What projects are you currently working on within the organization? 

EcoNet.

What motivates you to work in the social/public sector and in Austausch? Why is this work important to you personally?

Perhaps a slightly naive belief that civil society can make a positive change.

What has been your most rewarding experience working with the Austaisch so far?

Adaptation to the working conditions of state systems in various countries where Austausch operates.

What are the most significant projects you have been involved in throughout your career?

This was not an Austausch project. Shortly before the onset of COVID, a project began in which I was the lead analyst—we worked on reducing the risks of natural and man-made disasters in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The project itself was quite challenging. To get a complete picture, we needed information from non-government-controlled territories, and preferably not only from open sources. This required engaging people who lived in those areas, but we had to prioritize the safety of these individuals above all else—information was important, but human lives were far more valuable. Therefore, we had to work with extreme caution.

We also had to consider that we were working in settlements bordering non-government-controlled territories, where the security situation was constantly changing. On top of all these challenges, we faced the specific difficulties of working during the COVID pandemic, which began about six months after the project started.

Despite all these complexities, we achieved very good results. If it weren’t for the full-scale invasion, the chances of preserving and restoring the Donbas environment would have been significantly greater, in part thanks to this project

What is your favorite book and why?

It’s a difficult question. I’m a bookworm, so I have a lot of favorite books. But maybe my two favorite books are My Family and Other Animals and The Dharma Bums. Why? I like nature and the feeling of freedom.

What’s your favorite place in Berlin|Germany? Is there a spot in the city/country that inspires or relaxes you?

I can’t say I know Berlin well. But for now, it’s James Simon Park.

What type of music or song is your go-to when you need motivation or to relax?

For motivation-AC/DC, for relaxation I don’t need music, just nature

Tell us one fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know!

I am quite an open person, so everything about me is well known to the general public.