Liliia Ilkevych, the founder of Fly&Joy, has been recognised as a remarkable refugee businesswoman.
- Ilkevych moved to the UK via the Homes for Ukraine scheme and was featured in the ‘Visa Everywhere Pioneer 20’.
- Her inclusion celebrates her entrepreneurial contributions despite language barriers and starting afresh in the UK.
- Ilkevych previously had a successful banking career before launching Fly&Joy, a travel agency with over 10,000 followers.
- Visa’s Mandy Lamb acknowledges the role of such entrepreneurs in empowering women globally.
Liliia Ilkevych, the innovative founder of Fly&Joy, has been honoured in a notable list of ‘incredible refugee women’. This recognition, featured in the 2024 ‘Visa Everywhere Pioneer 20’, highlights entrepreneurs making significant contributions across Europe. Moving to the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Ilkevych has stood out as an exemplary figure among refugee business leaders.
The list that includes Ilkevych underscores the vital role played by refugee entrepreneurs who overcome substantial obstacles, including language barriers and the challenges of establishing businesses in new environments. Her entry into this esteemed list was unexpected to her but signifies the impact of her work and her determination to succeed against all odds.
Before the turbulence of geopolitical conflict forced her relocation, Ilkevych enjoyed a prosperous career within the banking industry. Her transition to the UK marked the beginning of a new chapter where she channelled her expertise and ambitions into creating Fly&Joy, an agency that caters primarily to UK-based Ukrainians. This venture has rapidly gained traction, amassing a significant following on social media platforms.
Importantly, the official recognition of Ilkevych’s achievements does not merely celebrate her business acumen but also aligns with broader efforts led by initiatives like WeAreTheCity. These initiatives aim to promote gender balance by providing platforms and opportunities for women to excel. Fly&Joy’s association with the Travel Trust Association (TTA) and its ongoing process to secure an Atol licence further exemplifies its commitment to industry standards.
Mandy Lamb, the managing director of Visa UK and Ireland, praised the contributions made by these women, noting their efforts in reshaping societal narratives to empower women and girls globally. She expressed gratitude towards collaborative efforts with WeAreTheCity in identifying and uplifting figures like Ilkevych, who serve as inspirations within the business community and beyond.
Liliia Ilkevych’s recognition illustrates the profound impact of resilient entrepreneurship in transforming adversities into opportunities.
