Leonid Nosov

Leonid Nosov plays his accordion. Photo: Paige Coleman/Mercy Corps Northwest

Leonid Nosov, a refugee from Bukovnya, Ukraine, left his hometown for a new life in Oregon on January 24, 1994. In the Ukraine, Leonid was a professional ballet and folk dancer, and a master musician of the bayyan, a traditional instrument similar to the accordion. However, when he arrived in Oregon none of these talents were recognized and he had to begin again.

Leonid struggled to assimilate in his new surroundings. He missed his friends and family in the Ukraine, and he found learning English challenging. Leonid accepted a low-paying, unskilled job because he could not find work in his profession.

Leonid pursued his passion for music and dance during his free time. After eight months in the United States, he finally got his first big break. The Oregon Historical Society recognized his unique talents and agreed to sponsor the Ukrainian youth dance ensemble that he had formed.

Word of Leonid’s talent spread quickly, and he was invited to perform at cultural events and festivals, including Artquake, Portland's largest outdoor summer arts festival. He also teamed up with Stephanie Merkelo, a fellow Ukrainian living in Portland to promote his talents.

As business started to grow, Stephanie encouraged Leonid to register for Mercy Corps' Refugee Immigrant Self Employment (RISE) project training class. Leonid enrolled in the RISE cycle 2 class, offered from March 24 to June 11,1999.

In less than three months, Leonid learned how to operate a small business in Portland. The RISE program presented him the opportunity to learn from people with actual experience running a business and with those who were just getting started. Leonid particularly enjoyed the practical advice from Mercy Corps' community volunteers - accountants, lawyers and entrepreneurs. After attending the classes, he was confident that with persistence and sound planning, he could succeed like the entrepreneurs who volunteered as panelists.

Earlier this year, Leonid coordinated the music for the successful Stroganoff exhibition at the Portland Art Museum.