From Donetsk to WBS: Sofiia's escape from war

In the face of war, Sofiia Rozhdestvina has rebuilt her life in the UK, finding purpose and professional success at Warwick Business School.

A native of Donetsk, Ukraine—a city now under Russian occupation—Sofiia’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and hope amid unimaginable challenges.

Today, Sofiia works as the Recruitment & Admissions Co-ordinator for the Full-time MBA programme at WBS, guiding prospective students through their application journey. But the road to this role has been anything but straightforward.

Sofiia’s journey of displacement began long before the world’s attention turned to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Back in 2014, Russian forces seized Donetsk, forcing Sofiia to leave her hometown. However, she managed to find stability in Kyiv, where she spent eight years building her life.

With a degree in Economics from Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Sofiia developed a thriving career, holding positions at global companies such as Avon, Sanofi, and Vodafone. She envisioned a future firmly rooted in Kyiv, close to her family and friends.

But on February 24, 2022, her life was once again turned upside down. The early morning air raids over Kyiv marked the beginning of a new and devastating chapter.

“It was chaotic,” she says. “I fled the city while my mother and grandmother were trapped by gridlocked traffic. Missiles were already hitting Kyiv, and the Russians were advancing towards the region.”

Sofiia eventually reunited with her family in Western Ukraine, where she spent a month grappling with the surreal reality of war.

“That first week, I barely remembered to eat or shower. I thought it would all be over by Monday. That Monday never came.”

By March 2022, Sofiia and her family had relocated to the Czech Republic, thanks to a Government refugee housing programme. Although the student dormitory that became their new home was safe and quiet, Sofiia’s mind was anything but settled. Continuing to work remotely for a Ukrainian IT company, she wrestled with the uncertainty of her future.

When she was laid off at the end of 2022, Sofiia found herself at a crossroads. She attempted to find work in the Czech Republic and Italy, where she briefly stayed with a host family, but language barriers posed significant challenges. Determined to make a fresh start, she set her sights on the UK.

In October 2023, Sofiia arrived in England under the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. A British host family welcomed her into their home, providing not just shelter but crucial guidance and emotional support.

It was through her host family that Sofiia met Alexandra Fraser, a Departmental Administrator at the University of Warwick. Alexandra introduced her to opportunities at WBS and encouraged her to apply.

“That connection changed everything for me,” says Sofiia. “I realised that my previous experience aligned perfectly with the work they do at Warwick.”

In Ukraine, Sofiia had managed employer branding initiatives for undergraduate students, an experience that translated seamlessly into her current role at WBS. By November 2023, just six weeks after arriving in the UK, she had secured the position.

Since joining WBS, Sofiia has flourished. She credits her supportive team, led by Recruitment Manager Philippa Perry-French and Assistant Business Development and Recruitment Manager Laura Anderson, for helping her navigate her new role.

“This job isn’t just work for me—it’s a chance to create a new chapter of my life after immigration,” says Sofiia. “It’s been a year of growth, both professionally and personally.”

Her dedication extends beyond her career. Sofiia has embraced life in England, building connections and developing a structured routine to support her mental and physical well-being.

While Sofiia’s family has since returned to Kyiv, where they continue to endure daily threats of missile attacks, she remains in constant contact with them. She acknowledges the incredible support she has received—from the UK’s ‘Homes for Ukraine’ programme to the kindness of strangers who have become like family.

Sofiia’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and opportunity. As she approaches her first anniversary at Warwick Business School, she reflects on her journey with gratitude and determination.

For Sofiia, the road from Donetsk to Warwick has been filled with hardship, but it has also opened doors to a future she is building, one step at a time.