Publication date: 21.05.2025
Iryna Lukecha is an experienced psychotherapist, psychologist, and trainer with a strong background in international humanitarian work, trauma recovery, and psychosocial support. Since 2022, she has actively contributed to global mental health initiatives through her work with International Medical Relief (USA), where she currently serves as a Team Leader. Iryna also collaborates with refugee support foundations in Poland, working with children, families, and individuals with special needs, including autism and ADHD. Her diverse international training, including certification in Breath-Body-Mind Therapy (USA) and Psychosomatics (Ukraine), underpins her holistic and client-centered approach. She has also coordinated cross-border humanitarian projects supported by the Danish Government and Red Cross.
Rebuilding Through Entrepreneurship: How Coaching Helped Ukrainian Refugee Women Start Over
Women forced to flee their homes due to war often find themselves in a foreign country without resources, familiar people, or a sense of control. In such conditions, surviving is difficult—but reclaiming dignity and rebuilding from scratch is even harder. That was the goal of a project launched by Mastercard and Impact, where life coach Iryna Lukecha supported 80 Ukrainian women in launching small businesses abroad.
This was not just coaching—it was work with identity, trauma, and inner strength. Many participants had lost loved ones, homes, jobs, and meaning. But step by step—through structure, guidance, and encouragement—they created something new. Not just for themselves, but for their children and for the society that welcomed them.
Project Background
The project launched in 2023 as a response to the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Its mission was not simply financial or educational support, but empowering women with entrepreneurial potential who didn’t know where or how to start in a new country.
The participants were 80 refugee women with children, living across Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and other EU countries. For many, starting a business was not a dream but a necessity—a way to feed their families, regain independence, and reclaim their place in society.
Stages of Coaching Support
1. Emotional Recovery and Stabilization
- Individual coaching sessions to process grief, fear, and anxiety
- Group sessions to normalize feelings and share experiences
- Work on guilt, helplessness, and rebuilding self-worth
2. Finding Vision and Personal Mission
- Clarifying values and personal goals
- Analyzing skills, experience, and natural strengths
- Answering key questions: “Why do I want a business?”, “What problem can I solve?”
3. Launch Preparation and Motivation Support
- Building a business model—even with minimal investment
- Learning local laws, registration processes, and tax regulations
- Creating presentations, social media, and launching first sales
Program Results
- 80 new businesses launched—online shops, services, salons, studios
- Over 60% of participants earned stable income within 6 months
- Half of the women resumed or began new studies or training
- Emotional recovery and major improvement in self-confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Can I really start a business with no experience?
Answer
Yes. All you need is a clear idea and guidance. A coach helps structure the process and identify strengths.
Question
What if I’m afraid to sell or speak publicly?
Answer
This is common. Coaching helps overcome fear and find your authentic way to communicate your offer.
Question
How do I balance business with parenting?
Answer
With planning, boundary setting, and support systems. Coaching gives tools to avoid burnout and stay aligned.
The client's feedback:
This project—led by Mastercard, Impact, and supported by coach Iryna Lukecha—proved that even after losing everything, women can rebuild and thrive. With the right mindset and guidance, refugee women not only recovered emotionally, but became leaders and entrepreneurs in their new countries. If you're ready to rise again, coaching can be your first step toward a new and empowered life.
