“Being courageous is to step into uncertainty”
When the war in Ukraine began, Nina Levchuk became a humanitarian aid organiser over night. Find out what gives her hope, and why she does not believe in idols.
Courage is a muscle that needs to be trained. We are putting people who inspire courage in the spotlight: people who are taking vigorous action in areas such as climate action, political education, international understanding, and refugee protection.
When the war in her home country began, Nina Levchuk was already living in Berlin. The Ukrainian is working for Google from there. She brought her family to Germany from the war zone, and then started the United for Ukraine initiative, because there were so many more people urgently seeking refuge. Her contacts in the tech industry enabled her to quickly set up a website with information about accommodation in different European countries. She secured the rental platform Airbnb as a partner, and was able to support thousands of people in finding a safe place to stay. We spoke to her about courage.
What does courage mean to you?
Courage is sometimes choosing an uncomfortable path when it serves a bigger purpose – starting again, stepping into uncertainty, and believing that change is possible. It is discipline and conscious living: waking up with intention, growing mentally and spiritually, and giving something back.
I feel encouraged by people that build something and move forward, even in times of crisis.
What gives you hope?
I feel hopeful when people across countries with different backgrounds find common values and support each other. This conviction also guided me when I founded United for Ukraine. Technology can make aid for refugees more effective, and I want to take advantage of that. But in addition to technology, we need people who continue to build and move forward, even in times of crisis. They give me hope.
Who inspires you?
I don’t create idols – I believe every person has their own unique path. I’m inspired by my family and by people I work with every day, whose integrity, resilience, and dedication shape me every day. I’m also deeply inspired by generosity, by people who use their success to uplift others.
