Elina is among the first master's students to join AUK in 2022 after the full-scale invasion and studied in the ASU-AUK dual degree program during blackouts, shelling, and bombing.

She is a unique professional who led global projects in Ukraine’s Big 4 IT companies and earned awards for driving change and integration. She gained invaluable international expertise while working in two regions and collaborating with clients and colleagues from the Middle East, India, Europe, and the Americas. Additionally, she developed a management framework for rebooting classic diplomacy in Ukraine as a capstone project at AUK, tackling real-world challenges with innovative solutions.

At the AUK Master's Graduation 2025 ceremony, she delivered her master's graduation speech to the audience on behalf of the Class of 2025. Read about Elina's experience below:

When I joined the ASU Master’s program through the American University Kyiv, I already had over a decade of experience leading global projects in Software Development. I wasn’t looking for a degree to validate my résumé, I was looking for transformation.

Through the program, I redefined my approach to leadership by integrating data-driven business insights with soft skills such as strategic communication and cross-cultural collaboration. One of the most meaningful learning experiences came during the Global Venture Creation course, where I co-developed a project, a sustainable energy startup aimed at addressing Ukraine’s urgent need for decentralized electricity generation on farms. In response to the destruction of centralized energy infrastructure in Ukraine, the project proposed installing solar panels on livestock farm rooftops, empowering agricultural businesses with reliable, green energy while advancing the country’s renewable energy goals.

Originally from Crimea, Ukraine, I completed my first Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education. I then pursued a dual Master's program, earning a Master of Global Management and Leadership from American University Kyiv alongside a Master of Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. My studies through ASU Online, in partnership with AUK, allowed me to stay closely connected to Ukraine’s economic and social landscape while gaining a global perspective designed for impact.

As a member of the inaugural cohort of American University Kyiv, launched in partnership with Cintana Education and Arizona State University, I was honored to receive a scholarship that supported students committed to academic excellence and societal resilience. This opportunity held special meaning, as it came during the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a time when beginning a new academic journey was itself an act of courage and hope.

My experience collaborating with teams across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, India, and the U.S. has shaped my passion for building multicultural environments and launching purpose-driven innovations. Whether I’m managing delivery for FinTech clients or creating B2B partnerships for education and R&D, my mission is consistent: to design systems that don’t just adapt to change – they lead it.

Q&A

What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
There were two defining moments. The first came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I realized that leading in uncertainty required a new kind of thinking – one that blended resilience, adaptability, and innovation. The second came with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which exposed just how interconnected our world really is. The impact of sanctions, geopolitical alliances, global supply chains, and cross-border business decisions made it clear that I wanted to study global management to better understand and navigate this complexity, not just for myself, but to contribute to Ukraine’s future in a meaningful way.

What’s something you learned while at ASU—in the classroom or online— that surprised you or changed your perspective?
I was struck by how consistently the program emphasized leadership not just as a business function, but as a value-driven, human-centered practice. This perspective helped me reframe leadership as something deeply tied to purpose and impact, not just efficiency and outcomes.

Why did you choose to do the dual degree with AUK and ASU?
ASU’s partnership with the American University Kyiv offered a unique opportunity to earn a global degree while remaining rooted in Ukraine’s realities. It allowed me to grow internationally while directly applying what I learned to real-world challenges at home.

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while completing your dual degree with ASU?
Professor Lena Booth and her class Financial Value Creation for Leaders left a lasting impression on me. She helped me understand how finance can be not just a tool for valuation, but a driver of strategy, innovation, and responsible decision-making. It was a transformational course that gave me a more empowered view of financial leadership.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
Don’t wait until everything is “ready.” The most valuable learning comes when you step into the unknown, when the environment is uncertain, but your vision is clear. Start before you’re ready.

What was your favorite spot for power studying?
Surprisingly, my power spot turned out to be the road. I traveled frequently for work across countries and continents, and some of my best ideas and deepest focus moments happened on planes, trains, in hotel rooms, cozy cafés, and even once on a beach during a weekend abroad. That mix of motion and reflection became my mental accelerator.

What are your plans after graduation?
I'm continuing to work in global project leadership, especially where education, innovation, and impact intersect. Right now, I’m engaged in a project in the safety and security sector, an area of growing importance for Ukraine’s future. My goal is to bring long-term strategic value to sectors that ensure resilience, both at home and beyond.

If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
I would invest in initiatives that strengthen safety and security infrastructure, especially in countries navigating conflict or recovery. It’s not only about physical protection, but about enabling stability, creating space for innovation, education, and sustainable growth to take root.