At just 16 years old, Vlad has already achieved something extraordinary—he was named an Alaska State champion and has earned a spot to compete in the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship in Dallas, Texas this June. This remarkable accomplishment showcases not only Vlad’s technical skills but also his ability to excel under pressure in competitive environments.
The MOS competition is a prestigious event that tests proficiency in Microsoft Office tools like Excel, PowerPoint and Word, with tasks that simulate real-world business scenarios under tight time constraints. The MOS certification is the only Microsoft-recognized program worldwide to validate proficiency in Microsoft Office skills. This certification offers an official credential that proves a person’s ability to use essential Office applications that are indispensable in modern workplaces. By mastering these tools at such a young age, Vlad has positioned himself as a standout candidate in an increasingly competitive field.
Behind Vlad’s success is his father, Ihor, a Case Manager for Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services at Catholic Social Services (CSS). Ihor’s work—helping refugees adjust to new environments—has shaped his perspective on the importance of adaptability and perseverance. It’s these qualities that he has passed on to Vlad, who is flourishing in Alaska and, with his father’s guidance, is now preparing to take on the national competition.
Ihor shared their family’s journey to Alaska:
“Our family has traveled a long and difficult road, full of trials and obstacles, before arriving here in Alaska—a place we now call home. In Ukraine, we had a successful business, but it was taken from us overnight by raiders. We tried to fight for justice, but instead of support, we received threats that forced us to flee. In 2018, we started a new life in Poland, but even there, we faced bureaucratic difficulties and were denied residency renewal.
When the war in Ukraine began in February 2022, our parents fled to Poland. However, since our family was denied residency renewal, we had no choice but to leave Poland. Returning to Ukraine was extremely dangerous, and staying in Poland without legal documents was impossible.
At that moment, the United for Ukraine program became a true miracle for us, allowing us to find sponsors and move to the U.S. The organization New Chance helped us with plane tickets, and we arrived in Wasilla, Alaska, where we started our lives from scratch.”
Vlad’s advice to others interested in technology is straightforward: “If you plan on doing this, you should be prepared to learn most things on your own. Especially for programming. You should just Google stuff, try things and keep experimenting, because tech is really about creativity. You can’t just rely on one source or one teacher; it’s about trying things yourself.” This emphasis on self-driven learning and hands-on projects is something that’s been key in his own journey and mirrors the values of persistence and adaptability that he has witnessed in his own family.
Through CSS’s Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services, families like Vlad’s are given the resources to successfully navigate the challenges of starting over in a new country. With our help, refugees and immigrants are supported not just in surviving but in thriving—pursuing their passions, developing their skills and contributing to the community.
As Vlad prepares for the upcoming competition, his family’s unwavering support is evident. The trip to Dallas will be personally funded by Ihor and Vlad, demonstrating the importance they place on this opportunity. Despite the financial strain, their determination to provide Vlad with the best possible chance to succeed speaks to their commitment to his future. For them, this experience is about more than just the competition—it’s about helping Vlad continue to nurture his passions and take the next step in his tech career.
Their story is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and potential of the refugee and immigrant communities we serve at Catholic Social Services. As Vlad takes the next step in his journey, we are proud to continue our mission of supporting families like his, ensuring they have the resources to build bright futures and succeed in their new lives.
Stay tuned for updates on Vlad’s journey to Dallas and join us in cheering him on in June when he proudly represents Alaska in his effort to become a national champion!