Valeriya Dereza, DataArt’s Head of Accounting in Ukraine, lives in Dnipro, just 100 km from the war front. She plays a key role in DataArt’s Support Ukraine program, helping ensure her countrymen have the support they need to defend their homeland, as well as taking care of families affected by the war.
Thirteen years in DataArt
There’s a common belief that accounting is boring and monotonous, but that’s definitely not the case at DataArt. Over my past 13 years here, my work has been filled with constant changes, improvements, and optimizations. I absolutely love this "crazy" pace—it's where I thrive!
My career at DataArt began in 2012 when the company had only 800 employees, and I was the fourth person in the Dnipro office. Our CFO, Luba Kabrits, believed in me, and I became the Chief Accountant of the Dnipro location. As DataArt grew, so did I. It was always exciting!
Helping all Ukrainians
Every Ukrainian wants to be useful and make a difference at this time.
In August 2022, Andrey Shklyarov, Chief Compliance Officer, approached me with the idea for DataArt’s Support Ukraine program. I helped organize the financial side, including money transfers, and was part of the working group from the start. Together, we shaped the program’s concept and launched our charitable initiatives.
During the first months of the war, my colleagues accomplished the impossible—they continued to work under shelling, while ensuring timely compensation and financial assistance. This financial aid, provided to colleagues relocating to other places for safety, became the foundation of the Support Ukraine program.
The Support Ukraine also distributed financial aid in the past for purchasing power stations and generators to be used during blackouts, and completed this initiative a year and a half ago.
Today there are 84 DataArt colleagues currently mobilized in the Ukrainian Army, fighting for our country. Support Ukraine covers a part of these colleagues’ salaries today, after paying their salary in full before.
Implementing impactful projects
We've launched several impactful initiatives, including supporting the "Children of Heroes" Foundation, which aids children who have lost parents in the war by providing psychological support, education assistance, and financial aid. We've also helped equip stabilization points, where a soldier’s survival often depends on timely care before transport to a medical facility. Additionally, we've funded and outfitted ambulances, which are critical for saving lives on the front lines. In war, no help is insignificant—every effort makes a difference.
Working with volunteers
I am incredibly proud of our volunteer movement. We accept requests from colleagues-volunteers, and double the funds that volunteers raise for their own causes. We have many colleagues who are actively volunteering, as well as those who have founded their own charitable organizations and foundations. Since the program's inception, we have collaborated with almost 200 volunteers, who are all our colleagues. Besides the nearly $5 million allocated to Support Ukraine directly by DataArt, colleagues and external donors have raised another $1.5 million.
We have weekly digests where fundraising campaigns are featured in order of submission. These digests are published on the company’s social media and sent to colleagues via email. The volunteer's task is to raise half of the required amount, while the company contributes the other half. Once the funds are spent, volunteers provide a report to the Support Ukraine team.
Combining work and war
For me, the first year and a half of the war was the hardest time in my life. I lived apart from my husband, while taking care of our two kids and my mom. But at work, there are always challenges and changes. I think DataArt wouldn’t be DataArt without such changes. I like it. It continues to be interesting to work here even after thirteen years thanks to these changes.
One of our colleagues has a Skype status that says ‘war-life balance.’ This is how I balance regular work with involvement in Support Ukraine. The Support Ukraine initiative has become an integral part of my life. When you realize that you're contributing to something truly important and valuable, you always find the time.
For me, being part of the Support Ukraine program is my lifeline, my way of being useful. Thanks to DataArt, I have this opportunity.
