Olena, Ukraine

I was born in Vinnytsia, a city in central Ukraine,  but spent much of my life in Kyiv. I studied social sciences because I’ve always been curious about how people think, what shapes their choices, and how societies function beneath the surface. That way of thinking still stays with me, even now, as I focus more on strategy, business, and global challenges.

The Imagine Fellowship gave me more than support, it made me realize that there are people who are willing to invest in potential when they see the effort behind it. Coming from Ukraine, at a time when our future is being fought for every day, this recognition carries a different, more symbolic weight.

At HEC, nothing is simple, but that’s what makes it meaningful. It’s a place where you can question, grow, and gradually redefine who you are and what kind of impact you want to make. I hope to build a path where strategic thinking meets something more human, something that brings depth, clarity, and purpose.”