On May 17, the warm and inspiring event “Women Who Take Action” took place at Impact Hub Athens in Athens as part of the Business Woman presentation, organized by the NGO Association of Ukrainian Women in Greece in partnership with Business Woman in Greece.
The event brought together Ukrainian women currently living and developing their careers in Greece around the topics of professional fulfillment, entrepreneurship, support, and women’s leadership. Participants came not only from different cities of Greece but also from other European countries to hear real success stories, build new connections, and feel the strength of a women’s community.
The event was opened by Hanna Oliinych, Head of the NGO “Association of Ukrainian Women in Greece” and Director of the international Business Woman magazine in Greece. She spoke about the activities of the international magazine and the reasons behind creating a platform in Greece for Ukrainian women who strive to realize themselves, build businesses, develop as leaders, and find support among like-minded women.
“We wanted to create a space where Ukrainian women in Greece would not feel alone. A place where they can find support, useful experience, partnership, and inspiration to continue moving forward,” Hanna Oliinych noted.
Real Experience of Ukrainian Women Building Businesses in Europe
The event speakers were Ukrainian businesswomen who have already successfully established themselves abroad and shared their own cases, challenges, and practical advice.
Tetiana Naumenko — founder of CandyCat in Athens and owner of a Ukrainian restaurant, confectionery, and decor studio with more than 10 years of business experience in Greece — spoke about opening a business for foreigners in Greece.
The entrepreneur shared practical cases and her personal observations on doing business while taking into account mentality, traditions, and the specifics of the Greek market.
“In Greece, trust, personal relationships, and reputation are extremely important. It is essential to be involved in all processes and not be afraid to ask questions or clarify requirements in advance. It is better to learn first and then act. Here, business is built not only on numbers but also on the ability to become part of the community,” Tetiana Naumenko shared.
Oksana Velichko — owner of the international agency O’Events — spoke about relocating a business from Ukraine to Greece, adapting to a new country, and searching for new opportunities for growth.
The speaker emphasized that emigration can become not only a challenge but also a point of professional and personal growth. She encouraged women not to fear change, to allow themselves to move step by step, and to open themselves to new connections and partnerships.
“We are not starting from zero — we are starting with experience. It is important not to be afraid of taking even small steps, meeting new people, building connections, studying a new market, and continuing to believe in yourself even in moments of fear and uncertainty,” Oksana Velichko noted.
Olena Dzyhovska shared her experience of running an online business without being tied to one country and demonstrated how modern digital opportunities allow people to combine work with traveling around the world.
She explained that, after emigrating to Switzerland while already being a business owner in Ukraine, she once again started looking for ways of self-realization and creating her own business instead of working for someone else.
“Emigration became not an ending for me, but a new stage. I realized that I wanted to build my own business again, work online, and have the freedom to live and travel,” Olena Dzyhovska noted.
Particular attention from the participants was drawn to the speech by Lesia Rimovych — entrepreneur, mindset coach, and owner of the agency Ri-estate.
She shared her personal story of transformation. The key message of her speech was that the word “impossible,” which had followed her throughout life, eventually turned into new opportunities.
“When a woman finds inner support and allows herself to grow, her life changes, as well as her income level and environment,” emphasized Lesia Rimovych.
Atmosphere of Support and Women’s Community
In addition to the speakers’ presentations, the program included business networking, live communication, and new acquaintances.
During the networking session, participants actively shared their thoughts, ideas, experiences, and plans for future cooperation.
The event once again proved that Ukrainian women abroad are not only adapting to new realities but are also actively creating strong professional communities, opening new horizons for development, and inspiring one another to take action.
The Business Woman magazine presentation in Athens became not just a business meeting, but a space of strength, support, inspiration, and new opportunities for Ukrainian women in Greece.
Special thanks to photographer Liana Didenko, who beautifully captured the atmosphere of the event and preserved the warmest and most emotional moments of the gathering. Thanks to her photographs, it became possible to preserve the sincere emotions, live communication, and unique atmosphere of the event.
Photo: from the archive of Anna Oliynych