by Iryna Sydorova MIEP
When I joined Grow in July 2024, I didn’t expect this work to change the way I see my job, and the women I have met along the way.
What I will remember most are our in-person events at Kingston Council. Many women arrived a little nervous, often after years away from work and unsure whether anyone would want to hire them. Watching them talk to the team, and seeing that nervousness turn into confidence, was the best part of my job.
I am especially proud of the two workshops we ran in Ukrainian in September. Twenty-two women came, and being able to talk about work, children, and flexible jobs in their own language meant so much. Moments like that reminded me why a team that speaks eight languages mattered.
It was a joy to watch so many women find work in hospitality, education, retail and care. Each of them started somewhere: with a CV they doubted, a first volunteering shift at a local charity shop, or a conversation where someone finally believed in them.
Thank you to every woman who trusted us, to our partners, and to my colleagues, who made even the hardest days lighter. Working for Grow has been a privilege.