FROM ODESSA TO SAN FELICE SUL PANARO: OLGA, OUR UKRAINIAN COLLEAGUE

With the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, Olga, one of our long-standing collaborators, found herself stranded in Spain during a business trip. Unable to return to her home in Odessa, she faced weeks of uncertainty. After about a month, realizing she could not go back to Ukraine, Olga accepted an offer from Paolo and Elisa, Edilteco’s owners, to move to Italy and wait out the conflict in a safer environment.

A relationship built over time

Olga was not new to our team. We had worked with her for 18 years while she served as Marketing Director and Head of the Department for Foreign Economic Relations in Ukraine. Thanks to her extensive experience, her integration into our company was seamless. Since arriving in April 2022, she has continued to contribute by focusing on international projects and supporting foreign clients.

In Ukraine, Olga was responsible for researching and developing new products, assessing their feasibility, and integrating them into production. Today, in Italy, her role remains similar: she promotes our products and strengthens relationships with international markets. The transition between environments, despite operational differences, has been smooth for her.

Integration and new challenges

Adjusting to life in Italy required some effort, particularly with the language, but Olga approached it with determination. The support of her colleagues and participation in company activities helped her overcome this barrier and integrate quickly into the team. Everyday challenges, such as adapting to new eating habits or navigating waste sorting, were tackled with the same practical mindset she applied to her work.

Ties to Ukraine

Despite her relocation, Olga has never lost touch with her homeland. Whenever possible, she returns to Odessa to be close to her family, facing a complex and ever-changing situation. Even during these visits, she stays connected with us, maintaining a strong professional and personal bond that has grown over time.

Olga hopes to return to living in Ukraine when the situation allows. Until then, her contributions here at Edilteco remain invaluable and deeply appreciated.