Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I am coming from the Republic Moldova, a very little country from Eastern Europe that is still trying to find its way out the Soviet past, and moreover, still trying to define what is a democracy and how to implement it. I consider myself a patriot and a person that cares deeply about the well-being and development of this place, that has raised me as a very self-aware, conscious, and ambitious individual from a young age. The problems that my country is facing have encouraged me to become responsible and highly interested in trying to find ways to help out, socially, educationally, and ultimately, politically. I have started to realize all of these while being selected as a Future Leaders' Exchange Finalist, a program funded by the U.S. Department of State that has allowed me to spend one academic year in the US, as a high-school student. I have started to be civically active, and have dedicated more than 200+ hours on community service, such as teaching, cleaning up, gathering donations, tutoring. For this, I was awarded the Excellent Service Award by the Department of State, and further on engaged in political meetings on civic development in Washington D.C. After coming back to Moldova in my last year of high-school studies, I have realized the importance of giving back to my environment and the meaningfulness of the lessons that I learned in the U.S. Thus, I became one of the most active FLEX Alumna, organizing educational activities for children and students, as well as starting to represent Moldova in international conferences and competitions, such as the Global Public Speaking competition, the World Forum for Democracy, or the EU-ASEAN Summit. My high-school activities led me to receiving a full schoalrship by the Soros Foundation, for studying at the American University in Bulgaria. I embarked on double-majoring in European Studies and Political Science. My undergraduate studies continued my interest in self-development and involvement in education. I became a student counselor, the president of the Model United Nations club, as well as Speakers' mentor in TEDx. Moreover, I have organized a program dedicated to International Mentoring for young moldovan pupils, a youth forum, as well as pursued 3 more politically-oriented internships. Last semester I have spent in Sciences Po Bordeaux, on a student-exchange program, and am currently working on launching an online platform dedicated to empowering young Moldoan women and breaking down Moldovan stigmas and stereotypes regarding gender equality. I consider myself a young activist, who is commited to bringing change in my country, as well as gather the best practices from abroad. I am also very dedcated to the art of self-development, I am an avid reader, writer, and volunteer. I believe we all grow when we are in the service of others, and ultimate personal satisfaction comes from helping others as much as you can, but of course, not forgetting about yourself.

Q: What is your view of the world as it is today? And how do you define the concept of a better world?

I think that today is one of greatest times to be alive. We are given opportunities to work on ourselves, to pursue an education abroad, to be activists for change and to help others through projects, ngos. Moreover, we are so interconnected and globalized, that mental barriers and closed-mindedness are being shattered daily, building a much freer and nonjudgmental world community. Unfortunately, we are still plagued by many injustices in countries that lag behind, specifically, women's rights in the Middle East and Africa, the lack of educational opportunities in those regions, healthcare, access to food and water, and the list can go on. This, though, is only a wake-up call for us to commit to the notion of a "better world" with as little as we can to alienating somebody else's suffering. This specific concept will never fully achieve its meaning, but is a never-ending source of inspiration and vision, that should ambition all of us.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society?

Some of the key challenges in my Moldovan society are mostly concerning the mentality that is persevering. The people are still stuck in a mentality typical for the Soviet Union. Moreover, the internal disbalance within the country has brought people to being highly divisive on issues crucial for Moldova's development. The Pro/Russian and Pro/European movements are deeply polarized and bring instability in all domains, making people more closed-minded and reluctant to change. Moldova is also struggling with corruption and poverty. There is a large platform on which to impact change, or at least start....The country though, despite all difficulties, still mantains its surreal sense of hospitality, optimistic outlook on the future, and infinite love for one another.

Q: As a young individual what are a few of the hurdles that you had to overcome up until today?

As a young individual, some of the hurdles that I had to overcome until today were mostly mental. Coming from an Eastern European country and traveling abroad, you start to develop and question yourself in ways that you never did before. I had to struggle a lot with open-mindedness and getting out of my comfort zone. Moreover, as a young woman from a very patriarchic country, it was very hard for me to realize and admit my full potential, as well as be confident in my ideas and pursuits. Also, as a very allert and empathetic person, it was also a challenge to perceive the dimension of the social injustices happening in the world. I believe though that I am a work in progress, and I have educated myself to see all challenges as opportunities for development and for proving yourself that you can always excel.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

I think that having a mentor nowadays is very important and that that figure can become very crucial for your self-development. Having someone out there that is interested in your growth, watching you excel, and helping you become a better of yourself is very uplifting, and a very honorable opportunity to be given.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?

One of the biggest lessons that life has taught me is to never judge, but listen, and know that there are always reasons for somebody to act the way they do, no matter if those actions are hurtful or encouraging.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

One of the persons that has been a great motivator and mentor of mine, is Nicu Gaibu, that was my coordinator when I became a FLEX Alumna.He is involved in diverse educational programs and seeks to always help others and challenge the Moldovan educational system as well as the way we see our children and the whole concept of education.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

There are very many issues that women currently face, including being victims of domestic violence and emotional abuse, being subject to archaic gender norms and roles in the house, having less representations in politics, as well as not being encouraged to pursue a higher education or their career aspirations (by parents, spouse). Many efforts are done regarding inclusion of women in politics, as well as opening the people's eyes to domestic violence. Nothing is done though at the level of education in schools and universities, thus the patriarchical mentality is not truly counter-acted.

Q: Athena40 is the first ever global selection of the top 40 women forward thinkers, commentators, activists, authors, academics, entrepreneurs, executives, innovators. Can you think of a truly innovative and forward-thinking woman from your country that you wish to nominate for the Athena40 global ranking?

Unfortunately, I do not.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that you love or you find interesting!

"You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise".-Maya Angelou, "Still I Rise".

Q: Tell us one thing that you have learned from your mentor.

I have learned that there is always a good side to every difficulty that you encounter, and that these are only a way for you to become better and work on yourself more, as well as your visions and dreams. Hardships should be met with a good perspective and kindness, as well as constant determination.