Alla, who arrived in Scotland with no contacts, no job, and no clear path forward has revealed her journey from refugee to role model, thanks to the transformative impact of Smart Works Scotland.

Alla, who is based in Edinburgh, arrived in Scotland almost three years ago after fleeing the war in Ukraine. Despite a successful career back home as a Cabin Crew Department Manager leading a team, she was forced to start building a new life “from scratch”.

She said: “It was a really challenging time. I still had my experience, knowledge and skills but I had lost my confidence.”

She first encountered Smart Works Scotland when the charity visited the ship where she was staying with more than 1,000 other refugees. In the audience, Alla bravely stepped forward and translated the entire presentation into Ukrainian so that she could help others in the room.

Initially hesitant to ask for help, Alla eventually got in touch with the charity. From her very first coaching session, Alla felt “seen and supported.” With help from the Smart Works team, she rediscovered herself-belief and left with not just a professional outfit, but the strength and confidence to succeed.

In her own words, Alla reflects on her experience:

“Almost a year passed before I gathered the courage to contact Smart Works. I will never forget my first coaching session. Despite my years of leadership experience, I felt unsure in this new context. But the Smart Works team saw beyond my uncertainty. Their professionalism, warmth, and encouragement helped me see myself again—not just as a displaced person, but as a capable, talented woman ready to move forward.

Then came the wardrobe session. It may seem like a small thing, but wearing a professional outfit that fit me perfectly made a world of difference. I looked in the mirror and, for the first time in a long while, saw a confident woman ready to take on the world.

It was an absolutely life-changing experience for me. When I came to Smart Works for help, it's the point where everything started to change. Within one month after my coaching and dressing session, I was able to pass all three stages of an interview and secure the job I wanted to get.”

Alla now works as a mentor with The Wise Group, helping vulnerable people in society build sustainable futures and find employment - just as she did. She has also come full circle, acting as a referrer to Smart Works Scotland. Alla is also now a volunteer with Smart Works, to give back to other women who need support and guidance.

Alla urges any women who needs support to reach out and get support:

“To any woman reading this who feels unsure if Smart Works is for her: I understand. I waited almost a year before asking for help. But let me tell you—this isn’t just about clothes or interviews. It’s about rediscovering your strength, your dignity, and your power. You deserve that. And Smart Works is a place where that transformation begins.”

If you are a woman, and you are unemployed or on a zero hour contract, speak to your local job centre or someone else supporting you on your employment journey, to get a referral

‍