GC colleagues receive recognition at The Northern Power Women Awards
- Tuesday, March 21, 2023
- Posted By The Growth Company
Our two key workers on the United for Ukraine initiative, Okszana Nepijvoda and Marianna Vaszilyiv received a surprise ‘Special Honour’ award at last night’s prestigious event for their dedication and support.
Now in its seventh consecutive year, The Northern Power Women Awards, proudly sponsored by headline partner, EY, and hosted by Nina Hossain took place at Manchester Central Convention Complex on Monday 20th March.
The Awards constitute the largest celebration of gender equality in Europe and celebrates the forward-thinking individuals and organisations who strive to create greater gender balance within their communities. It recognises individuals who are the influencers, role models and change-makers of the future.
The ‘Special Honour’ award was created this year especially for Okszana Nepijvoda and Marianna Vaszilyiv, after Simone Roche MBE, Founder of Northern Power Women heard about the incredible work they have done in relation to the United for Ukraine initiative. It was presented to Okszana and Marianna on stage by Simone, accompanied by North Market Leader and Managing Director for Manchester EY, Stephen Church.
About United for Ukraine
The initiative was formed in April 2022 by a coalition of business leaders and organisations across the north of England, including The Growth Company, to support Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK. It works to connect refugees in the region with employers who can offer good job opportunities in a supportive environment.
At the start, it wasn’t clear if it would be needed for a few weeks, months – or longer. Almost a year on, the initiative’s services continue to support evacuees coming to this region and are as relevant as ever.
The refugee crisis created by the conflict hasn’t gone away. The initiative welcomes the support of more employers as it continues to widen its reach across the North into Yorkshire and the North East.
About Okszana and Marianna
United for Ukraine offers a crucial point of contact through its two Key Workers. Their services and employment and education advice is truly making a difference – it’s a vital part of the refugee’s introduction to the UK.
Okszana and Marianna, both formerly from Ukraine, provide the day-to-day support services for United for Ukraine and listen to and advise Ukrainian refugees.
A valuable part of the service they provide is to give clarity to both Ukrainians and our employment partners – often to dispel myths and ambiguities which have spread by word-of-mouth, or have been miscommunicated on the internet. They also help Ukrainian refugees navigate the culture gap between working and living in the UK compared to back home.
There are lots of behind-the-scenes activities involved in making sure the Greater Manchester and North of England business communities know that United for Ukraine is here to support – from using social media to meeting politicians and attending events.
Simone Roche MBE, Founder of Northern Power Women said: “There are two people who I especially asked to join us at the Northern Power Women Awards. Two women, whose contributions in the face of such stark opposition, have absolutely blown me away. I had to honour them with this very special award at Monday’s ceremony.
“Okszana Nepijvoda and Marianna Vaszilyiv, as part of the pan-Northern United for Ukraine initiative have directly supported over 1,000 Ukrainian refugees with direct employment and advice in the North. It was my honour to give them the award.”
Mark Hughes, The Growth Company Group Chief Executive said: “I would like to say a personal thank you to our United for Ukraine Key Workers, Okszana Nepijvoda and Marianna Vaszilyiv. The support they provide in the United for Ukraine initiative is the fundamental reason it has been so impactful.
"Okszana and Marianna go above and beyond to help Ukrainian refugees find work, reassure them, and help them to navigate a new life here in the UK. Okszana and Marianna really are the essence of what the Growth Company is all about, helping to create a better life for these people who have lost so much.”
More information
Watch this short video for more from Okszana and Marianna who tell us in their own words what it means to be part of the United for Ukraine initiative.
We need more employers to support United for Ukraine as we continue to widen our reach across the North into Yorkshire and the North East.
To find out more about United for Ukraine – and what support and jobs are currently available, visit the website, call 0161 237 4130, or email jobs@unitedforukraine.org.uk
Ukrainian refugees can visit the website, call 0161 237 4131, or email robota@unitedforukraine.org.uk