Behind the scenes – Maryna Kachanovska
Maryna Kachanovska is a Manager at Civitta Ukraine, working within the Public Sector team and contributing to projects focused on regional development, MSME support, and recovery strategies. She joined Civitta in 2021 as a Junior Analyst and was recently promoted to this role, having grown into a position that combines strategic thinking, team leadership, and meaningful public impact.
What does your promotion to Manager mean to you?
This promotion is a meaningful milestone for me both professionally and personally. From early on at Civitta, I was given responsibility and space to take initiative, which made me realize quite quickly that I wanted to grow into a managerial role.
Professionally, it feels like recognition of the work and responsibility I’ve taken on over the past four years.
At the same time, it marks a shift – my role is no longer only about my own work, but also about supporting the team, helping others grow, and ensuring strong results for clients.
On a personal level, it reaffirmed that continuous learning, openness to challenges, and enjoying the day-to-day process truly pay off.
How did your journey at Civitta begin?
I joined Civitta in 2021, shortly after graduating, but my first impression came earlier, since I had already known people from Civitta who spoke very enthusiastically about working here. What stood out was the genuine enthusiasm and warmth they had when speaking about Civitta – it left a strong impression on me.
When I later started looking for a full-time role, I was drawn to Civitta as a place where I could combine analytical work with real-world impact. I was especially interested in how businesses grow and adapt, particularly in a context like Ukraine.
Although I started with innovation ecosystem projects, I quickly became involved in MSME support initiatives. I really valued the mix of analysis, coordination, and practical impact – work that is both intellectually engaging and closely connected to real needs.
What inspired your move to the Public Sector team?
A key project was the Recovery and Development Strategy for the Odesa region – my hometown. Contributing to something so personally meaningful gave the work a completely different dimension.
I worked on the economic and governance aspects, and my local perspective added real value. It felt like I was contributing not only professionally, but also personally.
What made it even more significant was the outcome – Odesa became the first region in Ukraine to adopt an updated development strategy during the war. It showed me how impactful this kind of work can be, especially in difficult circumstances.
Why is supporting others important to you?
Supporting others is something that comes naturally to me. If I find an approach or knowledge that works, my instinct is to share it.
I believe teams become stronger when knowledge and experience are shared openly. Success is always a collective effort, and supporting others helps the whole team perform better.
It’s also about encouragement – sometimes even small recognition or a few words of trust can make a big difference. Seeing others grow is just as meaningful to me as my own development.
What has been a memorable moment at Civitta?
One of the most memorable moments was my first local offsite in Odesa in September 2021, just two weeks after I joined.
It was the first time I saw the full scale and impact of Civitta’s work, which was incredibly inspiring. At the same time, the atmosphere was very warm and informal – full of team activities and genuine connections.
Looking back, this moment feels even more special, as it was just before the full-scale war. It reminds me of the beginning of my journey and a time that felt lighter and full of possibility.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining Civitta?
First, say “yes” to opportunities – even when they feel challenging or you don’t feel fully ready.
Second, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take ownership. That’s where the most meaningful growth happens.
And finally, learn from every interaction. Over time, these connections not only help you grow but also build a strong professional network.
Overall, I think that staying open to opportunities, being willing to challenge yourself, and investing in relationships with the people around you can make the Civitta experience both professionally and personally very rewarding.