Viktoriia Shvetschykova is a participant of the regional contest "Woman of Donetsk Region" in 2025, nomination "Leadership in Action"
Viktoriia Shvetsykova was born in the village of Mykilske in Donetsk Oblast. After studying at Luhansk State Pedagogical University, she returned to her native school as a history and English teacher. In 2004, she became the head of the school, and in 2010, the school received the status of a gymnasium and became one of the first in Ukraine to be budgetarily independent.
Under the leadership of Viktoriya Shvetsykova, St. Sophia Gymnasium with Secondary School No. 2 of the Nikolske Village Council in Donetsk Oblast has been recognized as the "Best Educational Institution in the District" for eight years in a row.
In 2012, Viktoriia Volodymyrivna received the Order of the Flagship of Education and Science of Ukraine for her significant contribution to the development of community education. She is an active member of the Association of Heads of Educational Institutions of Ukraine "Revived Gymnasiums of Ukraine", participates in festivals and congresses, and shares her experience with colleagues.
Despite the challenges of the war, Viktoriia kept her team together, relocated St. Nicholas Gymnasium "Sofia", and joined the volunteer movement: she weaves camouflage nets, makes trench candles, supports graduates released from captivity, and helps families in the community.
"In difficult times, we have to stick together. When you help someone else, it feels like you feel better," she says. Her story is included in the book "Women of the Community in Time of War," which was published in 2025 as part of a project of the same name initiated by the Nikolska territorial community.
In 2025, the gymnasium team led by Viktoriia joined the HP IDEA (HP Innovation & Digital Education Academy) innovation program, developed with the participation of Harvard and the University of Michigan, and became a partner of the program.
For her students and colleagues, Viktoriia Shvetsykova is not only a principal, but also a mentor who knows how to inspire and unite. Her life credo is to create the future based on the power of community and love for people.
Read the detailed story of the contestant here: https://surl.li/ptmaip