Meet Anastasiya Padpora, Project Manager at Nova Ukraine Kyiv Office
Tell us a bit about your background. What did you do before the war?
I was born in Belarus, a country that supports Russian terrorism and killings in Ukraine. My family stayed until the illegitimate president was elected in 2020, and that’s when we moved to Ukraine. I was a project manager and founder of an advertising agency. But on that first day of the war, on February 24, 2022, my life changed dramatically. Rather than flee, I decided to stay and help the country whose people had once welcomed my family and me many years ago.
How does the war affect your daily life?
It’s always with you: in the news, in conversations with partners, neighbors, and relatives in Donetsk. You know that every second of the day, terrible things are happening just 300 km away from your home. But from all the destruction comes our commitment to victory.
Why did you decide to work for Nova Ukraine?
I wanted to devote all my time to helping Ukraine as much as possible. I am so grateful to have joined this wonderful organization whose approach to humanitarian aid is structured and efficient.
What does your typical day at the office look like? Please describe your daily activities and tasks.
I am always with my laptop and my phone. It is how we learn of the shifting priorities in the field.
In your opinion, what do Ukrainians need the most right now? (Apart from victory.)
Even if your city or town has regained or remained in control, the enemy is here, they have not disappeared. We must stay vigilant.
What is the most challenging part of your work at Nova Ukraine?
Understanding that I will never feel I’ve done enough to help people in need. At least with a team like NU, I can help many people, which helps me push aside my despair and carry on.
What else would you like our donors and readers to know about you and what you do at NU?
I understand that it’s hard to imagine what war is like. Believe me, it’s terrifying. So if you have the opportunity to support people who are in trouble, support them. Even if it’s someone you don’t know, support them. Because it seems to me that if we don’t help each other, there will be nothing human left in this world.