Women Who Reign: Maria Kuznetsov

“Your vision of where or who you want to be is the greatest asset you have. Without having a goal it’s difficult to score.” — Paul Arden

Tell us about yourself along with a fun fact!
Hi! I’m Maria, a senior at Case Western Reserve University. I’m studying systems biology and computer science, but I’m really interested in pursuing a career in product design. This year, I had the opportunity to work on some cool projects such as reducing information overload in the intensive care unit and characterizing types of stewardship in a restaurant setting.

What # would define your life journey?
#StillSearching

Favorite website / app:
tie between Serious Eats and Bon Appetit! I try to stay off social media and find myself checking cooking websites instead. I’ve learned a lot. Both websites take a whole new approach to cooking that inspire me to try new things.

Someone who inspires you and knowledge they have imparted:
My friend Rani! She is relentless in pursuing her dream. This year, she moved cross-country (Seattle to New York) in order to launch her satire website Fuss Class News. Her tenacity always reminds me to try my best and keep pushing!

Song that makes you want to dance:
“Out of My Mind” by Charli XCX

Challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it:
It’s been pretty tricky learning more about what I want to do in college! I don’t think I would have chosen that same majors if I know what I do now, but I definitely have learned a lot along the way. I would say my biggest challenge is still coming up! I’m trying to figure out where I want to go for my first job after graduation.

Ideal Job:
Somewhere sunny where I can be creative every day!

What knowledge would you impart to women in order for them to REIGN their lives?
Be the best version of yourself! Do things that you think you’re not good enough for, because you’ll either succeed or learn a lot in the process. I read It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be and tried to heart the advice of setting impossible goals, and then achieving them. Every time I find myself hesitating, I try to remember that I rarely regret passing up the chance to try something new.