Kherson has long become a symbol of resilience. The city that survived occupation is now enduring shelling, losses, and the forced departure of thousands of people. But at the same time, it has become an example of what true love for one’s home means. Because even those who left did not go away. They remained Kherson residents — through their actions, through responsibility, through supporting their own.
One of such stories is that of Iryna Nikolaieva. Even after leaving Kherson with her children, she did not stop doing what she has always done best — helping people and building systems that work.
While in forced relocation, Iryna founded and, together with a team of women from Kherson, developed Miran Capital — a company that attracts investments, grants, and loans for Ukrainian businesses. And part of the profit the team directs specifically to help people from Kherson.
Her story is the story of thousands of women from Kherson who did not give up. Who, during the war, lost their homes but did not lose faith. And who today are rebuilding the Ukrainian economy, supporting communities, and proving that a woman’s true strength lies in action.
From volunteering to rebuilding the economy
Even before the war, Iryna was known in Kherson as a philanthropist and head of the “Union of Women of Kherson Region” — an organization that united more than 2,000 volunteers and 300 partners from business, government, and international institutions. Under her care were 19 orphanages and more than 14,000 children. At that time, they provided not only humanitarian help — but also support through education, mentorship, and assistance to mothers.
“Once, my strength was in helping children, then — in creating opportunities for women. And with the war, these directions merged. Because you can help not only with things or money, but also by creating opportunities — jobs, projects, investments,” says Iryna.
Iryna NikolaievaФото: Iryna Nikolaieva
When Kherson found itself under occupation, waiting was not an option. Iryna, together with colleagues, organized evacuation routes, searched for medicines, collected and delivered humanitarian aid, and coordinated volunteers.
“Back then it wasn’t about heroism,” she recalls. “It was about survival. About not abandoning your own. Because even when it’s dark around — someone has to hold the light.”
How a business was born during the war
At the beginning of the invasion, Iryna — an economist with 16 years of management experience — found herself without a team, without a home, without familiar landmarks. After working in the Kherson City Council, where she headed the Department of Economics and Investments, and after years of civic activity — she had to rebuild life from scratch.
“I simply wrote on social media that I was looking for female professionals to work on grant applications. And women from Kherson, whom I hadn’t known before, began to respond! We were all scattered across different cities, but united by one motivation: to do something useful for Ukraine,” Iryna recalls.
This is how the story of Miran Capital began. First — grants. Then — loans. Later — investment projects.
In two years, the team has created about 1,000 jobs through implemented business support programs.
Iryna’s team consists only of women from Kherson: Anastasiia, Inna, Liudmyla Vasylivna, and two Olenas. Each of them brings her own experience and energy to the projects, and together they create synergy that allows them both to develop business and help their native city. Decisions on whom and how to support are always made collectively.
Iryna NikolaievaФото: Iryna Nikolaieva
Proactivity as identity
Despite her business activities, Iryna continues her charitable work. Her team supports the “Sofia” Center in Kherson — a place where children with disabilities are raised — and participates in social rehabilitation programs. After de-occupation, they collected funds for a washing machine, dryer, and generator for the center. Now they provide help on a systematic basis — on significant dates, for treatment, and for daily needs.
“Once I did fundraising among philanthropists. Now, as a business, we allocate funds ourselves. Because charity must be part of business culture, not just a reaction to crisis. Systematic, not chaotic. We help those we know personally. I’ve long been acquainted with the center’s founder, Olha Tsilynko — an incredible woman who never gives up, helps and supports these families, organizes various activities for them, and covers their urgent needs. She has the strength and energy for enormous work. And we are just a small part of this process,” Iryna shares.
Iryna NikolaievaФото: Iryna Nikolaieva
Kherson means people
Today, thousands of Kherson residents live in different cities and countries. Some open businesses, some help the army, others provide humanitarian support. But they are all united by one thing — compassion.
It is precisely this compassion that keeps the city standing when there is no light, when there are no bridges, when there is not even silence.
Kherson today is not only buildings being restored after shelling. It is people who do not let this city disappear.
Iryna Nikolaieva and InnaФото: Iryna Nikolaieva
Iryna Nikolaieva and OlenaФото: Iryna Nikolaieva
Iryna Nikolaieva and AnastasiiaФото: Iryna Nikolaieva
Read also: Центр «Софія» у Херсоні отримав допомогу від міжнародних донорів
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