'I want to improve life for everyone', says Ukrainian woman standing for local elections in Kerry

Natalia Krasnenkova hopes to become a 'powerful voice' for the promotion of integration and justice in the community. Picture: Anastasia Garbera

A Ukrainian refugee who has lived in Kerry for the past two years has announced she will contest the local elections. 

Natalia Krasnenkova will run as an independent candidate in her new home of Fossa, situated in the Killarney local electoral area.

Described as a “well-known figure” within the Ukrainian community in Killarney, Ms Krasnenkova hopes to bridge the gap between both cultures, uniting the community to solve common issues.

“I strongly believe that a unified community is a strong community," Ms Krasnenkova told the Irish Examiner. 

“The professional experience I gained in Ukraine, combined with my experience as a refugee and my job as a community worker in Kerry, gives me a deep understanding of humanity, people's basic needs and how a whole-community approach yields the best outcome,” she said.

The mother of two fled from war-torn Ukraine and arrived in Kerry in March 2022, along with her two teenage children.

She is one of four Ukrainian women running for the local elections this year.

“We can use our experience, difference in perception, our experience of conflict, and our broader perspective of looking at local problems to renew and improve the local wellbeing of all members of the community,” she added.

If elected, Ms Krasnenkova hopes to tackle the development of accessible housing and promote the development of small businesses.

Ms Krasnenkova has had a wide and varied career, holding a degree in financial management. She has also worked as a television reporter on both Ukrainian TV channels STB and Channel 5.

An experienced business owner, Ms Krasnenkova founded a social communications company in 2011, where she focused on medical issues, advocating for the rights of patients and vulnerable groups. Before the war, she promoted medical reform and worked towards the restructuring of orphanages in Ukraine.

Since landing in Kerry, Ms Krasnenkova has made a huge effort to get involved in her local area. She has worked as a community worker, actively engaging in volunteer work and arranging a number of events for the Ukrainian community in Kerry.

Having been employed as a community development worker for North East West Kerry Development (NEWKD) for the past year, Ms Krasnenkova's main focus has centered around helping Ukrainians settle into the community.

This gave her the opportunity to give back to those in a position that mirrored her own two years ago, when she first entered an unknown country.

Expressing pride in her new role, Ms Krasnenkova shared her love for helping Ukrainian natives with issues ranging from integration and employment to learning English and organising various leisure and cultural projects.

“Every day, I hear them, and I understand them. I see a bigger picture and the needs of the entire community, so I want to work to improve life for everyone,” she said.

Ms Krasenkova shared her hopes in becoming a “powerful voice” for the promotion of integration and justice in the community.

The election hopeful is eager to represent diversity and the new wave of immigrants in Ireland upon her election.

Twelve per cent of Ireland's population is of overseas origin, but only 1% are represented in the government, she said.