Yekaterina Kudryashova’s story of success has been written by life itself, providing an abundance of gifts, challenges and opportunities for fulfillment. Yekaterina is known for her genuine commitment to her work as a veterinarian, staying true to her chosen path and the ability to balance work, sports and family life.

Born in Perm, Yekaterina had a knack for medicine and biology at school, which determined her future career choice. Driven by the desire to help animals, she entered Don State Agricultural University to graduate from it in 2018 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine.

Yekaterina took her first practical steps as a veterinarian when she – still a freshman – visited a dairy farm. That was the moment that sparked her interest in working with cattle, which later became the main area of her activity as a professional.

While studying, the young woman had no problem combining theory with practice, working as a veterinary technician at that same farm during the summer and in her spare time. That experience defined the further development of her career.

Yekaterina first heard of EkoNiva at the university. The university is a strategical partner of the group, and many students of DSAU have their internship at its enterprises. The first time around she was assigned to Bobrov dairy farm, Voronezh region, and then to Kaluzhskaya Niva. From that moment forward, huge opportunities arose before the talented student who had already proven herself.

Upon graduation, Yekaterina was offered to take part in the Zoovet internship, which took place at Bobrov facility, Voronezh subdivision. Having finished the internship in 2019, the young specialist began working as a veterinarian, in EkoNiva’s Ryazan division this time. In four years, Yekaterina managed to climb up the career ladder to become the chief veterinarian.

‘It wasn’t easy. My professional growth was accompanied by challenges: overcoming the shortage of specialists and forming a team of like-minded people, working on achieving common goals’, says Yekaterina. ’But when you’re surrounded by kind, responsible co-workers and when you genuinely love your job, there is no doubt: everything will work out eventually.’

There was also a lucky twist in her personal life, too. EkoNiva was where she met her husband-to-be Andrey Kudryashov. Andrey was working as senior veterinarian at the dairy facility where Yekaterina had her internship and was the young specialist’s mentor. Dispatched to different regions, they went their own separate ways, but not for long. A shared career, interests and understanding helped them strengthen their connection. The young pair managed to organize work and living together in Voronezh oblast, and the company helped with a place to live. Thanks to the Comprehensive Rural Territory Development programme, Katya and Andrey got a house in Lushnikovka village, Bobrov district.

A new professional growth stage began at the Korshevo dairy where Yekaterina resumed her work after her maternity leave. The team met her in a friendly manner, and the new region provided the opportunities for upskilling.

Another important part of Yekaterina’s life is sport, table tennis in particular. Having devoted many years to it, she took first place numerous times at different level competitions. Katya fulfilled the standard of the Master of sports, after which she retired from competitive sport and focused on studying and professional work.

‘I was so glad to be invited to take part in a table tennis competition while I was still working in Ryazan. And now, I’m not just a guest at such competitions, but part of the EkoNiva’s Voronezh team. Aside from that, corporate competitions help me to make new acquaintances among co-workers of our big company’, says Yekaterina Kudryashova.

Yekaterina’s story shows that it is important to choose a job that suits you and work hard to achieve your goals. Thanks to her professional growth, her friends and relatives’ support and the opportunities provided by EkoNiva, Yekaterina found her calling and managed to create a strong family, every member of which lives their life to the fullest. Katya’s family supports her in all of her undertakings and her colleagues help her feel part of a big, tight-knit team.