From War Correspondent to Community Builder: How Eugenia Created a Space for Healing Across Borders
When Eugenia Melnik arrived in the Netherlands in 2022, she carried more than luggage. She carried years of stories from the front lines of war, memories of the people she had documented as a journalist and filmmaker, and the uncertainty of starting over in a new country.
Back in Ukraine, Eugenia worked as a war correspondent, documentary filmmaker, and producer. She created films about front-line cities and the human impact of war while leading volunteer initiatives to support communities in crisis.
But suddenly, she found herself experiencing displacement firsthand.
“I felt like I became one of the people I used to film.”
That experience could have stopped her. Instead, it became the beginning of something new.
Starting Over in a New Country
Leaving Ukraine was not part of a long-term plan. Eugenia arrived in the Netherlands unexpectedly, without knowing the language, the systems, or how long she and her family would stay.
“There was no choice,” she says. “I didn’t know the culture, the rules, or what would happen next.”
The transition was overwhelming. Alongside adapting to a new society, Eugenia was supporting her mother and children while trying to rebuild her professional life.
The emotional uncertainty weighed heavily. Yet even during those difficult moments, she continued working in the field that gave her purpose: storytelling, humanitarian support, and community building.
She began collaborating with Dutch broadcaster NPO, continued her volunteer work, and started developing documentary projects of her own.
Learning, Connecting, and Growing Through Delitelabs
A friend introduced Eugenia to Delitelabs and encouraged her to apply.
“At that moment, I already had ideas and projects, but I didn’t have enough information or professional advice about the next steps,” she explains.
When she was accepted into the program, she found more than practical business support. She found a community.
Through sessions on business model development, public speaking, and networking, Eugenia gained tools she could immediately apply in real life.
One especially important moment came during a mentorship session focused on creating a business model canvas. Shortly afterwards, she was interviewed by the Dutch newspaper Noordhollands Dagblad and found herself using the exact structure she had practiced during the program.
“It was like I already knew how to answer because we had prepared it together.”
Another breakthrough came through pitch training and public speaking workshops.
“I was afraid my English wasn’t good enough. But then I realized everyone had similar fears. The program gave us practice and confidence.”
Building HeroCare NL
During Delitelabs’ Up Collective program, Eugenia developed the project that would become HeroCare NL, an initiative supporting veterans, displaced people, and communities affected by war.
Its mission is simple yet powerful: “Connecting heroes across a border.”
HeroCare NL started as a small volunteer initiative creating safe spaces where veterans could view their trauma not only as pain but also as strength and resilience.
One of its first projects, See the Sea, brought together international veterans living in the Netherlands alongside Dutch veterans for healing experiences by the sea.
“The feedback was very emotional,” Eugenia says. “People felt understood, connected, and less alone.”
Today, HeroCare NL has grown into an international network involving more than 600 participants and over 70 volunteers across the Netherlands, Ukraine, Germany, and Belgium.
More Than a Program—A Network
For Eugenia, one of the greatest strengths of Delitelabs was the network it created.
Many participants remain connected long after the program ends, sharing advice, opportunities, and collaborations. Eugenia now works with fellow participant Lina on a photo-therapy course for veterans and people with disabilities. Friends such as Nataliia, Dmytro, and Yelysei have also become valued collaborators, demonstrating how the community grows beyond a network into lasting relationships and shared initiatives.
“That’s very important. You don’t feel alone anymore.”
Her mentor, Marijn Pladet, also became a lasting source of support. Their informal meetings over coffee helped transform intimidating business concepts into practical next steps.
“It didn’t feel overly official. It felt supportive and human.”
Looking Ahead
Today, HeroCare NL continues to grow.
Over the coming year, Eugenia plans to organize projects with Dutch veterans and the Dutch Ministry of Defense, continue the annual See the Sea initiative, and host an international roundtable bringing together war psychologists from multiple countries.
The goal is not only to support veterans but also to train volunteers and families on how to provide safe and effective mental health support.
For Eugenia, the mission remains deeply personal: creating connection where isolation and trauma often take over.
Follow Your Dreams
When asked what advice she would give future Delitelabs participants, Eugenia answers without hesitation:
“Follow your dreams. Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid.”
She pauses before adding:
“The program gives you more than information. It gives you people, contacts, support, and even friends.”
Eugenia’s story reminds us that entrepreneurship is not always about startups or business plans. Sometimes, it begins with rebuilding your life, finding your voice again, and creating spaces where others can heal.
At Delitelabs, we believe innovation starts with people who transform lived experience into meaningful impact. Eugenia is doing exactly that.
If you have an idea, a mission, or a lived experience you want to turn into action, explore our programs and join a growing community of change-makers building new futures together.
Comments