The path to fulfilment: it is better to give than receive

Ksenia Taranenko works for Uber, a global technology company in a user support role. She lives in London and enjoys its multiculturalism and the variety of experiences that it offers. One of her hobbies is Aikido, which she has been practising for nearly four years.

My journey with Onpartu started...

My journey with Onpartu started 3 years ago when I met Paulina and she shared her idea of supporting women from Central and Eastern Europe who were in low-skilled jobs to find better employment in the UK that will match their skills and qualification level. Having met many people in this situation and being a foreign-born woman in the UK myself, I immediately liked this idea. I was also inspired by Paulina's enthusiasm, and have been involved in the development of the programme ever since.

Getting involved meant...

Getting involved meant starting a journey, which became a very important part of my life, bringing a lot of fulfilment and learning. I joined the team in the very early days and saw the initial ideas being refined and tested, leading to the creation of the programme that to date has benefited a good number of people. It was a new experience which allowed me to pursue some interests I already had, gain new knowledge, apply my skills and discover and develop new ones. And at every point of the journey, it was the other people involved in the project that made it particularly special and worthwhile.

My Onpartu role is...

Today, I act as a core team member responsible for the daily operations and general co-ordination of the programme. I have also taken part in shaping some of the programme components and facilitating some sessions. I love the variety of tasks and activities I have been able to contribute to so far. I also enjoy the combination of working behind the scenes and being in the middle of the action during face-to-face training days, making sure everyone has the best possible experience.

In my day job, I am responsible for ...

In my day job I work in the support department of a global technology company, helping people understand and make the most of technology.

Volunteering with Onpartu provides...

Volunteering with Onpartu is a great way to contribute to a good cause and see real changes in people's lives as a result. It also provides an opportunity to meet and collaborate with inspiring people, as Onpartu has been supported by many great talented generous individuals throughout these years and its community is constantly growing.

My biggest learning so far...

My biggest learning so far is about how much can be achieved through enthusiasm, determination and team spirit. It has been about turning ideas into reality and that means constantly reviewing what has been achieved so far, learning from mistakes, trying new things and looking for ways to make improvements.

My most memorable Onpartu moment...

My most memorable Onpartu moment was when we had the very first group of participants attend their first day of the programme. I felt enormous satisfaction seeing them in the room going through their first face-to-face Onpartu session, knowing that all the work which had been put into it finally materialised. At the same time there was a feeling that this was just the beginning – it was as if a long-awaited child was born, and it was now that the real work of taking care of her would start.