The VOA family is saddened by the death of our long-time Russian colleague Irina Donskaya, who died of cancer in Moscow, April 18th, at age 57.
For more than 12 years, Irina was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the VOA Moscow News bureau. She started as a researcher and then took over management of the bureau, working closely with the U.S. Embassy and all of the last four News Division correspondents.
In 2010, she received a Gold Medal Award for her exemplary contributions to the mission of the Voice of America and Broadcasting Board of Governors.
Co-workers described her as hard-working, fiercely intelligent and independent, and a valued colleague and friend who will be remembered, not only for her exemplary work, but also for the way she reached out to help others.
Friends say she knew well that Russia can be a challenging place to work, and she was always looking for ways to ease someone else's burden.
Despite her failing health, Irina recently completed the move to VOA's new shared offices with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
We mourn her loss and extend our condolences to family and friends.
For more than 12 years, Irina was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the VOA Moscow News bureau. She started as a researcher and then took over management of the bureau, working closely with the U.S. Embassy and all of the last four News Division correspondents.
In 2010, she received a Gold Medal Award for her exemplary contributions to the mission of the Voice of America and Broadcasting Board of Governors.
Co-workers described her as hard-working, fiercely intelligent and independent, and a valued colleague and friend who will be remembered, not only for her exemplary work, but also for the way she reached out to help others.
Friends say she knew well that Russia can be a challenging place to work, and she was always looking for ways to ease someone else's burden.
Despite her failing health, Irina recently completed the move to VOA's new shared offices with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
We mourn her loss and extend our condolences to family and friends.