Coming to NYC, Authentic Voices of Immigrant Women: Q&A with Galina Oleynik

Immigrant Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate the journeys of immigrants and their contributions to our society, culture, and economy.   

At New Women New Yorkers, we are holding our own celebration! On June 20, in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month and of World Refugee Day, we’re hosting our annual benefit – Don’t wait to purchase your tickets here, space is limited.  

The event will feature a panel discussion called “Coming to NYC, Authentic Voices of Immigrant Women,” featuring two immigrant women professionals and two of our recent graduates from LEAD, a professional development program.

Meet Galina Oleynik, one of our panelists. Galina is originally from Russia.

1. What is one US or NY cultural habit that you picked up since you came to live here?

Smiling and eating spicy food. In Russia people are famously grim and I didn’t know how strong the power of a simple welcoming smile could be. It was interesting to experience reverse culture shock when, after coming back to Russia, I was called an overly smiley person. Spicy food is not necessarily a US thing, but there are so many cuisines here that assume chili pepper as an essential component that I grew to like it so that I could be a social eater.

2. What is a dish that you like to cook from your home country? Where do you find the ingredients for this dish in the city?

Buckwheat with fried mushrooms and carrots. You can actually buy buckwheat now in almost any organic supermarket. One thing that is still challenging to find is “tvorog,” a farmer’s cheese that is the essential component for “syrniki.” Most grocery stores only have cottage cheese for sale, so I sometimes buy it at the weekend farmers’ markets.

3. What has been your biggest struggle or challenge since you came to the US?

Professional sports references. I have gotten much better with them recently and can now at least relate to NBA, NFL, or MLB teams without confusing which team plays which sport, but it took forever; it was like catching up on 20 seasons of daily TV show on top of regular work duties.

4. What was your first job in the US?

I had an internship with a start-up company here in New York.

5. Who is one person who helped you along your way?

My husband. He is British and it is hilarious to see how he, a native English speaker, can still struggle with day-to-day communication (e.g., ordering sparkling water in a restaurant, because apparently “seltzer,” “soda,” “fizzy,” and “sparkling” are not universal terms for carbonated water). It really helps to have been able to go through cultural adjustments together, it helps remind you that you aren’t suffering because you are doing something wrong but because everyone has to go through these hoops.

6. What is your greatest survival skill in New York?

Turning off my FOMO (fear of missing out); there is always something happening in New York and it’s impossible to be everywhere and see everything.  Learning to love my neighborhood, and working hard – there is always someone out there as hungry for your job as you are.

If you are interested in learning more about Galina’s immigration experience along with the stories of other immigrant women, don’t miss our annual benefit on June 20 – It will feature a unique panel discussion with women immigrant professionals and LEAD graduates. Tickets are available here.