About the city
I was in Astana for the first time seven years ago. I come here on business trips, so I usually arrive early in the morning. And I have all day to see the city.
This is my sixth trip to Astana. I think I went to many places in the old part of the city and took a lot of pictures.
During each trip, I visit new places. I was in the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, in the mosque, inside Bayterek Tower.
My days are usually well-planned. So far I have not fully experienced the local culture.
The city gives a warm feeling
The city gives a warm feeling
For me, Astana is a baby city. Many new buildings, only planted trees, cosy parks, but the weather is a challenge of strength. I come from Minnesota, where the temperature drops to minus 25-30 degrees in winter. I know what snow and cold are, but -40 degree with the wind was a challenge for me.
One day after dinner we decided to take a walk in the park, where people and families were walking, and at that moment I felt like at home — the city gives a warm feeling.
The first impression of the country was formed thanks to Almaty because it is the first city I visited in Kazakhstan. We went to the mountains, and the weather was sunny and rainy, but for the first time, I saw the city from the height of the mountains.
About the work in the EBRD
I'm part of the executive directors' team. I am responsible for risk management, integrity, environmental and social policy, all of this applies to every project. When we started to involve more countries, we decided that people from the executive branch should come to the country and get to know it more, to get acquainted with the people with whom we started to cooperate.
Trips to Astana are my job, but I like coming here
Trips to Astana are my job, but I like coming here
Also, part of my responsibility is the gender question unit. It's a favourite part of the job, something I genuinely enjoy doing.
We study the issues of gender equality in Kazakhstan, women's opportunities in business and employment. I came to conduct negotiations related to that direction. We have developed a product "Women in business" and work through local banks, offering credit lines for women entrepreneurs. We also advise, train those who work with women and can suggest how to improve the product, operational issues, achieve export opportunities.
We are also launching a mentoring program for women — seven women from Kazakhstan will help other women in the field where they are experts.
About people
I like Kazakhstan. Everyone I have met here is friendly, open and kind.
When I first came to Kazakhstan, I was warmly welcomed and everything was done to make sure I was having a great time. It happens every time I come here. During my visits, I feel that I have friends here, not just colleagues.
