Mentorship for Veterans: How Innovecs Supports Ukrainian Defenders

Quick summary

Innovecs, in partnership with the educational center DAN.IT education and the charity organization “Heart of Azovstal,” initiated a mentorship program for veterans to provide professional support to Ukrainian defenders.

In July 2024, Innovecs successfully carried out a mentorship program for veterans in partnership with DAN.IT education, an educational center, and the charity organization “Heart of Azovstal.” This initiative provided an opportunity for innovecsers to share their expertise and knowledge while supporting those who defend our country.

How The Project Began

The idea for the mentorship program emerged after Innovecs participated in a military reintegration conference. During the event, the team identified a significant need for professional support and adaptation for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Innovecs recognized its potential to make a meaningful impact by leveraging its expertise in mentorship.

"This project is incredibly important," said Mariia Voitsyshyn, Senior Learning & Development Specialist at Innovecs. "We knew we had many professionals ready to share their resources — knowledge, time, and empathy. From the very beginning, the program exceeded all of our expectations."

This initiative perfectly embodies two core values of Innovecs – INSPIRE and CARE. Team members demonstrated compassion and inspired veterans, supporting them on their journey toward professional growth.

Mentor Training: Laying The Foundation

To equip our teammates for the mentorship program, Innovecs relied on its “Become a Mentor” course, specially designed by the L&D department for individuals looking to step into the role of a mentor. The program consisted of five modules covering the key aspects of mentorship, including the role and responsibilities of a mentor, effective communication, goal setting, and practical tools to support mentees, ensuring participants were fully prepared.

Additionally, all mentors attended a session with a psychologist to better understand the unique needs of veterans and prepare for the challenges ahead.

"For me, mentorship is about three things: trust, culture, and accelerated growth," explained Olga Prykhno, Chief People Officer and Chief Finance Officer at Innovecs. "Trust comes when mentees are ready for open collaboration with their mentors. Culture emerges when a company creates an environment that allows programs like this to flourish and become part of its DNA. Accelerated growth is the unique opportunity to ask questions of someone more experienced and gain clarity about your path forward. These three elements form the foundation of companies that bring together great people and grow into something extraordinary."

Program Challenges

Working with veterans presented unique challenges for the mentors. This audience differed significantly from typical mentees, as many participants were balancing demanding jobs, ongoing military service, or roles in emergency services.

"Even during the introductory session, we faced a situation where one veteran, who worked at the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, had to leave immediately due to an air raid alarm," shared Mariia Voitsyshyn, Senior Learning & Development Specialist at Innovecs.

Despite these hurdles, mentors showed resilience and adaptability, ensuring the program’s success.

Inspiring Results

The mentorship program exceeded all expectations:

20 Innovecs teammates volunteered to become mentors, far surpassing the initial need for 8 mentors.
38 mentorship sessions were held between veterans and mentors.

Many mentors and mentees continue to stay in touch, highlighting the deep connections formed through the program.

"I was pleasantly surprised to see so many Innovecs team members respond to the call to become mentors," said Lyudmyla Zabolotna, program coordinator from DAN.IT education. "What impressed me most was the dedication and patience shown by Innovecs colleagues in motivating the veterans. It wasn’t always easy, but I want to thank them for their remarkable resilience — it’s truly a long-term commitment."

Why It Matters

Mentorship for veterans is more than just a project; it’s a meaningful step toward helping those in need of support. It’s an opportunity to assist defenders in adapting to civilian life, rediscovering purpose, and building confidence in their future.

Innovecs remains steadfast in its ongoing support of Ukraine, including the Armed Forces, the Hospitallers Medical Battalion, and the Leleka Foundation.

About DAN.IT education

DAN.IT education is an international innovative educational center where students from anywhere in the world can immerse themselves in learning through a live online format. Its primary goal is to prepare qualified specialists, help them successfully find employment, and become in-demand professionals in the market.

About “Heart of Azovstal”

The Heart of Azovstal is a project that supports the defenders of Mariupol, who held the line from February 24 until May 20, 2022. The project’s goal is to become a center of care, support, and sustainable assistance for Mariupol defenders and the families of fallen soldiers, those in captivity or recently released, as well as those who are missing.

About Innovecs

Innovecs is a global digital services company with a presence in the US, the UK, the EU, Israel, Australia, and Ukraine. Specializing in software solutions, the Innovecs team has experience in Supply Chain, Healthtech, Collaboration Tech, and Gaming.

For the fifth year in a row, Innovecs is included in the Inc. 5000, the list of fastest-growing private companies in the US, and a ranking of the best global outsourcing service providers by IAOP. Recently, Innovecs won gold at the Employer Brand Management Awards, and was included in the Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces Ranking.