War doesn't just change plans; it upends entire families. Recognizing this reality, IREX’s Veteran Reintegration Program supports not only veterans, but also the family members who stand by them and sustain them. Since the program began, IREX has supported 142 veterans and their family members in completing professional training through educational scholarships, helping them master new trades, advance in their current professions, and adapt to a changing labor market.

One of them is Yuliia Bolshakova, a woman whose story reflects resilience and the power of education during uncertainty.

Displacement, responsibility, and resilience

Yuliia is a veteran’s wife, a mother of two, and the daughter of a fallen Defender. Her journey as an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) began during the occupation of Crimea, where she was finishing her university degree. In 2022, she and her family were again forced to leave, this time fleeing her hometown of Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region and seeking safety in a different part of the country. 

While Yuliia’s husband was defending the country - he joined the military in 2018, before finishing his own studies -  Yuliia was building a career in media, serving as the public face of a local TV channel. After relocating, she worked for a national media outlet and in communications for the Ukrainian Veteran Foundation, while still caring for her family.

Investing in skills for long-term security

Before the full-scale invasion, I had a good income and was used to a certain standard of living. I really wanted to get that feeling of stability back."

When she saw IREX’s call for applications for educational scholarships, Yuliia recognized the opportunity to strengthen her professional foundation. She enrolled in public relations course to complement her communications background with modern technical skills.

Yuliia completed her studies in 2024 while preparing for the birth of her second child. Knowing that working full-time in an office would soon be impossible, she pivoted and prepared her backup plan.

Staying afloat in uncertain times

Her new skills became essential during her maternity leave. Yuliia began working freelance, building brand strategies and creating content for local businesses, all on a schedule that allowed her to care for her children. 

Today, Yuliia has returned to her primary job while continuing to manage side projects. More importantly, her new skills have given her something that is often hard to find during a war: a sense of control.

This qualification isn't just about the money. It's about confidence," says Yuliia. "The job market changes in an instant, and the more I know, the more secure I feel. When you are responsible for your children’s future, it’s important to know that you can always stay afloat."

Yuliia’s experience shows how targeted education and flexible learning opportunities can help veteran families adapt, navigate life during war more confidently, and remain economically stable.