When the war in Ukraine broke out in February, Vira Melnychenko rushed to move her parents—and herself—from harm’s way, eventually settling in Hungary, where they were granted refugee status. Odessa-based Melnychenko is a Lens production manager for Snap, but has not worked since the war began; instead, she spends her time supporting her parents and returning home to Ukraine every two weeks to visit her husband, who is legally prohibited from leaving the country. 

Tragedies of this scale make one’s professional life seem small, but what Melnychenko enjoys most about her work is that it can help bring attention to these issues. Her Lens projects use augmented reality (AR), which seeks to immerse viewers in ways they wouldn’t normally experience. For example, her team led the creation of a Great Barrier Reef-themed Lens in December in order to raise awareness of its erosion and global warming.

Emboldened by her courage and hope for a better world, Melnychenko is looking forward to these types of advocacy projects when she returns to Snap.

“I think it makes much more sense to try to use things like AR in order to bring attention to some problem rather than just [creating] some text article or movie,” Melnychenko said. “You are more in the experience when you are a part of it.”

What advice would you give your younger self?

The main advice is not to be afraid of taking important decisions and moving out of your comfort zone. Any major change always leads to progress and self-development.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

I think I’m going through it now. Due to the circumstances related to the war in Ukraine, I decided to help my family to relocate from our native city where right now the battles take place to another country that is much more safe. I realize that I forced them to leave everything there and start a new life. I’m fully responsible for it, but I’m sure everything will be great.

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing and why?

I’m a huge animal lover—I have two rescue cats—and I’m trying to help animal shelters in Ukraine. I believe it’s something I could dedicate my life to if I weren't able to choose my current occupation. 

What should the industry do to encourage more women and people of color into its ranks?

I believe the industry should just let people be themselves and appreciate every person for their uniqueness. We should try and get rid of all the biases which make people try to fit into "standards." Diversity is really important nowadays as the possibility to get different points of view, experiences and approaches is a recipe for success for the modern company.

What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from the pandemic?

Even during a pandemic, life goes on and every day is precious as you’ll never have a second chance to live it. So under any circumstances, you should quickly adapt to the new reality and go back to your normal life as soon as possible taking into account all new measures of safety. And of course to help other people to do so.