But Elizabete’s story is much more than her role today. It’s a journey shaped by her academic passion for international security, professional determination, and deep empathy for Ukraine – a country whose resilience has inspired her for over a decade.

Growing up in Latvia, a small Baltic nation with its own history of defiance against larger powers, Elizabete understood early on the importance of sovereignty and international solidarity. This understanding led her to study international relations at Riga Stradiņš University, where she began to focus on Ukraine. Her academic path took her to Sciences Po in Paris and the College of Europe in Warsaw, where she delved deeper into European Neighborhood Policy and wrote her Master’s thesis on the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine.

“Ukraine has always been at the heart of my studies and my aspirations,” Elizabete explains. “As a Latvian, I can relate to what Ukrainians are going through. Our histories may differ, but our shared experiences of resilience and determination create a strong connection.”

Her career began with research and project management at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, followed by consulting on EU perceptions at the Public Policy Management Institute in Lithuania. During the early years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Elizabete also worked as a journalist, travelling to Ukraine to witness firsthand the realities of a nation under siege. “I saw how people adapted to challenges with grace and strength,” she recalls. “It motivated me to contribute in a way that could make a real difference.”

When she joined EUAM Ukraine in January 2024, it was both a professional and personal milestone. Her role, initially focused on internal processes and coordination, quickly expanded to include high-level responsibilities such as managing communications, organizing events, and stepping in wherever needed. One of her standout contributions was leading the Mission’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, which highlighted gender equality and human rights. “These issues aren’t just checkboxes,” she says. “They are the foundation of everything we do, especially in times of war.”

We need people with different perspectives and experiences.

Elizabete’s story is a powerful example of how diverse backgrounds enrich civilian CSDP Missions. She emphasizes that the Mission isn’t only for police officers or legal experts. “We need people with different perspectives and experiences,” she notes. “That’s what makes our work stronger and more impactful.”

For women considering joining a CSDP Mission, Elizabete has this advice: “Don’t underestimate your value. Missions like EUAM Ukraine are places where your skills and experiences can make a significant difference. It’s not just about what you bring – it’s about how you grow, both professionally and personally.”

We can achieve extraordinary things when we work together.

Elizabete’s presence in the Mission is more than a professional role; it’s a testament to her belief in the power of collective effort. “Working here is about standing with Ukraine, not just as individuals, but as Europeans united by shared values,” she says. “This Mission proves that we can achieve extraordinary things when we work together.”

The story of Elizabete Vizgunova Vikmane is an invitation – to women everywhere – to consider the impact they could make, and the opportunities waiting for them, in civilian CSDP Missions.