“Life took an unexpected turn during my master’s studies. Just when everything seemed to be falling into place, I began feeling unwell. Doctors confirmed a neurological diagnosis, and my world shifted. I faced both physical and mental barriers, compounded by social stigma. I found myself asking, “Why me?” I never wanted to be defined by pity or by my condition. What I knew, even in that uncertainty, was that I wanted to be recognized for my intellect and contribution, not for my health challenges. 

I work at the intersection of systems, people, and uncertainty. In a nutshell, that means working behind the scenes to support the recruitment of UN Volunteers across more than 30 countries, including in emergency contexts such as Ukraine. I see firsthand how automation is reshaping the way we work and how quietly many of us wonder: What will my role be when machines can do what humans once did?

When Elizaveta arrived in Tajikistan in January 2025, her goal was clear: shine a light on the school feeding programme funded by the Russian Government, which also funds her UN Volunteer assignment. But as her assignment unfolded, her role expanded—covering all WFP programmes in Tajikistan and making her work as dynamic as the country itself.