Growing up in North Seattle, WA, and coming from a family of Russian immigrants, I always stuck close to my community. Being part of a community is very special, as you have people who know you, support you, and motivate you. You feel proud to be a part of it.

I am part of many communities and I continue to join more. My favorite part of being in one is to give back to it because I’ve gotten so much from them. Through experiences like tutoring kids, helping design a program addressing period poverty on my college campus, and interning at a non-profit to provide college and career support to students, I help make positive changes in my communities.

I collaborate with many types of people and organizations and bring my empathy, determination, and passion into my work. What I want to do with my designs is to continue improving the place that I love, my community.