15 September 2025
Opening of the Professional Integration HUB 3.0: How It Went (Photos)
On September 12, 2025, the official launch of the Professional Integration HUB 3.0 program took place at ERSTE Foundation in Vienna. The event brought together the new cohort of participants, the program’s organizers, and graduates of previous HUB editions, celebrating a growing community of Ukrainian professionals in Austria.
The opening remarks were delivered by Yana Barinova, Program Director at ERSTE Foundation, who warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting Ukrainians’ integration and professional development in Austria.
Olena Bekreniova and Olga Olefirova, co-founders of the European Centre for Freedom and Independence (EUCFI) – the implementing partner of the program – also addressed the audience, reflecting on the program’s evolution and its growing impact.
The event was designed to foster connection and inspiration. Participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves, share expectations, and connect with HUB alumnae who joined as guest speakers: Natalia Sherimbetova and Anastasiia Hatsenko, graduates of HUB 1.0 and 2.0. They shared their first-hand experiences of internships and integration in Austria, offering practical advice and encouragement to the new cohort.
A highlight of the gathering was the presentation of exclusive HUB-branded merchandise, symbolizing the unity and shared identity of the community.
The Professional Integration HUB is an initiative of ERSTE Foundation implemented by EUCFI. It is designed to empower skilled Ukrainian women in Austria by providing three-month internships at leading Austrian institutions, networking opportunities, study visits, and professional development activities.
Over the past two years, HUB has established itself as a flagship program, with hundreds of applicants annually and a growing network of alumnae positioned to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and Europe’s future.
Explore the photo gallery from the event:
Earlier, we published the list of HUB 3.0 participants and selection statistics.