A global perspective on economics and policy

For junior Olena Naumenko, studying economics has always been about more than numbers. It is a way to better understand people, policy, and the forces shaping communities around the world.

This summer, that pursuit took the Ukrainian student to Kosovo, where she interned with the Jahjaga Foundation, an organization founded by Atifete Jahjaga, former president of Kosovo and the country's first woman president.

Growing up in central-western Ukraine, Naumenko gravitated toward math and physics while also becoming involved in civic society. In high school in the Netherlands, she had the opportunity to study economics for the first time.

Great teachers sparked her interest in the subject. Then, Russia's invasion of Ukraine made her desire to understand politics and policy more personal.

"When the war started in my country, I felt the need to know more about it," she said.

At Richmond, Naumenko found opportunities to explore those interests together. An economics major who also studies political science and German, she is a Bonner Scholar and has previously interned with Ukraine's Ministry of Economy in Kyiv and Daily Planet Health Services in Richmond.

When searching for her next summer experience, she wanted an opportunity that would combine international experience with research. Working with Career Services and exploring possibilities on Handshake, she found a position with Jahjaga's foundation that offered both.

The organization's work includes advancing gender equality and addressing the lasting consequences of conflict-related sexual violence. Naumenko’s research focused on women's representation in Kosovo's security sector and the policies that can support their advancement into leadership positions. She also researched conflict-related sexual violence and the challenges survivors face in documenting and reporting crimes years after conflict.

For someone watching her own country navigate war, the work carried particular significance.

The experience also expanded her understanding of where an economics education can lead.

"It was less business-focused than I thought, but I'm happy about that," she said. "It complements what I'm learning and provides perspective."

She helped develop project proposals for funding and saw firsthand how research and analytical skills could be applied within the nonprofit and policy sectors, offering insight into career paths she hadn't seriously considered before.

As the summer progressed, Naumenko also had opportunities to work closely with Jahjaga. She accompanied the former president to diplomatic events, including a Bastille Day celebration at the French Embassy, and traveled with her throughout Kosovo to visit murals honoring survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

Jahjaga was also generous with something less formal: advice.

"She was really open to questions and life advice," Naumenko said.

One message particularly resonated with her: it is better to take an opportunity than wonder later what might have happened.

Naumenko seems to be embracing that philosophy.

While in the Balkans, she sought out UR alumni in the region, researching graduates online and reaching out to make connections. This fall, she is continuing her international experience at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, where she will study economics and business while strengthening her German.

“Olena is an energetic and intellectual force on campus. With a natural ease, she holds comfortable connections with her peers while also revealing a mature wisdom discussing global issues with all ages,” said Laura Thompson Council, associate dean of the Robins School and one of Naumenko’s former professors. “Olena possesses the balance of someone who has the heart of an adventurer and the mind of a scholar. An undaunted and brilliant citizen of the world!”

As for where she'll go next, she is keeping her options open.

"I'll chase the opportunity," she said. "Four years ago, I wouldn't have assumed I would be studying in the U.S. I'm really happy with how my life is working out so far."

Whether that path eventually leads to consulting, policy, nonprofit work or something she hasn't discovered yet, one requirement is becoming clear.

"I want to see a purpose and the outcome of my work," she said. "I want to know my purpose and who I am serving."