By Mary DeBauche
At Neighborhood House, we are proud to spotlight the incredible work of Evghenia Sincariuc, Program Coordinator for the Child Care Improvement Project (CCIP). Evghenia’s leadership and deep commitment to her Ukrainian community recently came to life at the Ukrainian Alliance: UA Business Connect 2024, held on November 16th at Clackamas Community College’s Rogers Hall. This groundbreaking event provided vital resources and support to Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Oregon and Washington, all in the Ukrainian language—a first for the region.
“Immigration is hard, even when you’re highly qualified. You leave your home and start a new life—it’s mentally challenging.” – Evghenia Sincaruik
Evghenia, herself a refugee who came to Portland after the first invasion of Ukraine in 2016, understands the immense challenges faced by newcomers. She saw the need for accessible, culturally relevant resources to help immigrants and refugees integrate and thrive economically.
“You can’t do this alone, it’s impossible,” she shared. “Immigration is hard, even when you’re highly qualified. You leave your home and start a new life—it’s mentally challenging. The conference is one way to help integration.”
A Historic First for the Ukrainian Community
UA Business Connect 2024 addressed critical topics for starting and growing a business in the United States, including:
- Legal compliance
- Marketing strategies
- Licensing and permitting processes
- Human resources advice
- Specific workshops such as child care business development, led by Evghenia
Organized by a team of six Ukrainian women, the conference was the result of five months of planning. The team volunteered their weekends and evenings to put the conference together.
“We all knew each other but had never partnered before,” Evghenia said. “We talked about it for a long time, and then we made it happen.”
The event drew participants from diverse backgrounds—those just starting out and others looking to network and expand existing businesses.
Evghenia’s passion for her community and expertise in building partnerships among community organizations were central to the event’s success. “I care about my community. My goal is for the Ukrainian community to thrive and be successful. This is important—to be connected.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Child Care Providers
Evghenia’s work is already making a difference. Nine people attended her workshop on CCIP and running a child care business. After the conference, emails poured in from others eager to learn more. Evghenia and the CCIP team will hold a Ukrainian-language cohort business course this month, which will provide specialized support for up to 15 aspiring child care providers.
The beauty of CCIP is the positive ripple effect it has for the entire community. Supporting small business child care providers helps them and their own families. But CCIP training also helps create quality, affordable child care slots so parents can work and contribute to the overall economy.
“We’re hoping to enroll four to five new child care providers,” Evghenia said. “It was worth every weekend we spent putting the business conference together.”
“I feel like I was more fortunate than other refugees. I had support when I arrived—language skills, job experience, family. Now, I feel a responsibility to use my skills and experience to help others.” – Evghenia Sincaruic
A Leader Rooted in Experience and Resilience
For Evghenia, her work to support others is deeply personal.
Her circumstances as a refugee motivated her to give back. “I feel like I was more fortunate than other refugees. I had support when I arrived—language skills, job experience, family. Now, I feel a responsibility to use my skills and experience to help others.”
Her leadership in this transformative event is a shining example of how one person’s passion can create opportunities for many.
Evghenia wanted to thank the partners who helped make UA Business Connect 2024 possible. “I am deeply grateful to our Inclusive Business Resource Network partners who joined us as speakers at the conference, including MESO, Livelihood NW, and Metropolitan Family Services, whose contributions played a significant role in making the conference a success. Thank you so much for your support.”
