✨ Upstate Magazine Highlight: Maria Kirienko, a determined marketing and International graphic design major making a fresh start in the U.S.! 📚 Kirienko who is originally from Siberia holds a bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in finance from St. Petersburg University in Russia. With nearly a decade of experience as areal estate appraiser in St. Petersburg, she was well-established in her career. But when Russia invaded Ukraine, Kirienko, who is half Ukrainian, knew it was time for a change. ✨ ✈️ Kirienko had been considering a move to the U.S. Feeling limited in her career growth and decided to take a leap of faith. Going back to school wasn’t part of her original plan,but she quickly realized it was the best way to start fresh and build a career in a newcountry. Since starting at Upstate, she’s also discovered a passion for graphic design and now serves as the social media coordinator for the Johnson College of Business. 💪 The war in Ukraine deeply impacted her life, especia...