Alla was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, where she spent much of her early life before eventually moving to the Twin Cities over thirty years ago. Her relocation was influenced in part by family, as her cousin had settled in Minnesota earlier and still lives here today, though they are not especially involved in her day-to-day life.

Alla built a steady career working for Macy’s, where she spent 20 years as a sales associate. Over the past year, her life has changed dramatically. Her workplace closed, and she lost both her husband and her mother. She has been learning how to live without these relationships. Her husband had managed many of the practical aspects of their life together, including paperwork and bills, so she has had to learn to handle these responsibilities on her own.

In her daily life now, she enjoys going for walks in the morning when the weather is good. She has a fondness for dogs and enjoys seeing them when she is out. She has also developed a small balcony garden where she grows tomatoes and flowers.

Alla is searching for a renewed sense of purpose and meaning after the losses she has experienced. What she values most right now is connection—having someone kind and friendly to talk with. With a new friend, she would be open to almost any conversation. She prefers to stay away from politics but otherwise enjoys talking about everyday things such as flowers, books, gardening, and simple life experiences.