This research examines the experiences of highly educated Ukrainian refugee women, emphasizing the obstacles they face and the strategies they utilize to navigate challenges and reconstruct their lives in host nations. This research employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating quantitative data from 43 participants alongside qualitative insights from 28 in-depth life stories. It investigates the intersection of systemic barriers, including non-recognition of qualifications, linguistic challenges, and difficulties in cultural adaptation, with transformative mechanisms grounded in resilience, leadership, and adaptability. The findings indicate that these women exhibit significant agency by employing strategies such as utilizing diaspora networks, pursuing entrepreneurship, and maintaining cultural identity in the context of systemic exclusion. The proposed Resilience-Driven Adaptation Model (RDAM) offers a theoretical framework for analyzing how these women convert adversity into growth, facilitating professional reintegration, community-building, and cultural exchange. This study contests the perception of refugees as mere passive beneficiaries and emphasizes their function as active agents of change in host societies. The implications highlight the necessity for inclusive policies, specialized professional training programs, and improved community support systems to promote integration and mutual empowerment.
