For Kira Malinina, her journey to West Michigan after fleeing the war in Ukraine is a story of resilience and new beginnings. She left behind her life as a horticulture teacher and her cherished garden.
Fortunately, the Ukrainian refugee was able to continue her passion by joining the staff at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, where she has excelled.
“I like working at Walters Gardens for two reasons – I love plants, this is my hobby, and I am surrounded by wonderful people,” Malinina says. “Before coming to the USA, we lived modestly and not richly, but we were not homeless. I lived in Ukraine for 60 years, so here I feel like I’m on another planet.”
Malinina and Walters Gardens Inc. in Zeeland are the recipients of the 2024 Michigan Works! Impact Award for their contributions to workforce development in Michigan. They will be honored at the Michigan Works! Association statewide Impact Awards in Lansing on April 17.
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