Irada Yuryshynets
I’ve worked in quite different fields: research institutions, IT, manufacturing. Insight became my first experience in the civic sector. I’ve always loved working with data — spotting patterns and connections in it, systematising and organising information. On top of that, good data is the foundation of a good strategy, whatever the line of work. I wanted to grow in data analysis/science, and unexpectedly got the chance to do what I love for the benefit of the community.
I wanted to take a more active part in the life of the LGBTQI+ community, because it’s my community too. I’m quite introverted, and for a long time I thought every role in human rights demanded strong communication, being public, active social media and so on. So I didn’t see a place for myself there. But once I realised that my knowledge and skills in working with data are genuinely needed here, I understood I could be useful in my own way.
What energises me:
- Red Bull The Yellow Edition.
- On a serious note, what energises me most is when I manage to simplify and improve work processes and set up better communication. Because one such improvement usually pulls others along, and the positive effect spreads further across every area of work.
Rapid-fire interview:
What do you do when you’re not saving human rights through data?
One of my daily rituals is a short lunchtime walk to the Dnipro — meditating and grounding myself by watching the flow of the water. Nature inspires and refills me in general.
One sentence about yourself that isn’t a job title:
A walking, talking existential crisis.
Three words that describe you:
Curious. Critical. Chaotic.
Your credo or working principle:
As above, so below.
Who or what inspires you?
Gertrude Stein — her play with form, the way she created a creative space at home, and her courage to live openly on her own terms.
Something queer you’d recommend watching?
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire”, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and “The Affair”.
