Help Me Fund My MBA at GWU and Build a Bakery That Empowers

Hi, I'm Iryna. I'm a Ukrainian refugee, a passionate baker, and a future MBA student at George Washington University.

Before the war, I worked in political communications, leading national campaigns for voter education and transparency. I had a thriving career, a new apartment, and a strong community in Kyiv. Then the full-scale russian invasion began—and everything changed.

I joined UNICEF and International Medical Corps to support mental health efforts in war zones like Kharkiv and Odesa. But I no longer felt safe in my home country. I relocated to the U.S., unsure of what came next—until I started working at a bakery in Birmingham, Alabama.

Those early shifts rediscovered something I had long set aside: my love for baking. It became a source of joy, healing, and purpose. Since then, I’ve continued baking every weekend, sharing sourdough flavors through a small blog while working full-time in D.C.

Now, I have a dream: to open a bakery that doubles as a social enterprise—a place where immigrants and refugees can learn the craft, gain business skills, and rebuild their lives with confidence and dignity. I envision a paid internship program, followed by mentorship and community support.

To bring this vision to life, I’ve been admitted to the Accelerated MBA Program at GWU. I’m honored to have received a scholarship covering 35% of my tuition—but I still need help funding the rest.

Why an MBA? Because I want to build something lasting. I want to understand the business side deeply—so I can grow a bakery that empowers others, not just feeds them.

If you believe in the power of second chances, in entrepreneurship with purpose, or simply in good bread—please support this journey.

Even small donations help. I promise to share every step, every loaf, and every win along the way.

All donations will be used solely for my tuition expenses. I will not use these funds for personal spending, living costs, or travel—just to help me afford my education.

Thank you for believing in me—like my mom always has, and my dad, who’s cheering me on from above.

Big hugs!