Immigrant Stories: Tetyana Pavelo

Tetyana is deeply passionate about ensuring that everyone—especially refugees and immigrants—have access to education, resources, and opportunities for a better future.

Originally from a small village near Uzhhorod in the Zakarpattya region of Ukraine, Tetyana has been actively involved in raising funds for families in need and supporting children’s education in Ukraine, especially during the ongoing war. With many of her family and friends still in Ukraine, her dedication to helping others navigate new beginnings is personal and heartfelt.

Tetyana’s career began in Ukraine as a journalist, where she spent six years publishing articles in local newspapers, hosting radio news segments in Uzhhorod and Kyiv, and serving as a correspondent in the Ukrainian Parliament. She also worked as a public relations specialist for one of Ukraine’s prime ministers, engaging with national and international media.

After immigrating to the United States in 2008, Tetyana transitioned into the field of graphic design, where she leveraged her communication skills to support clients across the tech, marketing, retail, and fabrication sectors. Tetyana holds a degree in Romano-Germanic Philology from Uzhhorod National University in Ukraine, and for two years, she studied international economy at the European University in Kyiv. After moving to the US, she continued her education, earning a B.A. in Graphic Design from the University of Bridgeport. In 2016, Tetyana worked as a designer on the URcommunity.us campaign, which aimed to help young foreigners start their lives in a new country, integrate into their communities, and transition to a new normal.

At Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), Tetyana brings her passion for empowerment and community building to her role as Community Integration Specialist, where she connects refugees and immigrants with vital resources and helps them navigate their new lives in the U.S. She is inspired by the resilience of those she serves and is dedicated to building a supportive and welcoming community for all.