In Ethiopia, I traveled alone to present long-term project results. As a Senior Analyst, speaking to a large, unfamiliar audience felt like a big leap. After a long journey from Tbilisi, the two-hour presentation and Q&A went smoothly. It was a key moment that boosted my confidence and marked real professional growth.
Behind the scenes series – Alina Zelenaya
April 18, 2025
Hi Alina! What key milestones helped you grow from an Intern to a Manager at Civitta?
I started with Civitta through the Civitta Academy, a program organized in partnership with local universities. I was part of the first season and later helped organize the next ones. The top students were offered internships and I was lucky to be selected. I’ll never forget my first day, feeling excited and thinking, “Wow, I’m doing what I love, and someone’s paying me for it!”
What helped me grow most was my genuine love for the work and my mindset. I always aimed to understand the bigger picture, what the client truly needed, not just what was written in the task. Even as a junior, I tried to think strategically, read background materials and stay curious. That kind of involvement gets noticed by team leads, project managers and even partners.
How has working across different regions at Civitta shaped your growth, both professionally and personally?
I’ve worked across three streams at Civitta. I started in the Private Stream with market research and social studies, then moved to Innovation Stream, where I supported startups, including a biotech grant application for a rheumatoid arthritis drug. That year taught me to handle intense seasonal workloads.
Now in the Public Stream, I work with organizations like the Red Cross and UNICEF. Moving between streams taught me to adapt quickly: from the direct style preferred by private clients, to the collaborative approach expected in the public sector. It’s made me a more flexible, well-rounded consultant.
Has any moment from your fundraising work in Africa really stuck with you?
I have two standout experiences. In Nigeria, a 34-hour journey turned chaotic after we got stuck at the airport due to a visa issue caused by a confusing application system. It was incredibly stressful, but with help from the International Federation and Nigerian Red Cross, we were finally allowed in! That was an intense but unforgettable trip.
What drives you to stay motivated and help organizations navigate complexity?
Whether I’m supporting a startup or a retail client, seeing my work lead to real-world results gives me a strong sense of purpose and keeps me engaged across any project.
Staying motivated starts with staying connected to my team. I really enjoy being in the office, having face-to-face interactions, and feeling that shared energy. Those daily moments remind me that we’re working toward common goals, like entering new markets or launching exciting projects. That sense of alignment keeps me energized and focused.
I also find a lot of meaning in working with nonprofits. Helping organizations like the Red Cross or UNICEF create strategies and pitch decks that lead to real impact, like securing funding for lifesaving programs is incredibly rewarding.
When you’re working across countries with different market realities, what helps you determine the right approach to fundraising strategy in each context?
We follow a proven methodology, but each market has unique cultural and operational aspects, especially in regions like Nigeria or Ethiopia. Living in Georgia or Poland while managing projects abroad, we avoid repeating known information or missing cultural context by involving local experts.
When Civitta has a local office, we collaborate with the team, like we did with our Czech colleagues on a project for the Czech Red Cross. In countries without a presence, we partner with local consultants to support data collection and ensure accuracy, improving our recommendations and tailoring strategies to the local market.
Is there a principle or approach that helps in your day-to-day work?
I like to compare my approach to work and life to hiking. My three rules: no toxicity, more fun, and no broken bones, keep me grounded and remind me to keep perspective, even during busy times. I also believe motivation starts with proper rest. It might seem simple, but I see work-life balance as a project of its own, one that needs time and planning, just like any other.
As a project manager, maintaining balance helps me stay focused under pressure. Hiking plays a big role in that. Though I didn’t grow up with mountains in Belarus, I fell in love with them in Georgia, and now in Warsaw, I’m exploring the Polish mountains. It’s my way to reset while staying connected to my work mindset.
What’s something about you that usually surprises people once they get to know you?
That’s actually a tough question, mostly because my colleagues are no longer surprised by anything I do! I tend to find myself in strange or unexpected situations pretty often, so I always have a story to share. I’ve kind of become that colleague – the one with the odd or funny story to tell.
People are often surprised to learn I do tattoos in my free time. I’ve been practicing for two years, doing small tattoos for friends as a creative outlet. I’m also a big fan of Minecraft, which surprised people last year. While they’re not on my CV, tattoos and Minecraft are a big part of who I am!
What advice would you give someone considering a role at Civitta, and what qualities help them thrive?
I tell new colleagues to be open-minded and proactive. Key qualities for success at Civitta include structured thinking, critical thinking based on solid research, and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. These traits help consultants stand out and add value.
And finally, I’d say it’s about being impact-oriented. The people who thrive here don’t just do their tasks; they think strategically about the bigger picture. They’re the ones who go the extra mile, and that effort is always noticed. It’s the combination of mindset, curiosity and initiative that makes a person stand out.