“There’re 10,000 different ways of getting over the same obstacle.” ~ Marina Gavryushkina

Marina Gavryushkina is not unlike a Russian Indiana Jones, not only does she have a Masters in Archaeology and started her PHD, but she’s lived her life in constant pursuit of adventure, following her passion for parkour all the way to the national stage as a contestant on American Ninja Warrior.

Of parkour, Marina says, “It’s an opportunity to move through your environment in a very liberating and creative way. It has a sense of adventure to it. You run, jump and climb your way around obstacles and experience challenges and perspectives not just anyone gets to experience.” If we consider Marina’s environment the entire world’s stage, she has vaulted over many obstacles within it. She was born in Moscow, Russia, went to grade school in Santa Monica, California, high school in Thousand Oaks, majored in Anthropology and Art History at Berkley, and went to grad school in the Netherlands. She’s had an archeology internship in the wilds of the Nevada desert, has worked at a chateau in France, a vineyard in France, an AirBnB in the Italian Alps, as a grounds keeper in Scotland, and as an accountant because she needed money to further fund her adventures.

Currently the Manager of Communications & Development at Jay Nolan Community Services, Marina does her part to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodiverse disorders to live as empowered, included, and embraced members of the community. Of her years of service, she says, “My work at Jay Nolan has supported me through all the crazy adventures and all my crazy adventures inspire me to always return to Jay Nolan, where no two days are the same and I feel like the work I’m doing actually makes a difference.”

Be it leaping over a six foot wall, moving between continents with confidence, or sitting down for an Awkwardly Awesome conversation with me, Marina Gavryushkina knows how to make life exciting. I can’t wait to share some of her adventures with you.

_______________________________________________

**Video broadcast available** on YouTube @imperfectbest

**Learn more about Jason Freeman** at AwkwardlyAwesome.com