Iryna Zhecheva, a Forewoman at the Networks and Substations Shop of Central Iron Ore, has been awarded Metinvest Group’s highest honour in recognition of the Company’s 20th anniversary. The specialist has the ability to remain a pillar of support for others even in times of uncertainty Among her most notable personal qualities are confidence, courage, and an enduring belief that better days lie ahead.
Iryna’s achievements are truly impressive. She has played a key role in the implementation of the gas-fired power generation project at Central Iron Ore, the reconstruction of the power supply system for the GZP-1 substation, and the restoration of power supply to several of the enterprise’s substations. Iryna Zhecheva also contributed to the reconstruction of the power supply system of the main step-down substation, which enabled the resumption of operations at the central compressor station, the process water shop, and the tailings facility.
Iryna Zhecheva, a forewoman at Central Iron Ore's Networks and Substations Shop, is a recognised expert in occupational health and safety for high-voltage electrical units up to 6150 kV. She confidently performs operational switching procedures and, through her personal example, promotes a strong substation maintenance culture within a team that includes 38 other women. She is responsible for the largest section within the function, overseeing dozens of employees, maintenance crews, and critical facilities upon which the operation of the entire plant depends.
Iryna learned of being awarded the Metinvest Golden Star from her shop manager:
“It came as a complete surprise to me. I felt an overwhelming sense of both joy and pride I have been working at the plant for 20 years. It is very rewarding to have my achievements recognised in such a meaningful way. I would like to thank my colleagues, the management team, and the Company!”
In addition to her professional expertise, colleagues and managers value Iryna for her ability to unite people around a common goal and make decisions when every minute counts. This is because the energy system of a large industrial enterprise resembles a living organism. Every substation, every power line, and every circuit breaker must operate flawlessly.
That is precisely why a stringent safety culture has been built and maintained here over many years. Hundreds of implemented occupational health and safety initiatives are not merely a formality, but a reflection of the firm belief that human life is the highest value.
A person’s character is revealed most clearly in times of adversity. Following hostile attacks that damaged the plant’s power infrastructure, Iryna Oleksandrivna took responsibility for coordinating complex emergency recovery operations and power switching activities. Working closely with emergency responders, law enforcement agencies, and operational departments, she coordinated efforts to restore power supplies, enabling the plant to resume operations as quickly as possible.
“In moments like these, there are no ready-made instructions. There is only experience, a clear head, and a sense of responsibility for people. It is perhaps these very qualities that have enabled me to find solutions even in the most challenging situations, restore damaged facilities, and bring production units back into operation within critically tight timeframes,” says Iryna.
Mentorship has become an important part of Iryna Zhecheva’s work. Over the years, Iryna Oleksandrivna has helped develop dozens of young professionals. For many of them, she became not only a manager, but also a role model of integrity, discipline, and dedication to her profession. Adding particular depth to this story is her remarkable personal resilience.
Having endured a profound personal loss when her husband was killed while serving on the front line, she has never lost her ability to support others, remain a dependable colleague, and continue working for the benefit of her team and the enterprise. That is the true strength of character.
"Iryna embodies reliability. She is a professional you can rely on completely and entrust with the most critical operational responsibilities,” says Iryna’s manager, Hryhorii VASYLIEV, Head of the Networks and Substations Shop at Central Iron Ore. "She continues to manage her department with great effectiveness, while single-handedly raising her child, supporting her colleagues, and playing an active role in social initiatives and community activities. Iryna Zhecheva is one of those people whose dedication ensures that production continues to operate even in the most challenging circumstances. Her professionalism, combined with genuine humanity, has become a powerful example of how a vocation can evolve into a lifelong calling. I am personally delighted that she has received this prestigious Metinvest award.”
