Student Spotlight: Liliia Lukash Is Finding Her Voice, and Using It to Shape the Future
“Not being afraid to speak up, to make my voice heard and hear others, that’s what I’ve taken with me.”
-Liliia Lukash
Before joining Girls With Impact, Liliia Lukash was navigating something many young women experience, but few talk about openly: self-doubt.
“I was struggling with a lack of confidence. I had anxiety and felt like everyone was judging me,” she shares.
Everything began to shift when Liliia discovered GWI. What started as a search for growth quickly became a turning point. Through the program, she faced one of her biggest challenges head-on, which was speaking up.
“At first, it was hard to talk to strangers about myself and my project,” she says. “But I realized they were just like me—kind, supportive, and on the same journey.”
That sense of community helped unlock a powerful moment of transformation. “The moment I realized my idea on paper became a real project with purpose, I couldn’t believe I did that.”
With the support of her peers and instructors, Liliia rebuilt how she sees herself. Today, she leads with confidence, using her voice in ways she once avoided.
“Not being afraid to speak up, to make my voice heard and hear others, that’s what I’ve taken with me.”
That shift didn’t just change her mindset, it reshaped her future. Originally planning to study business abroad, Liliia made a bold and deeply personal decision: to pursue political science in her home country of Ukraine and contribute to change in her own country.
“I realized I can do more than I think. I want to make an impact.”
Her journey is a powerful reminder that confidence comes from believing your voice matters, and using it to speak up.
Her message to other young women? “If you’re not sure who you are or you’re afraid to speak, join GWI. You will never be the same.”
To learn more about GWI’s programs, visit https://www.girlswithimpact.org/our-programs.