What projects are you currently working on within the organization?

I am responsible for shaping the programmatic impact of Austausch and improving the quality of our programmatic work. My tasks are to align Austausch´s strategic programmatic goals with our mission and vision across key thematic fields and focus countries; to oversee and coordinate our various projects and programmes, ensuring they align with our strategic objectives; to develop mutual project management and partnership standards across teams, to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, donors, and community representatives, and to mentor programme teams.

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

My main motivation is the deep understanding that I what I do every day makes sence. No matter how difficult this work is and how ineffective it might seem to me from time to time.

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

Whenever someone told me that our projects/activities/programs where lifechanging for them, that they brought so much and were useful. And whenever I see the fruits of our work years later, when our project is already over.

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

I cherish the project Mehr bewegen! on political and civic youth education and all projects of the INKuLtur programme – our programme on inclusion – especially those who fostered inclusive environment in cultural institutions in the countries of Eastern Europe and South Caucasus and supported refugees and IDPs with disabilities from and in Ukraine.

What is your favorite book and why?

There is no such thing as one favourite book for someone who loves reading and has studied philology! But still to give you some answer: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the Brothers Karazamov by Dostoevsky and Mephisto by Klaus Mann are my very special books.

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

In Berlin it is the area around Schlosspark Charlottenburg and the park itself, the Bergmannkiez in Kreuzberg, some parts of Mitte, Gendermenmarkt on a summer evening. In Germany I love Heidelberg above all!

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

A wide range from classic over Afro-Cuban jazz to Ukrainian folk music, it very much depends on the day. Today it might be Udo Ürgens or Okean Elzy, I don´t know.

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

Being one of the best students I was expelled from school several times due to bad behaviour and not following the rules.