Ukrainians of Miro ERG: Building Community Amidst Adversity

Hi there! My name is Karyna Ovcharova, and I’m a Co-Leader of the Ukrainians of Miro Employee Resource Group (ERG). I’m from Ukraine, and lived there until I moved to the Netherlands in 2022. I was born and raised in Kharkiv, receiving my master’s degree in Business Administration from Kharkiv National University of Economics. After spending a few years in the banking industry, I discovered my true passion for recruitment within a tech company. I’ve been in recruitment for nearly nine years now, and it’s a fantastic field for those who are both goal-oriented and people-centric.

Miro hired me and relocated me from Ukraine to the Netherlands, where I now help recruit for various business roles across EMEA and occasionally in the US. At Miro, I discovered Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), a new concept to me, as it wasn’t common in the companies I worked for in Ukraine. 

For those unfamiliar, ERGs are voluntary, employee-led organizations that promote diversity and inclusion in line with a company’s mission and values. These groups usually form around shared characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, or geographic location, with allies encouraged to participate as well. ERGs serve as platforms for employees to come together, celebrating both their similarities and differences while fostering collaboration and education.

At Miro, we have 12 ERGs, and each of them play a significant role in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, enriching the experiences of Mironeers worldwide. 

How did I become a co-lead of the Ukrainians of Miro ERG?

With many people displaced by the war, I wanted to give back to the Ukrainian community by creating a space for Ukrainians in tech to meet, learn, and grow together. I shared this idea with Svitlana Gaunt, the leader of Ukrainians of Miro ERG, and she was supportive. We organized our first meet-up in the Amsterdam hub, and soon after, I became a co-lead. Since then, Svitlana and I have organized several initiatives to support and strengthen the community.

Joining and leading an ERG has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to connect with fellow Ukrainians and allies, and contribute to Miro’s vibrant and inclusive culture. It’s amazing to see how our efforts are making a difference and creating a sense of belonging for everyone involved.

The Birth of Ukrainians ERG at Miro

Currently, our Ukrainians of Miro ERG has 45 members globally, united by a common goal: to provide a safe space for Ukrainians at Miro, share experiences, and engage in initiatives supporting Ukrainian causes.

For Ukrainians at Miro, our ERG holds a more significant role beyond the cultural celebration of diversity. It serves as a pillar of support for Ukrainians and their families, navigating the daily stress and anxiety stemming from the ongoing war initiated in Ukraine by Russia in February 2022. While Miro’s Netherlands headquarters boasts a vibrant and diverse environment, our ERG members, as ambassadors of Ukrainian culture, also share the responsibility of educating others about the ongoing conflict and Ukraine as a country, our culture, and traditions. 

Our Priorities

As we set our sights on the future, Ukrainians of Miro ERG has outlined three key priorities for the upcoming year.:

• Support and Awareness: We aim to organize fundraisers and raise awareness among our colleagues about the ongoing war in Ukraine.
• Engagement and Education: By hosting regular events focusing on Ukrainian culture, heritage, and history, we seek to engage fellow Mironeers and foster a network of allies.
• Empowerment and Community Building: Through internal ERG meet-ups and Slack communications, we strive to empower Ukrainian Mironeers and maintain a safe space for sharing.

Building Connections through Events

This year, our ERG began with a significant achievement—a successful event organized by me and Svitlana. The “Ukrainians in Tech in the Netherlands” event celebrated our shared heritage while emphasizing professional growth and community development.

Our goal is to create a vibrant space where Ukrainian professionals in the tech industry can connect, share experiences, and build a supportive network. The event garnered immense support and enthusiasm from the community, setting the stage for future endeavors.

We organized several more internal Miro events to fundraise for Ukraine and engage more Mironeers in this cause. These included the “Charity Auction for Ukraine,” the “St. Nicholas Holiday for Kids” for Ukrainian military families currently living in the Netherlands, and the Ukrainian Easter breakfast. These events were incredibly warm, filled with gratitude and mutual support. Through these and many other efforts, we continue to contribute to our mission.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the Ukrainians of Miro ERG remains committed to its mission of community, support, and advocacy. We envision a future where Ukrainians at Miro thrive in an inclusive environment, empowered to share their experiences and contribute positively to the company and beyond.

Together, we stand as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian spirit, united in our pursuit of a better future for all.

Feel free to get in connect with me on Linkedin or send me an email at karyna.o@miro.com.