In my small apartment in Old Mokotow in Warsaw.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

Ever since I can remember I enjoyed swimming. I'm really proud I still do it, even if not too often in the last few years. Two years ago I started jogging and this makes me feel happy as I run into the park each morning. During my runs I meditate, and manage to have important internal discussions with self.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I really want to be a balanced, confident person with a loving family and friends around me; I want to keep doing what I love. My next challenge, become a mom.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Fear of upcoming changes. It is the most difficult thing for me to cope with, especially after what has happened in Ukraine last month.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I'm happy with my life and don't want to change the past as it made me the person I am now.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I always hope that everything will turn out well. This is my daily mantra.

17. What are the ingredients of a good life? Have the pandemic and the war in Ukraine changed your view of the world, your life, goals and dreams? 

For sure my values ​​changed significantly during pandemic and even more after the war in Ukraine. First of all the real understanding of time and value: the current moment you’re in starts to have a really deep meaning. Keeping close to people you care for becomes important. Travelling as often as possible. Being open and loyal. Being a good person.

What would you like the world to know about Ukraine and the Ukrainian people?

Ukraine is a young independent country. Although it has suffered a lot due to the Russian invasion, it also showed a real unbreakable spirit. New generation of free Ukrainians is born now in 2022 and it is the new beginning for the country, it’s culture and economy. We showed to the world how strong we are, so be ready to respect us.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

I love to take responsibility and do things well, seeing them through. I create and manage different and difficult projects, but I also create magic around me. I really think I have some special power which was given to me to make this world a better place.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? What advice would your 14-year-old self give you in return?

I’d tell myself at 14 to be self-confident and and don't let anybody change you. You bring the real value. The 14-year-old me would probably advise me to be a bit easy with the small life troubles as time cures every pain.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I try to get acquainted with the classic Polish literature. I started to read “Doll” by Boleslaw Prus. As for my favorite read, it would be anything by John Irving. His books make me both laugh and cry.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them?

I can barely name a well-known person who inspires me. Rather I’ll say that each day brings me magical meetings with people like you or Ola from the Vietnamese/British diaspora. You both left your homes and came to Poland to help and volunteer.

To me, WOW Women have brave hearts, don't ask questions and do the best they can, fighting for what they feel is right in the world.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

Facebook: Swie Ta.

Centrum Pomocy Puławska 20 aka “The Aid Centre at 20 Puławska Street”: zrzutka.pl/centrum-pomocy-pulawska-20

Instagram of the Center: @cpmokotow

Bonus Quick Round Qs:

1. What and who is worth suffering for? Only in a dentist chair during drilling. Nothing else is worth of suffering.

2. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you? Tattoo all over the body.

3. Who is/are your mentor/s (men or women)? Life and people I met every day.

4. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? Open a beach bar with fried fish and beer in some warm country.

5. If you could be anyone for a day who would you be? Brad Pitt.

6. If you could relive one year in your life, which one would it be? 2021.

7. What bothers you most about other people? What do you love most about other people? I really hate hypocrisy in people. I really love determination, loyalty and respect in people.