Age: 31

Pronouns: She/Her

Primary Gig: Pharmacist

On the Side: Charcuterie artist

How long have you lived in Indianapolis? Since 1992 thanks to JFGI and HIAS

Describe yourself in 100 words or less: I was born in the USSR where my parents saw no future prospects for our family. They decided to pursue the American dream and immigrated to Indianapolis with the assistance of HIAS and JFGI- how wonderful is It to be affiliated with the organization so many years later? Since then, I have graduated from Purdue University and work as a pharmacist north of Indianapolis. During the pandemic, I pursued charcuterie as a hobby/side hustle. For fun, I like to spend time with my friends and family (husband, parents and 1 sister), and try new recipes and restaurants.

How do you give back? Kavod events -Chabad Indianapolis- charcuterie presentation -Pandemic relief - delivered prescriptions and immunizations to many of my patients who were quarantined and homebound -Chabad Chișinău - Ukrainian refugee displacement relief -Kogit - humanitarian aid for a group of fearless mothers in Western Ukrainian fighting for their children and orphans.

Celebrity Doppleganger: Nina Dobrev

Who is a Jew who inspires you?  RBG- May she rest in paradise

How do you envision the Indianapolis Jewish community in the next 10 years? Growing and growing - my parents came from a country that only hid and suppressed their ethnic background. Three decades later we are still celebrating the ability to be open in a flourishing community and a welcoming public.

What is one thing you look forward to as we come out of this Pandemic? More travel and social gatherings. Participating in community is ingrained in the fabric of who we are and something I have really missed.

What is your proudest accomplishment in the past 10 years? My doctorate/making my parents proud and starting my own family.

Any advice for younger professionals? Breathe. The hustle and grind culture is admirable and can be intimidating and daunting, so do what you can and learn when to say no. Set boundaries early and often. Find good mentors who believe there are no stupid questions and stick with them -the networking opportunities and advice they offer is invaluable.

Anything else we should know about you? I have been privileged enough to travel to several parts of the world including Israel, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. I am scuba dive certified. I live in Carmel with my husband and our two fur children. I enjoy trash reality television and reading a good mindless book.