I was born in Cleveland, OH to immigrant parents who came to the United States from the Soviet Union. I grew up in humble beginnings with my parents in the Tremont area of Cleveland. My family and I did well for ourselves as we are a hardworking immigrant family. I then went onto St. Ignatius High School for my most formative 4 years of my life. At the time I did not know how important that education will be for me in the long run.

One of the main mottos of the school is “Being a man for others” and that was echoed that in many ways across those 4 years.I came in during my freshmen year very oblivious to the world around me but after my senior year I grew to understand the world around us and the significance of “being a man for others” and that meant to stand up FOR  the vulnerable population in our communities.

That ultimately lead me into nursing – to be able to stand up for people who are scared and going through very vulnerable moments in their life – being there holding their hand through it all gave me a great sense of fulfilment – even when the 12-16 hour shifts were brutal. In social circles or when asked by immigration agents at the airport ‘What do you do for work” it gives me the biggest smile and great sense of fulfillment to say ‘I’m a nurse” 

This leads me to why I want to run for Congress - Two party politics means party advocacy and NOT advocacy for Ohioans. As a self funded candidate I look to advocate and serve Ohioans best interests. Our communities need an independent voice to stand up for them - and what I learned years ago at St. Ignatius still holds true today -I want to stand up for ALL Ohioans.