Resilient Refugees: Turning Adversity into Entrepreneurial Success

Svitlana from Ukraine and Justyna from Poland were thriving businesswomen in their home countries, but when they arrived in Germany, they had to start from scratch. Through the IRC's Resilient Futures program, supported by the Citi Foundation, these two women found the tools and support they needed to rebuild their lives and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Empowering Displaced Women to Achieve Self-Reliance

Forging Unbreakable Bonds: The Power of Friendship in Overcoming Challenges

Svitlana and Justyna's paths crossed at the Resilient Futures program, where they discovered a shared determination to succeed despite the obstacles they faced. Their friendship blossomed as they navigated the challenges of starting over in a new country, providing each other with emotional and practical support. Whether meeting at their favorite Italian restaurant or collaborating on their business ventures, these two women have formed an unbreakable bond that has been the foundation for their newfound success.

Svitlana's Journey: From Lawyer to AI Visionary

When Svitlana fled Ukraine, she left behind her thriving legal career and all her possessions, save for a single bag. Undaunted, she discovered a passion for video production and social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, launching her first YouTube channel in 2020. But when the conflict forced her to flee, she had to adapt once more. Svitlana's ingenuity led her to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), and she now creates captivating videos using the latest AI tools. Through her online tutorials, Svitlana shares her expertise with followers and demonstrates how companies can leverage AI to enhance their social media presence. Despite facing skepticism from those who doubted her ability to succeed, Svitlana's unwavering determination has propelled her towards her goal of building a successful AI-powered business.

Justyna's Resilience: Rebuilding a Career from the Ground Up

Justyna's journey to Germany was marked by its own set of challenges. After a difficult divorce, she arrived in the country eight years ago and had to start from scratch, taking on low-paying jobs like dishwashing and factory work. As a single mother, Justyna juggled multiple jobs while simultaneously studying German, eventually finding stability as an HR administrator. But her entrepreneurial spirit never wavered, and she decided to enroll in the Resilient Futures program to learn the skills and overcome the bureaucratic hurdles needed to establish her own company. Today, Justyna has taken the leap and quit her job to focus on her new venture, which specializes in recruiting nursing staff, hotel employees, and construction workers from Poland for the German labor market. Her unwavering belief in the potential of every applicant, combined with her HR expertise, has positioned her for success in her new role as a self-employed entrepreneur.

The Resilient Futures Program: A Springboard to Self-Reliance

The Resilient Futures program, developed by the IRC and the Citi Foundation, is designed to empower entrepreneurs like Svitlana and Justyna who have the vision and courage to start their own businesses, but lack the necessary footing in their new home country. The program offers comprehensive training, start-up capital, and individualized coaching to help participants establish and grow their enterprises. In Germany, the training is provided by Jumpp and AAU, two non-profit organizations in Frankfurt am Main and Nürnberg that specialize in supporting refugees and immigrants in setting up their own businesses.

Mutual Support: The Cornerstone of Shared Success

Svitlana and Justyna have discovered that their friendship extends beyond emotional support; they actively collaborate to strengthen each other's professional endeavors. Svitlana lends her expertise in website design and business card creation to Justyna, while Justyna provides guidance on legal and bureaucratic matters. Their regular meetings serve not only as a source of encouragement, but also as a platform to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate each other's achievements. This mutual support has been instrumental in helping them overcome moments of self-doubt and stay focused on their entrepreneurial dreams.

Inspiring Others: A Message of Resilience and Empowerment

As Svitlana and Justyna look to the future, they are driven by a desire to inspire others who have faced similar challenges. They want to convey the message that self-belief and the right support network can help overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Justyna's words encapsulate this sentiment: "Believe in yourself! It's about finding the right people to give you a little more motivation and show you what's possible. We are all strong. We just have to believe in ourselves, because anything is possible."