“The most profound personal growth does not happen while reading a book or meditating. It happens in the throes of conflict, when you are angry, afraid, frustrated. It happens when you are doing the same old thing and you suddenly realize that you have a choice.”

Russian poet and translator, born in 1973. She is best known for her lyrical, introspective verse that explores themes of memory, identity, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. Her translations of classical and contemporary poetry bridge Eastern and Western literary traditions.