Her Story
About Iryna
Iryna Lukecha is a psychologist, life coach, and university lecturer with over 20 years of experience. She earned her PhD in psychology and social work from Vasil Stefanik University in Ukraine and defended a dissertation on freedom at the Academy of Political and Social Science in Kiev. She also studied at the Academy of Positive Psychology and Cross-Cultural Management in Germany. In Europe, she leads the LIRA International Training Center of Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Development and has collaborated with UNICEF, UNHCR, the Red Cross, and the Ministries of Health and Education in Poland on projects supporting refugees and small businesses, completing approximately 5000 consultations over three years. Now based in the United States, she works as a life coach providing consultations in Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish, serves as a university lecturer, and holds certifications including trauma therapy from New York and a Mastercard/Impact certificate. She speaks Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, and English.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Iryna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I had a very big success in Europe making contracts with big organizations like UNICEF, UNHCR, Mastercard, Ministry of Health Poland, Ministry of Education Poland. My company and I did a lot of work, received good grants and big money, helped a lot of people including refugees, children, seniors with about 5,000 consultations in three years. It was a very big success for me because I could help people and make their lives a little easier and happier.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
All things have their time. Everything you need comes to you in time. Don't stop, never give up, continue making step by step. Sometimes the step can seem very small, but these small steps build big roads and big ways. Keep your way and your idea, and every day make little steps. One day your goal will be done.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Education is the best thing that opens a lot of different doors. We cannot keep one education or one occupation all life. Sometimes need to make a mix. Don't be afraid to experiment, but don't lose things of your past or yourself. Keep your ways.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's a very big challenge because I have to start again at my age. It's funny, cool, amazing, but because I have a lot of experience and I need only change language. In Ukraine we live so faster, finish university at 21-23, have career, children adult by 45. At 45 it's like finished life in Europe, but in US it's only start.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my life was the Lord God. When I have any idea or don't know what to do next, I pray and try to listen to my heart, the universe, God. I ask what can I do for this work today, where I can use my skills, where can I be of help to people, family, children. We come to this world and one day our life finishes, and when we can change anything and make anything better for other people, for your life, for my soul, for my family, for this work, it's amazing.
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