Hi there! I’m Varvara Chinenova (she/her) — a value-driven program director passionate about immigrant rights and international affairs.

As Director of Statewide Service Coordination at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), I lead a $12 million statewide service-provision program, overseeing 20+ subgrantee organizations and collaborating with city, state, and federal partners. My work centers on strategic planning, operational excellence, and equity-focused systems building—from coordinating multi-agency partnerships to designing data infrastructure that supports transparent reporting and funding compliance.

Previously, I directed humanitarian assistance and resettlement services for Ukrainian war survivors under the Ukrainian Response Initiative (URI). Working closely with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, resettlement agencies, and community-based organizations, I ensured culturally and linguistically appropriate access to social and legal aid for newly arrived Ukrainians. View project outcomes here.

Before joining NYIC, I served as a Program Associate at Citizen Diplomacy International of Philadelphia, managing in-person and virtual programs, including the International Visitor Leadership Program—the U.S. Department of State’s flagship professional exchange initiative.

Earlier in my career, I worked as a digital marketing analyst, independent translator, and research and teaching assistant, and completed a seven-month internship at the United Nations Office at Geneva.

I hold an M.A. in International Relations, a B.A. in European Studies (minor in Gender Studies), and an additional M.A. in Linguistics and Translation. I’m also an alumna of the United Nations Graduate Study Program and hold certifications in supporting survivors of sexual violence, psychological first aid, and disaster workforce supervision.

My worldview has been shaped by living, studying, and working across Russia, Nepal, Germany, France, Switzerland, and the United States. I’m fluent in Russian, English, French, and German, and speak conversational Spanish and Ukrainian.

I’m also a dedicated volunteer—currently with the American Red Cross, Restore NYC, and Team Navalny New York. I believe that those who advocate for human and civil rights must stay directly connected to the people they serve. Theories and data provide structure, but it’s the individual stories and human connections that bring meaning to my work.

Outside of work, I enjoy learning new languages, practicing mixed martial arts (MMA), creating participatory art, and spending time with my two adorable cats.

Varvara is pronounced like “Barbara” with a “v,” and the stress on the second syllable: v-ah-r-v-AH-r-ah.