How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
I was born and raised in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. However, I’ve been in the United States since 1995 in hopes of achieving the American Dream. :)
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
I am a Certified Public Accountant specializing in taxation for domestic and foreign small, medium, and large businesses and their owners. I decided to become an accountant because, during the economic downturn in Russia in the early 1990s, I noticed that accountants were the only professionals who always had jobs. I figured that no matter what happens, I’d always have work — and that decision has paid off ever since.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t burn bridges with old friends.
What is your favorite book?
I love reading historical fiction.
What is your secret weapon?
TripLog — a mileage tracking tool I recently discovered.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be confident and go for it.
How do you enjoy your free time?
I enjoy having thoughtful debates with my children about life and politics. I also love gardening, reading, baking bread, hiking, and traveling.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I came to the U.S. with only $10 in my pocket! I can’t imagine traveling to a foreign country with that amount of money now — not sure what I was expecting, but that’s all I had at the time.