Translator, Project Manager, Kyiv, Ukraine

Ms. Alina Mordovaniuk is the embodiment of everything positive I wish for Ukraine as the country’s future comes into a better focus. She is intelligent, curious and forward looking young person who is hungry for change. Her contemporaries bring their various experiences and university degrees into one melting pot of ideas; with young educated voices like hers calling for reforms and development of Ukraine’s economy. Alina’s generation is driving a new entrepreneurial dynamic in Ukraine, a huge break from the Soviet mentality where the older peer groups still feel that the state owes them something. There are several signs that point to cautious optimism. According to WSJ, Ukraine’s economy recently began expanding again, posting 4.6% annualized growth in the second quarter of 2019. The currency has become one of the few in the world to strengthen against the dollar. Ukraine is also currently experiencing a cultural and tech boom, with new globally-minded bands, art centers, film production outlets and fashion design studios sprouting in Kyiv and other big cities.

I experienced this first hand when I met Ms. Mordovaniuk at the iHUB, a space for startups and entrepreneurs in Kiev, where sharing ideas and innovative thinking takes place on the daily. Alina, proficient in several languages, would like Ukraine to become a global player and her people to live with dignity and financial security. I fully expect Ms. Mordovaniuk to achieve wonderful things she dreams about and much much more.

1. Name.

Alina Mordovaniuk.

2. Where is your hometown?

I live in Kyiv, Ukraine (but my native town is Bila Tserkva, close to Kyiv)

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation?

I graduated from two universities in Kуiv. My first occupation is as a Spanish translator, a second is project manager at Aviation University.

4. What did you study in school?

My favorite subjects were: Polish, English, biology, physics, law as well as world history. At one point I wanted to be a surgeon, but I have a tremor in my hands (a tremor is an involuntary, somewhat rhythmic, muscle contraction and relaxation involving oscillations or twitching movements of one or more body parts). Then I dreamed of becoming a lawyer and practice in the Hague, but something went wrong.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? What are some accomplishments you’re most proud of, and what was the turning point to set you on a current path in life?

I am proud of who I am now. I am 23 years old, I reached to great heights. Like any person, I get tired, cry, give up. But having the right people around me helps me move ahead. Very important to believe in yourself. Remember this thing always, you are a person- you can do everything! Having the power to both create and destroy something.

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

When I was 20 I could not think that life would turn me like that. The second technical education, work in IT, and crazy ideas that I want to bring to life! It's fantastic.

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

Life knocks me down very often. I am a practitioner, not a theorist. I am the kind of person who collects something and then reads the instruction and in the process understands if that works or not. Self-motivation and the feeling that I can do something brings me back to life. I love life, this is the most valuable thing we have.

There are almost four billion women on Earth. And I can give one practical advice for four billion women: love yourself, respect and listen to yourself and take care of your health. Remember that you are unique!

9. Knowing what we know now in 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"?

Definitely women move men at all levels of life. One important thing is understanding of «what are feminist values». Gender inequality is the reality of our time. First, for me these is fighting for equal rights between women and men on professional level. Second priority is to empower women to be who they want to be, without society imposing female stereotypes. In connection with the globalization of the world, all these issues are becoming more and more topical, and this is good news. I believe it is in our hands to work and make changes.

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

I love nature very much. Whenever possible I try to run away from the metropolis and just relax. My favorite place is Valencia, having been once I left a piece of my heart there. The Mediterranean Sea, the warm wind, the sound of the sea, only you and the world, what could be more beautiful?

11. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

When I was a kid, I went to drawing, singing classes and ... hand-to-hand combat. I was engaged not for long in a hand-to-hand fight , and I am glad I had that experience and training!

Thanks to drawing lessons, I notice many wonderful things in life. And many of them I can bring to life, for example, by drawing something, I can give this sketch to a tailor and he can take it make it into a beautiful creation. It's cool to wear something exclusive. I have many clothes by my own design. It is like a hobby.

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

I wish to one day speak at the UN General Assembly with a project that will change something in my country, and possibly in the world! 

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Unfortunately I'm not a super-woman, I have ordinary fears. For example, I have the fear of feeling unrealized (my potential unreached), fear of own death and death of my loved ones, fear of water, spiders and snakes.

15. What inspires you?

I am inspired by people, nature, and travel. It sounds ordinary, but it is true. I am inspired when I am acquainted with new and different people, when I share ideas, discuss the news. During those experiences I begin to breathe to the fullest. So many interesting things are happening around us. It is important to choose the good environment, both at work and in life.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I hope that I will create a project for children where they will learn new technological skills in order to create something unique. For children who do not have the opportunity to do it. 

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Three ingredients for good life: laughter, love and harmony.

18. What is a quality you most love about yourself and why?

Qualities I most love about myself are purposefulness, sociability and common-sense. I also pride on my intuition; it helps me often, the main thing is to listen to yourself.

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

Tell your loved ones you love them. I would also say to her that everything you do will lead you to the right path. Stay on course!

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

I prefer to read books about a person’s self-knowledge or politics. It is always interesting to find out how our brain works, and why we make such mistakes. My favorite books are trilogy by Yuval Noah Harari. Also I enjoy watching documentaries and reading articles about closed political communities. It is interesting to find out what factors influence world politics, and who is behind it.

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, why you admire them?

There are so many amazing women, so it’s very difficult to put emphasis on just one, but I will try it. 

Margaret Thatcher to me was a WOW Woman. She was strong, but honest, able to show stubbornness, but also to enter the position of the enemy. She was able to do everything, while relying on the unshakable faith in herself, in truth and what is good.

Grace Kelly. She seemed to have amazing qualities: unlimited love for her family, intelligence, beauty, excellent style, and most importantly strength and patience to deal with everything that transpired in her life.

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

You can find me on Instagram under the name @alinamorv