‘When you feel in control, curiosity is born’: mentor Yulia on AI, stereotypes and the power of support

Yulia chuckles as she recalls the day she first tapped ‘generate response’.

‘At first I played with it in my spare time. Then AI quietly slipped into my work tasks. Now I’m seriously thinking it could be my future specialism.’

The invitation to become a trainer popped up in the professional chat.

‘I clicked “I’d like to try” – and here I am,’ she says. Since then, Yulia has been leading on-line cohorts of LGBTIQ+ learners on the Google AI Essentials course run by ALLIANCE and its partners.

🛑 AI & discrimination: naming the problem to fix it

Recruitment algorithms love data – sometimes too much.

‘A system might filter out a candidate because of their “likes” or an “untypical” avatar. We don’t gloss over this; we break it down step by step: where AI looks for markers, how to hide the unnecessary ones, and where to complain if you spot bias.’

Yulia doesn’t scare; she teaches action: privacy settings, CV tweaks, checking a company’s policy and – above all – mutual support within the community.

🌀 From “AI-excluded” to confident users

Her groups are always mixed, from people testing Copilot to those who have only just mastered copy-and-paste.

‘They ask, “Will I cope at all?” I suggest five-minute micro-challenges: one prompt, one answer. It removes the first fear, and before they know it, they’re levelling up.’

Everyone sets their own pace. Some dive deep into automation, others simply want to write texts without Russisms – both goals are equally valued.

✨ Success isn’t measured only by an offer

At the end of the spring cohort the chat lit up: ‘I’ve got the job!’ – a participant landed an offer after using AI to analyse vacancies and rehearse interviews.

‘I read it and felt happy as if it were my own story,’ Yulia smiles.

Quieter victories matter no less: 🌟 a first solo presentation in Gamma, 🌟 a blog post that passed quality checks flawlessly, 🌟 an updated CV without the usual hassle.

🔧 Skills that outlast any model update

‘Tools race ahead insanely fast. Three pillars remain: the ability to craft a clear prompt, to read an answer critically, and to know the limits of the algorithm. That’s what I try to give everyone.’

🌍 Looking ahead: the regions must sound louder

Yulia wants more participants from towns and villages:

‘The potential there is huge. Give them a tool and a bit of confidence – and they’ll amaze everyone.’

So, in 2025–2026 ALLIANCE is launching eight on-line cohorts. The format stays flexible: Ukrainian language, safe space, psychological support and a recruitment workshop.

🔑 Three tips if you’re only eyeing AI work

🟢 Take a task you need today – an email, a CV, a recipe – it doesn’t matter.
🟢 Ask as much and as often as you like. There are no “silly” questions here.
🟢 Don’t delay the start. Five minutes of playing with a prompt is already a step.

🚀 How to join

Follow ALLIANCE updates – registration for the new cohort opens very soon. No programming experience required; curiosity and willingness to ask questions are.

‘When you feel in control,’ Yulia reminds us, ‘curiosity is born. With artificial intelligence that’s a hundred per cent true.’