Anastasia Myronenko: Passion for social impact

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA?

I was born and raised in Ukraine, which just started renaissance back after the Soviet Union fell. My first role model leader was my father, a small-scale entrepreneur, who managed to build a successful business, provide job opportunities for the community in those tough times and get 3 of his kids into colleges and universities. My mum’s dedication to being a doctor and caring for children when the government salary was scarce was really a sacrifice in my eyes. 

During my studies, I was an active member of an international youth organisation – AIESEC, that promoted leadership, entrepreneurship and positive social impact. Leaning on my network & AIESEC skills, I launched my career in technical recruiting, where I’ve got an opportunity to work with C-level executives of startups and later at Amazon & Facebook. 

As a dual US & Ukrainian citizen my life has forever been changed 2.5 years ago when Russia attacked Ukraine. Since that day, I have dedicated countless hours volunteering and realised I want my work to have a meaningful impact and be a part of a mission-driven organisation, to multiply the social good. 

I was looking for a chance to get an international experience that could equip me with business skills to help international and non-government organisations to be more effective and do better. Nothing could beat the Cambridge Judge strong l curriculum and its progressive electives in Sustainability, Energy and ESG management. 

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

While leading the employee workgroup at Meta, helping leadership respond to the Russian-Ukrainian war, I was able to utilise my knowledge in communication and negotiation to open the dialogue with our C-level executives (Mark Zuckerberg – CEO and Nick Clegg – President, Global affairs). 

Even though it was the most stressful time of our lives, together we were able to come up with critical company initiatives battling fake news and misinformation, organising Ukrainian humanitarian help, and supporting Government & Non-Government Organisations in Ukraine. 

How do you feel about being awarded your scholarship?

I’m humbled and honoured. I believe the Social Enterprises can benefit greatly from the Tech knowledge as well as MBA knowledge in order to expand their scope and up level the impact. I am grateful to get a chance to put Cambridge education to good use. 

What do you want to get out of the MBA most of all in the next year?

I’m looking forward to diving deep into Business, Operations & Financial courses. I come from an unorthodox MBA background and am very eager to get up to speed. 

Networking, international connections and the Cambridge MBA consulting projects are other big anticipations. 

Where do you see your MBA journey taking you in your future career?

I believe that my experience working for Big Tech provided me with intricate knowledge of effective planning and execution, performance management, and, most importantly, hiring the right talent to achieve a company’s mission, which would help social enterprises to up their game. 

I am passionate about consulting or product management work for social initiatives or humanitarian organisations. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

I have been learning British English at school and hearing of Cambridge and other renown UK universities from my early childhood. This was one of my early inspirations to study English Philology and start my career with a small consulting company from the United States. 

Cambridge Judge offers such a unique combination of tradition and innovation, conveniently located in Silicon Fen. I’m honoured to get a chance to be a part of this iconic university, learn from the brightest minds and offer my humble experience and network. 

Something that few people may know about you…

I am a big advocate for Ukrainian culture & heritage. I have been studying Ukrainian traditions, folk songs and national dances since I was 6 years old and to this day perform in a small Ukrainian folk ensemble in Seattle as well as help administer the Ukrainian Cultural Center – Toloka.