Entry 09 // Meet Iryna, IWRC’s European Consultant.

“I was fortunate to spend some time in LA this fall…

on the invitation of IWRC. This journey exposed me to American culture including Halloween festivities putting myself in the shoes of Loretta Lynna (picture included) and bits of IWRC work. I was honored to be part of the IWRC Kick-Off party, delicately combining professional networking and fun language activities like recognizing homonyms (see photo) which is at the heart of IWRC. Now it is hard to confuse me with pale v. pail :) 

Besides, communication with the IWRC volunteers was a source of inspiration to see how passionately they support migrant women on their English learning pathway to facilitate integration in the new receiving societies. For me, the major takeaway from this trip - apart from the stunning LA skyline views at Griffith Park trails - is the smiles of Katie Neginskiy and many others who make a change through teaching and bring more confidence and knowledge to women and girls. I feel I have more headspace after my experience with IWRC!”

A message from IWRC’s founder, Katie Neginskiy

“I was so lucky to have one of IWRC's development partners, Iryna, visiting LA for two weeks in October and November. She was visiting the US from Ukraine, by way of France, with her husband and daughter. Iryna and I met through a state department exchange program in 2019 and have lately been coordinating IWRC's European programming together through the state department and their Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund. I was so thrilled to have Iryna in California to meet some of our volunteers, to attend the IWRC Kick-Off party, for our families to have time with one another, and to share in my favorite holiday - Halloween!”