News
UKRAINE – UKRAINIAN CONNECTION. NEW CHAPTER IN ITALY FOR AN EVENT PROFESSIONAL
On May 18, it marked three years since I moved to Italy. This became possible thanks to the Help for Ukraine initiative, launched BEA WORLD shortly after the war began in Ukraine. The platform brought together Ukrainian event professionals with European agencies ready to help in relocation, including potential employment opportunities.
My profile was noticed by the Turin-based agency Arneis. Thanks to their efforts, I found myself in Italy — with a child, uncertain about what the future held but driven by strong inner
determination. I consciously declined refugee status: it was important for me not just to find temporary shelter but to continue my professional career and maintain my usual standard of living.
I am grateful to Andrea Villa and the entire Arneis team for their humanity, support, and care during the first months in a new country. Special thanks to Salvatore Sagone for the idea and its implementation. Without this platform, I might not have ended up here.
However, my initial attempts to integrate into the professional environment were challenging. The collaboration in Turin did not work out, and after a pause, I received an offer from Balich Wonder Studio and moved to Milan. It was a promising new chapter, but it turned out to be temporary.
At one point, I nearly lost faith in myself and my abilities. I was advised to change professions, move to another country, start over. These were difficult thoughts and not always easy
conversations. But something inside me kept believing that all the effort was not in vain, and that experience and persistence would help me find my place and achieve my professional goals. I hope my story will support those going through similar challenges and doubts – just keep going! Everything happens for a reason.
Now I work at Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, and it is not just a “dream came true” — it is pure happiness to grow professionally and be part of a large, significant national project and work with an incredible team. But most importantly, it is an opportunity to repay with my professional contribution and involvement the support and hospitality I received in Italy along my way.
Alina Shakhovska
EVS Ceremonies Coordinator
Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026