Ukrainian, Project Manager, Ukraine-Norway Team Leader, Teacher, Dog Mom, Oslo, Norway

This time a year ago, Ms. Anastasia Antonyk was identifying, shaping and nurturing projects that solidified business relations between Norway and Ukraine. As a proud Ukrainian living in Norway for nearly a decade, Ms. Antonyk’s passion was discovering unique and interesting ways to connect Ukrainian and Norwegian people, create business opportunities and forge friendly ties between two European nations.

Then, russia invaded peaceful Ukraine. Suddenly, Ms. Antonyk’s work took on a critically urgent, life or death meaning. It was all hands on-deck, with a goal of bolstering Ukraine’s economy, ensuring survival of businesses and thereby Ukrainian people.

Ms. Antonyk is a perfect bridge between two nations. She loves Norway and its people. She teaches Norwegian in the immigrant communities because she knows a thing or two about starting from scratch. Anastasia is also a proud Ukrainian, speaks four (that I know of) languages and is able to understand the beauties and challenges of both economies.

We need to celebrate and protect women like Ms. Antonyk at all costs, because after Ukraine wins, women like Anastasia will be designing and shaping the future of Ukraine. I was filled with pride after meeting and chatting with Anastasia; her passion, ideas and quiet chutzpah, allowed me a glimpse into the univocal eventuality we all should advocate for: an integration of Democratic Ukraine into the European community.

1. Name.

Anastasia Antonyk.

2. Where is your hometown?

I was born in Novodnistrovsk, Chernivtsi Region, Ukraine, but I have been living in Norway since 2012.

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

Ukrainian. A project manager at the Norwegian – Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC), team leader, Norwegian language teacher, a dog mom.

4. What did you study in school?

I studied at the Kyiv Institute for the Humanities where I completed a degree in International Relations and Affairs. I then attended Høgskole i Buskerud og Vestfold (University of South-Eastern Norway) where I completed a Masters in Human Rights and Multiculturalism. Finally in 2018, I completed a Pedagody Program at University of Bergen, in Norway.

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? What did you do before the war, and why and how did you start helping Ukrainian women?

I come from a very small town in the south-western part of Ukraine; my family had no resources nor connections for me to build my life upon. Therefore, in order to provide for myself, I started working the day after I moved to Kyiv from my parents’ place. I had a full-time job, a full-time study program and I also managed to find time for extracurricular activities (honestly, when I look back, I don't know where I got all that energy).

I graduated with top grades and received an opportunity to study in Norway. I think moving to Norway changed me as a person, as well as changed my entire worldview. I was one of the founders of the Ukrainian-Scandinavian Center, the biggest Scandinavian community in Ukraine today. We like to say that “USC is the hearth that unites people taking interest in the Nordics: be it languages and literatures, or nature and lifestyle.” We built a strong team at the USC, something I am very proud of.

Other achievements? I managed to buy my own apartment in Norway and get a driver’s license; those who know me well can confirm that I was so scared of driving. Overcoming that fear is something I am proud of.

I am proud of my team at the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) and what we do as an organization. At NUCC, we connect Ukrainian and Norwegian businesses, to promote synergies and also to give Ukrainian companies access to new clients. We want to help Ukrainians survive these challenging times.

I was involved in pretty much the same activities with NUCC before the war, but now it feels more valuable, important and rewarding. I am also proud of my little contributions to the Ukrainian Army. I ran a half marathon to collect money for the Ukrainian military, the brave men and women who are defending my relatives and friends in Ukraine. I collected $5,500.

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

I am probably a bit more ‘boring’ these days. I was a busy-bee when I was 20-years-old. I probably imagined that I would be able to keep that pace for a long time.

Today I prefer spending quality time with my family and friends, as well as having quiet evenings at home with my husband and my dogs. One thing for sure, I definitely couldn’t imagine that I would one day be helping Ukrainian refugees, and buying bulletproof vests and helmets for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. 

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

Of course. At the end of my Master’s program I was over-stretched and felt truly burnt out. I was finishing my studies, working full time, volunteering at different centers for the kids and working to establish Ukrainian-Scandinavian Center. I had to take some time off, quit certain volunteering activities and focus on recovery. It took me three months to get back on my feet. Today, I am still very active, but careful to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

8. Advice for other women?

Take care of yourself first - then you will be able to take care of those around you who need help. Don’t be too hard on yourself, we all have those days when we just want to hide from everyone and eat a pint of ice-cream. It’s ok! Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed!

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 still so far from being equal to men; we need to continue our fight. We also must fight for those who can’t fend for themselves.

I believe it’s important for women to become active in their local communities and, when possible, stand up for human rights and dignities. Let’s no longer accept bad jokes, succumb to societal pressures or others unrealistic expectations.

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

To be honest, this was a difficult question, I never thought about my happy place. I believe it is in the classroom, with my students. I feel at my tallest when I do something that brings results and teaching is that type of activity. 

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

I teach Norwegian language classes, and even though I am not a Norwegian linguist, I get a lot of positive feedback from my students who pass international tests, get jobs in Norway and start studying at local universities. I am proud of this endeavor, because I help others fulfil their dreams and get to play a little part in their achievements.

12. Have you travelled solo? If so, which were some of the most memorable destinations and why? Why do you travel and would you recommend it to women?

Unfortunately, no, I have never travelled solo, but would like to try it!

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

I’d like to lead an international company or an organization where I don’t just manage people and tell them what to do, but also to help them with personal growth and uncovering their unique potential.

14. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

I have a fear of public speaking which I hope to overcome one day. I am also fearful of heights and spiders, but I don’t think I’ll be able to do anything about that.

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

Oh, there is so much I would do differently, but I think the most important thing to mention here is: I’d be bolder and start daring much earlier in life. I would dare to try new foods, visit new places and in general get out of my comfort zone. I would also start learning much earlier about ways to achieve financial independence, understand my saving and investment options.

16. What/who inspires you?

• My Norwegian language students when they put effort into learning and making progress

• My teammates when they manage to implement their ideas at work

• My mom when she is trying to start a new life at the age of 55 in a totally different country

I am inspired by Ukrainian people who are doing everything possible (and impossible!) to protect their country, hometowns, families, and defend their freedoms to win and survive this cruel war!

17. What are you hopeful about?

I hope that one day we will be kinder to one another and to the world around us.

18. What are some ingredients to a good life? How did the global pandemic and war in Ukraine change your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

I think the ingredients for a good life are supportive family, trustworthy friends, and exploring/traveling (which opens the whole world, physically and mentally).

During the pandemic, and reiterated after the war in Ukraine started, I began to value small things like meeting a friend for a cup of coffee at a local café, being able to reach my family in Ukraine by phone, sleeping at night without waking up too often.

What do you want the world to understand about Ukrainians and Ukrainian women in particular?

I admire Ukrainian women for their courage and creativity. Most Ukrainian women I know in Norway, are working and volunteering at the same time, plus many of them are full-time moms! They use innovative and creative ways to collect money and support their country, Ukrainian people, the Army and other volunteers. I feel there is this strong community of Ukrainian women who understand each other and support one another, like never before.

19. What are your superpowers?

I am hardworking and not afraid of difficult tasks. I believe I am a good listener as friends often come to me to share what they have in their hearts. I am good at listening without judgement. My real superpowers, however, are my stubbornness and strong will.

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

I would tell her that many problems get resolved by themselves, whereas many problems are impossible to solve. Either way, stop worrying about every small thing and take care of yourself first!

My 14-year-old self would tell me to travel more and sleep more.

21. What are you reading now?

I enjoy different genres but here are my top favourites:

• “Becoming Bulletproof” by Evy Poumpouras is unlike any other self-help book. Evy writes about her experiences in an elite security force, where she protected presidents and high-profile individuals. She shares tips on how to live a life without fear. I love that the book is filled with her personal stories and concrete examples.

• “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris. I’ve been reading this book for a long time, simply because I couldn’t stop crying. This story about concentration camps during the Second World War is even more relevant nowadays. I simply don't understand how we didn’t learn from stories like this and continue to have bloody wars, in 2022.

• “Akkurat passe”, is a book by a Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder. I have read it in Norwegian, so I am not sure if there is an English translation. Gaarder’s view of the world is simple, unique and philosophical at the same time. He writes in an uncomplicated way about complicated topics such as relationships, finding life’s purpose and the universe.

22. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why?

If we are talking about celebrities, I would say Emma Watson inspires me. She is using her visibility and fame for activism.

Inspirational real WOW Women in my life are:

• Anna Belavus - a Belarusian woman in Oslo, for her strong character and principles. She is not afraid to stand up for justice and fight for what is right. She is an activist for Belarus and Ukraine, but she is also advocating for women’s rights. She is an engineer and works in a male-dominated field, which sometimes can be challenging for a woman. 

• Marianna Zubach - a Ukrainian living in Oslo, for her kind heart and for always being ready to help. Marianna can run two marathons in two days, and help move furniture on the third day. She works two jobs and rescues abandoned animals in Ukraine (and in Norway). She is also the one who is front and center protesting injustices or at a demonstration defending women’s rights. 

• Anne Birthe Skaret - my Norwegian colleague who, at her young age, is more mature than a lot of older people I know. She has been helping Ukraine and Ukrainians since she was little. She learned Ukrainian language which helps her in her work with Ukrainian refugees in Norway. Anne helped many struggling families find homes and settle down in Norway. Her kind heart is so beautiful!

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

People can find me on Instagram: @ana_antonyk and LinkedIn: @aantonyk 

My work: The Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC): nucc.no

Ukrainian-Scandinavian Center: en.ukr-scandinavian.org

1. Where were you when the attack took place? Did you believe in the possibility of the RF attacking key cities of Ukraine and continuing full-scale aggression?

I didn’t believe russia would attack at all. I was in Oslo, Norway when the full-scale war started. Even though I was far, it was scary because some of my family members and friends wouldn’t pick up the phone. In that moment I realized that many people will die and a big part of Ukraine will be damaged. I froze and panicked. I will never forget that day.

2. What was your experience of the day the war started? Where did you go and what do you recall was your plan?

I went to work immediately. Because I work with Norwegian and Ukrainian businesses, I had to change our daily routines fast. Diving into work, took me away from listening to horrific news reports that were coming out of Ukraine.

3. How is your family doing? How often are you in touch?

My family is more or less safe. My mom moved to Norway and my brother was studying in Denmark at the moment russia invaded. However, the rest of my family is still in Ukraine. We keep in touch regularly.

4. What are some ways you are supporting Ukraine now, from abroad?

My work in supporting Ukrainian businesses, through collaboration with Norway, is one of the key ways to uphold Ukraine’s economy. Mapping future joint opportunities and involving Norwegian business partners in rebuilding Ukraine is my current priority.

5. What do you want the world to know about Ukrainians during this difficult time? About Ukrainian women?

I would like to say that Ukrainians are very brave and kind. They love their country and are ready to protect their homes to the end! Ukrainian women will never give up and will fight if needed.

6. What will be the first thing you'll do when Ukraine wins?

I will book a trip and travel to the eastern parts of Ukraine, to Mariupol, Kherson, Donetsk and Crimea.

Bonus Quick Round Qs:

1. What and who is worth suffering for? I think for those you love the most: family and closest friends. But also, principles and justice.

2. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you? I would be more vocal and wouldn't be afraid to voice my views (even if they are not the most popular ones).

3. Who is/are your mentor/s (men or women)? My husband and my teammates. Those are the people I go to, for advice, I feel safe around them.

4. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? I would read all those books I bought but never had the chance to open. I would travel, hike and meet up with friends more often. I would finish all my volunteering projects that I have started.

5. If you could be anyone for a day who would you be? I would be someone powerful, to be able to make decisions that would stop the human suffering.

6. If you could relive one year in your life, which one would it be? I think it would be 2012, the year I moved to Norway. I was scared but excited at the same time. Everything was so new; I felt so alive then!

7. What bothers you most about people? What do you love most about people? What bothers me about people is how cruel and intolerant people can be sometimes. I love the fact that there are more kind and sympathetic people than evil and corrupt ones.