What projects are you currently working on within the organization? 

I am responsible for the overall leadership of the organization, together with the Second Executive Director.

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

I am driven by the pursuit of impactful and innovative solutions, collaborating with grassroots initiatives across OSCE regions to support cross-border pro-democracy efforts, foster collaborative social change, and promote sustainable community development both in Germany and our partner countries. My passion lies in empowering international civil society collaborations, enabling them to act as watchdogs for their societies and authorities while fostering thriving communities through dialogue initiatives, economic empowerment, gender equality, and environmental activism. These efforts form the cornerstone of resilient and democratic societies.

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

Setting up and leading the field office in Eastern Ukraine for nearly two years profoundly shaped me both professionally and personally. Witnessing our community-based initiatives take root in a deeply divided society with complex social fault lines was incredibly rewarding. However, seeing these efforts unravel due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent displacement of our Ukrainian team was equally formative. It underscored for me how fragile democratic societies and their advancements can be in the face of brutal authoritarian regimes, leaving a lasting impact on my perspective and commitment to fostering resilience in such contexts.

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

In addition to my experience with Austausch e.V., my humanitarian and analytical work across Ukraine—both prior to the full-scale invasion and during the initial two years of the war—profoundly shaped my professional development. These roles provided invaluable insights into crisis response, complex and change management in challenging conditions, resilience-building, and navigating intricate socio-political dynamics during times of unprecedented crises.

What is your favorite book and why?

It’s difficult to choose an all-time favorite, but one book that significantly enriched my understanding and provided valuable context for my work in Ukraine and other Central and Eastern European countries, such as Poland and the Baltic States, is “Bloodlands” by Timothy Snyder.

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

When I truly take time to rest, you’ll likely find me at a certain sauna spot—but I’ll keep its location a secret!

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

Dark Jazz.

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

I’m German, so I don’t consider myself funny at all.