THINGS

YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME

In the former Soviet Union where I was born, it was tradition for children to get presents on New Year's Day. My grandfather would always dress up as Grandfather Frost and hide my presents under the tree, which I would immediately find and open.

On my desk sits a prominent statue of Lady Justice, which my mom bought for me when I graduated from law school. This is to remind me of our escape from the former Soviet Union, a country full of oppression and tyranny. So, I always remember that living in America, in a country of freedom, is a gift that I and everyone else must treasure.

If I could share a meal with any famous person, it would have been Leonard Nimoy, a distant cousin on my father’s side. My father and I had a tradition that we watched every Star Trek movie that came out together, until my dad passed away five years ago.

I was very honored to become the youngest and first female attorney appointed as the Regional Counsel for the Office of Criminal Conflict & Civil Regional Counsel, Second & Sixth District Courts of Appeal. I also received the Alumni of Distinction by Florida Gulf Coast University in 2021 as well as the 2022 Women of Distinction “Woman of the Year” award.

My husband, Leo Kremenchuker, and I moved to Southwest Florida about 23 years ago from Ohio because we love the Florida sunshine and beaches. We have never looked back!